THE MAGIC AND MARVEL OF THE WITCHES OF OZ RETURN TO THE BUSHNELL WITH WICKED
By Kiersten Bjork (April 25, 2024)
The National Tour of Wicked, currently playing at the Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford, is a classic example of a blockbuster musical at its finest. With a stunning score and featuring an impressive company of performers, it still upholds its reputation of being a top title in the musical theatre canon.
Wicked, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, is based on the novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire. It’s the story of two unlikely friends – Elphaba and Glinda – and the twisting paths that life has set them on. Faced with immense expectations from their loved ones and the world around them, and trying to do good based on what they believe to be right, Wicked explores the untold story of the witches of Oz in the most grandiose and spectacular way possible. The current tour is directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento, and music direction by Evan Roider.
The National Tour of Wicked, currently playing at the Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford, is a classic example of a blockbuster musical at its finest. With a stunning score and featuring an impressive company of performers, it still upholds its reputation of being a top title in the musical theatre canon.
Wicked, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, is based on the novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire. It’s the story of two unlikely friends – Elphaba and Glinda – and the twisting paths that life has set them on. Faced with immense expectations from their loved ones and the world around them, and trying to do good based on what they believe to be right, Wicked explores the untold story of the witches of Oz in the most grandiose and spectacular way possible. The current tour is directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento, and music direction by Evan Roider.
Celia Hottenstein as Glinda and Olivia Valli as Elphaba in the National Tour of WICKED (Joan Marcus)
Olivia Valli is a phenomenal Elphaba. She’s got a powerhouse voice that really does justice to the iconic songs that the audience is waiting with bated breath to hear. Her “Defying Gravity” was incredible, Valli opting up on an already complex song. She shares a great rapport with Celia Hottenstein as Glinda, and also has great chemistry with James D. Gish as Fiyero.
Hottenstein’s Glinda is wonderful. She exudes that chaotic good energy that Glinda is known for – polished and popular, but snapping in and out of that pink perfection to also hit the hilarious moments when things don’t go the way Glinda planned. Her rendition of “Popular” is incredibly fun, maintaining the recognizable tune but also adding her own flare to it.
Gish’s Fiyero is charming and suave. From his very first entrance, he is captivating, playing up the couldn’t-care-less attitude of Fiyero. “Dancing Through Life” is such a joy, and Gish has a really great voice. His arc is great to watch, and the moments shared with Valli’s Elphaba are so touching. I particularly loved their duet on “As Long As You’re Mine.”
Boq is played by Kyle McArthur. McArthur is endearing as the lovestruck Boq, pining over Glinda and trying to figure out how to win her affection. His storyline always breaks my heart – McArthur captures Boq’s journey well, from cheery and excited munchkin falling in love, to the broken and battered young man that eventually finds himself being transformed by what befalls him at the hands of Nessarose.
Tara Kostmayer plays Nessarose and finds the perfect balance for the character. Nessa has her moments of joy, wonder, and validation, particularly in the earlier parts of the show as she falls for Boq, but she also becomes violent and controlling as she travels down a darker path. Kostmayer really dug into each facet of Nessa, playing the extremes of her outbursts with precision while also living beautifully within her moments of love with Elphaba and while dancing with Boq.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is played by Tom McGowan. He brings a goofiness to the role, which is already underscored with dad-like humor. He’s fun to watch, and got a few good laughs from the audience, especially during “Wonderful.”
Kathy Fitzgerald plays Madame Morrible with a delightful sarcasm and strong presence. Her exchanges with Hottenstein’s Glinda in the early parts of the show are hilarious, and as their relationship changes as the plot progresses, Fitzgerald really focuses in on the facade that Madame Morrible puts up. Madame Morrible is the Press Secretary for, essentially, the biggest liar in Oz, and the tonal choices Fitzgerald builds into her delivery of those messages are perfect for that part. Madame Morrible stirs up the crowd, she eggs on the witch hunters, she convinces people to believe falsehoods and ignore the truth before their very eyes, and Fitzgerald really drives that home with her performance.
Boise Holmes is sweet at Elphaba and Glinda’s professor, Doctor Dillamond. His scenes with Valli’s Elphaba are touching, yet heartbreaking. “Something Bad” has never been my favorite song in the show, but Holmes and Valli dig into the story within that song and make it meaningful, underscoring the fear and trouble brewing on the horizon.
Wicked features a talented ensemble that ties the whole show together, playing everything from citizens of the Emerald City to students at Shiz, and even flying monkeys. The flying monkeys are always one of my favorite parts of the show because of the impressive physicality required of the actors in those tracks, and Mitchell Tobin as Chistery was a great example of that. It’s a very physically demanding role, and Tobin mastered the way that Chistery moved, creating a fascinating character simply through movement. The company of Wicked also includes Wayne Schroder, Kayla Goldsberry, Tregoney Shepherd, Joe Beauregard, Jennifer Mariela Bermeo, Sean Burns, Matt Densky, Rose Iannaccone, Lauren Leach, Colin LeMoine, Adelina Mitchell, Madison Claire Parks, Jackie Raye, Kat Rodriguez, Anthony Santos, Derek Schiesel, and Brett Stoelker, with swings Anthony Lee Bryant, Jenny Florkowski, David Kaverman, Marina Lazzaretto, Lauren Sambataro, and Nicky Venditti. Kelly Lafarga and Ben Susak serve as dance captains/swings, and Laurel Harris is the standby for Elphaba.
Hottenstein’s Glinda is wonderful. She exudes that chaotic good energy that Glinda is known for – polished and popular, but snapping in and out of that pink perfection to also hit the hilarious moments when things don’t go the way Glinda planned. Her rendition of “Popular” is incredibly fun, maintaining the recognizable tune but also adding her own flare to it.
Gish’s Fiyero is charming and suave. From his very first entrance, he is captivating, playing up the couldn’t-care-less attitude of Fiyero. “Dancing Through Life” is such a joy, and Gish has a really great voice. His arc is great to watch, and the moments shared with Valli’s Elphaba are so touching. I particularly loved their duet on “As Long As You’re Mine.”
Boq is played by Kyle McArthur. McArthur is endearing as the lovestruck Boq, pining over Glinda and trying to figure out how to win her affection. His storyline always breaks my heart – McArthur captures Boq’s journey well, from cheery and excited munchkin falling in love, to the broken and battered young man that eventually finds himself being transformed by what befalls him at the hands of Nessarose.
Tara Kostmayer plays Nessarose and finds the perfect balance for the character. Nessa has her moments of joy, wonder, and validation, particularly in the earlier parts of the show as she falls for Boq, but she also becomes violent and controlling as she travels down a darker path. Kostmayer really dug into each facet of Nessa, playing the extremes of her outbursts with precision while also living beautifully within her moments of love with Elphaba and while dancing with Boq.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is played by Tom McGowan. He brings a goofiness to the role, which is already underscored with dad-like humor. He’s fun to watch, and got a few good laughs from the audience, especially during “Wonderful.”
Kathy Fitzgerald plays Madame Morrible with a delightful sarcasm and strong presence. Her exchanges with Hottenstein’s Glinda in the early parts of the show are hilarious, and as their relationship changes as the plot progresses, Fitzgerald really focuses in on the facade that Madame Morrible puts up. Madame Morrible is the Press Secretary for, essentially, the biggest liar in Oz, and the tonal choices Fitzgerald builds into her delivery of those messages are perfect for that part. Madame Morrible stirs up the crowd, she eggs on the witch hunters, she convinces people to believe falsehoods and ignore the truth before their very eyes, and Fitzgerald really drives that home with her performance.
Boise Holmes is sweet at Elphaba and Glinda’s professor, Doctor Dillamond. His scenes with Valli’s Elphaba are touching, yet heartbreaking. “Something Bad” has never been my favorite song in the show, but Holmes and Valli dig into the story within that song and make it meaningful, underscoring the fear and trouble brewing on the horizon.
Wicked features a talented ensemble that ties the whole show together, playing everything from citizens of the Emerald City to students at Shiz, and even flying monkeys. The flying monkeys are always one of my favorite parts of the show because of the impressive physicality required of the actors in those tracks, and Mitchell Tobin as Chistery was a great example of that. It’s a very physically demanding role, and Tobin mastered the way that Chistery moved, creating a fascinating character simply through movement. The company of Wicked also includes Wayne Schroder, Kayla Goldsberry, Tregoney Shepherd, Joe Beauregard, Jennifer Mariela Bermeo, Sean Burns, Matt Densky, Rose Iannaccone, Lauren Leach, Colin LeMoine, Adelina Mitchell, Madison Claire Parks, Jackie Raye, Kat Rodriguez, Anthony Santos, Derek Schiesel, and Brett Stoelker, with swings Anthony Lee Bryant, Jenny Florkowski, David Kaverman, Marina Lazzaretto, Lauren Sambataro, and Nicky Venditti. Kelly Lafarga and Ben Susak serve as dance captains/swings, and Laurel Harris is the standby for Elphaba.
The cast of the National Tour of WICKED (Joan Marcus)
Scenic design by Eugene Lee is quite grand. From the iconic metallic dragon on the proscenium to Glinda’s bubble, from the twister-tossed house to the glowing head of the Wonderful Wizard himself, there are so many eye-catching pieces to the design. All help to frame the production through a lens of over-the-top theatricality and splendor, providing a glittering feast for the eyes throughout the many different settings. Lighting designer Kenneth Posner also supports the world of the show with bold colors and spotlights. I loved the strategically placed lights that shine through the haze at sharp angles to create beautiful shapes and silhouettes, particularly in “Defying Gravity.”
Costumes by designer Susan Hilferty and wigs and hair by Tom Watson are stunning! There are so many great looks throughout this show, from Glinda’s dresses to the Emerald City ensemble, and everything else in between. Sound design by Tony Meola is well done. The Bushnell is a large house, but the balance between the orchestra and the singers was right where it needed to be. Projections by Elaine J. McCarthy are eye-catching, particularly the Elphaba projection near the beginning of the show.
Costumes by designer Susan Hilferty and wigs and hair by Tom Watson are stunning! There are so many great looks throughout this show, from Glinda’s dresses to the Emerald City ensemble, and everything else in between. Sound design by Tony Meola is well done. The Bushnell is a large house, but the balance between the orchestra and the singers was right where it needed to be. Projections by Elaine J. McCarthy are eye-catching, particularly the Elphaba projection near the beginning of the show.
Celia Hottenstein as Glinda and the Company in the National Tour of WICKED (Joan Marcus)
Wicked is as enjoyable as ever. Whether it’s your first time seeing the show, or your fifteenth, there’s nothing quite like the magic and marvel of the witches of oz. Don’t miss your chance to experience the production for yourself – see Wicked at the Bushnell Performing Arts Center before it flies out on May 12!
Wicked runs April 24-May 12, 2024, at the Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford, CT. Tickets are available online at https://bushnell.org/ or by calling the Box Office at (860) 987-5900.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Wicked runs April 24-May 12, 2024, at the Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford, CT. Tickets are available online at https://bushnell.org/ or by calling the Box Office at (860) 987-5900.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.