Wicked: Early Reviews - The Buzz Before Broadway's Biggest Hit

Alright, guys, let's dive into the world of Broadway's most talked-about musical, Wicked. You've probably heard the hype, but what's the real deal? Let's take a look at some wicked early reviews and find out what all the fuss is about. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and wicked: for good early reviews.

A Tale as Old as Time, But Wickedly Different

Wicked is a prequel to the classic The Wizard of Oz, but don't expect a carbon copy. This musical, with music by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, flips the script and gives us a fresh, wicked perspective on the Land of Oz. So, what are people saying about this wicked twist on a tale?

Early Reviews: The Magic Begins

The New York Times

The wicked early reviews started rolling in, and they were anything but wicked. The New York Times' Ben Brantley praised the show, saying, "Wicked is a wicked and wonderful musical that presents an entirely new side of the land of Oz." High praise indeed!

Variety

Variety's David Rooney called it a "wicked treat," lauding the show's humor, heart, and the "spectacular" production values. He also heaped praise on the leading ladies, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, saying they "deliver performances that are wickedly memorable."

Entertainment Weekly

Entertainment Weekly's Ken Tucker gave the show an 'A' rating, calling it a "wickedly entertaining musical." He was particularly taken with the show's ability to blend humor, heart, and spectacle, saying, "It's a wickedly entertaining night at the theater."

The Witches of Oz: A Match Made in Heaven

One of the standout features of Wicked is its dynamic duo, Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch of the North). Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth brought these characters to life, and the early reviews were unanimous in their praise.

USA Today's Elysa Gardner called their chemistry "wickedly delightful," while the Associated Press' Michael Kuchwara said they "form a dynamic duo that is wickedly impressive."

The Music: A Wicked Symphony

Stephen Schwartz's score is another highlight of the show, with early reviews raving about the music. The Washington Post's Peter Marks called it "wickedly tuneful," while the Chicago Tribune's Chris Jones said it "soars with some of the most memorable songs ever written for the stage."

The Production: Wickedly Impressive

Wicked's production values are top-notch, with early reviews praising the show's spectacle. The Los Angeles Times' Charles McNulty called it a "wickedly impressive production," while The Boston Globe's Don Aucoin said it "dazzles with its lavish production values."

The Impact: Wicked Changes the Game

Wicked didn't just win over critics; it also won over audiences. It's been playing to sold-out crowds since its Broadway debut in 2003, and it's still going strong. It's not just a musical; it's a cultural phenomenon.

Wicked has inspired a generation of theatergoers, and its influence can be seen in shows that have come after it. It's a wicked reminder that there's no place like... Broadway.

The Bottom Line

So, what's the verdict on Wicked? The early reviews are in, and they're wickedly positive. This musical is a must-see, a wickedly entertaining night at the theater that's sure to delight and enchant. Whether you're a fan of The Wizard of Oz or just looking for a great night out, Wicked is a show that's not to be missed. It's wicked, it's wonderful, and it's here to stay.