Alli Mauzey & Nicole Parker as Glinda & Elphaba in the WICKED national touring company presented by Broadway Sacramento at the Community Center Theater May 23-June 17. Photo by Joan Marcus.Wicked is a musical that lives up to its hype. While many may be familiar with this Broadway blockbuster, I went into the Broadway Sacramento performance almost blind. Though I'd read the book the play is based on in high school, I had since forgotten all but the most basic premise: the story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy arrives. The Sacramento premiere of this renowned production holds nothing back, and I left completely delighted--not to mention re-informed about the inner workings of Oz.

 

While seamlessly interweaving the backstory of  the witches of Oz with the elements most are familiar with from the classic story, Wicked also alludes to aspects that often also play a role in our own society--whether we like it or not--social hierarchy, the influential power of those in power, and the color of one's skin.

 

A scene from the WICKED national touring company presented by Broadway Sacramento at the Community Center Theater May 23-June 17. Photo by Joan Marcus.The play--which stars the actresses who played the roles of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda on Broadway--enchants with clever writing, wonderful music, lots of unexpected laughs, breathtaking sets, and, of course, spectacular theatrics. Whether you follow the underlying meanings, or choose to view at face value, Wicked is ultimately a charming story that will leave you smiling.

 

Wicked runs through June 17 at the Community Center Theater, closing the 2011-2012 Broadway Sacramento Season (preview the 2012-2013 season here).

 

Tickets for Wicked are available via Tickets.com, or you can try your luck at the $25 orchestra lottery tickets, two-and-a-half hours prior to each show (more detail here).

 

You can also catch California Musical Theatre productions at the Cosmopolitan Cabaret and the Music Circus.

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook to get day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.