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Theater Review | No place like Boston in Opera House's 'Wicked'

The Wicked Witch of the West and Kermit the Frog would both agree that it's not easy being green. "Wicked," a musical based on the novel by Gregory Maguire (a Tufts alumnus), takes the implications of this expression above and beyond the Muppet Show.

Since opening in March 2005, "Wicked" has been performed for over two and a half million people and has grossed over $187 million. Put mildly, it's a popular show, and its popularity is well-deserved. "Wicked" is a visual confection with moral significance supported by a strong cast and catchy tunes.

The story follows green-skinned Elphaba, played by Victoria Matlock, who becomes one of the most notorious (and least understood) villains of popular culture: the Wicked Witch of the West. Elphaba's story begins with her arrival at Shiz, a boarding school where she discovers her remarkable magical aptitude and meets her very popular, very blonde roommate Glinda, played by Christina DeCicco.

Against the backdrop of her own social and romantic troubles, Elphaba discovers that Oz is not the peaceful wonderland that she had imagined. Instead, it's a violent, censored society ruled by leaders intent on preserving their own image and furthering their own interests. Real-world political parallels are easily drawn, but can be just as easily forgotten amidst the show's lavish sets and prolific special effects.

"Wicked" conforms completely to the Broadway mold - and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The plush sets and colorful lighting transport audiences into a world where magic is possible. It's almost as if the entirety of Disney World were condensed into two hours onstage: Elphaba and her flying monkeys actually do fly, Glinda floats onstage surrounded by bubbles, and the mechanical head used by the 'Wizard of Oz' to impress his followers could make children run screaming from the theater.

The costumes, designed by Susan Hilferty, are equally remarkable for their originality if nothing else. Colorful fashions from a variety of cultures and centuries are thrown together to create a striking (and slightly disconcerting) collage. Elphaba's green skin is truly magical - it never rubs off on any of the other actors and looks as close to natural as green skin can possibly look.

The show's lavish presentation is almost too good, and nearly distracts viewers from the actors' performances and the story's moral. Thankfully, the strong cast grounds the show and keeps the audience from getting lost in its lush staging.

Matlock's Elphaba is nerdy, acerbic and awkward, but matures into a strong adult as the show progresses. DeCicco is perfect as Glinda, squealing and hair-flipping her way into power. Clifton Hall as Fiyero, P.J. Benjamin as The Wizard, and Deedee Magno-Hall as Nessarose are all engaging supporting characters.

The play is strong musically as well and is accompanied by a live orchestra. Numbers like "Popular" and "Defying Gravity" will stick with audience members long after the curtains close.

Political relevancy is what sets "Wicked" apart from other Broadway creations. Its message has continued to resonate with audiences since Gregory Maguire's book was first published in 1995 on the heels of Operation Desert Storm. In an article he wrote for the Boston Globe, Maguire says the play clarifies the central theme of his novel, and emphasizes that "the cost of the choices one has to make may bankrupt even the morally soundest among us." The show resonates on a personal level as well, leading audience members to question preconceived notions of good and evil.

"Wicked" makes its Beantown debut at the Boston Opera House, a venue which is likely above and beyond the average college student's budget. For those who like to take their chances, however, the Opera House is offering a day-of-performance lottery for $25 tickets. People who arrive two and a half hours before show time can enter the lottery at the box office.

"Wicked" is a Broadway quality musical in a glamorous venue. For those willing to cough up the ticket price, the show's spellbinding staging, magical characters, and relevant message make it a must-see.