- WICKED
- The Music Hall
- Kansas City, Missouri
Here’s some musical theater trivia that a lot of people are stunned by. Did you know that “West Side Story” did NOT win the Tony Award for Best Musical? That’s right. One of the most beloved musicals of all time did not take home the big prize. That honor went to “The Music Man,” also one of the most beloved musicals of all time – and currently running on Broadway starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster.
I mention this to not only promote the new film version of “West Side Story,” but to point out that another show whose title begins with the letter W, “Wicked,” also did not win the Best Musical Tony Award. That year the Best Musical was “Avenue Q.” The more you know.
“Wicked” comes to Kansas City in top form. The previous engagement for this company was in Cleveland and, due to COVID, seven understudies were given their chance to shine. At tonight’s performance, everyone was where they should be and the show was fantastic.
I’ve seen the show before, and what I like about this production is that not a lot has changed. I’ve seen some shows where lines and songs have been altered over the years but here the show was presented just as it was when it debuted on Broadway 18 years ago.
The cast was in great form as the story of witches Glinda (Allison Bailey) and Elphaba (Talia Suskauer) unfolded. With well known songs such as “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” the audience tapped their toes to every note. Another standout was Cleavant Derricks as the Wizard. Mr. Derricks created the role of James “Thunder” Early in the original production of “Dreamgirls” and deservedly won a Tony for his performance.
If you haven’t seen “Wicked,” what are you waiting for? If you have seen it, see it again. It is definitely a show that shouldn’t be missed.