West Side Story has the music. Phantom of the Opera has the romance. Jersey Boys has the nostalgia. But Wicked has fun.
By far, Wicked is the most enjoyable Broadway musical of all time. He got this title despite having a somewhat minor flaw. As a self-proclaimed theater buff, I have to admit that if I had to list my ten favorite musical scores, Wicked’s wouldn’t measure up.
Yes, Wicked’s music is slightly above average.
However, if I were to make a list of the top ten musicals I was most looking forward to seeing, either again or for the first time, Wicked would be number one with a bullet.
My thesis is tested 52 times a year. Nearly every week, Wicked is the highest-grossing production on Broadway, regularly eclipsing the $1.5 million mark. Not bad for a show that debuted on Broadway in October 2003 to lukewarm reviews.
Below are ten reasons why Wicked is the funniest musical of all time. Is that an exaggeration? It is if you haven’t seen the show. Fortunately for fans of Wicked, they can not only see the musical at the Gershwin Theater on Broadway, but also through the National Touring Company.
1. Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship
Elphaba and Glinda’s unique relationship is quite refreshing. They are not only rivals but best friends. And even though they’re witches from a fictional world, their relationship is much more honest than the ones you’ll find in more realistic shows. Wherever you see Wicked, you won’t be rooting for just one of the two witches, you’ll be rooting for both.
2. The Wizard of Oz franchise
Long before our imagination was captured by the Star Wars and Harry Potter franchises, it was captured by the Wizard of Oz franchise. Most of us know the story of the Wonderful Wizard and the Land of Oz through the 1939 film starring Judy Garland. The film was based on the 1900 book by L. Frank Baum. He continued to write about the Land of Oz for 13 more books. Wicked is taken from a parallel novel by Gregory Maguire that was published in 1995.
3. Movie references
The musical makes several references to events that occurred in the film. Sometimes the musical extrapolates, while other times it adds a backstory. Sometimes the references are plot related, while other times the references are strictly for comedic purposes. Spotting them only adds to the enjoyment of the show.
4. “Popular”
The song “Popular” is Wicked’s cover of “Master of the House”. It is the song that you will not be able to get out of your head. It doesn’t matter if you hear the song on iTunes or live in a theater, you’ll be humming its ultra-catchy tune all the way home. The memorable tune appears in Act 1 when Glinda decides to give Elphaba a makeover.
5. Laughter
There isn’t a single character in Wicked that provides comic relief. Every character is funny. Wicked doesn’t stop being funny when the second act begins. The show is funny from start to finish. Wicked doesn’t rely solely on tongue-in-cheek references to the movie. The show creates genuinely funny moments.
6. Animals that talk
You gotta love talking animals. In Wicked, you have Doctor Dillamond. He is a talking goat who teaches history at Shiz University. In fact, talking animals, or more precisely animals that lose the ability to speak, are an important part of the Wicked story. While he never speaks in the musical, the Cowardly Lion appears as a caged cub. It’s Wicked’s only use of free cuteness.
7. Big names
Sure Tony and Marie are good solid names. Yes, Christine Daae is classy and Frankie Valli is great, but nothing can touch the character names in Wicked. You’ve already been introduced to Elphaba and Glinda (who begins the movie as Galinda), but that’s just the tip of the witch’s hat. There’s Fiyero (Scarecrow), Madame Morrible, Nassarose and Boq (Tin Woodman).
8 green
Kermit the Frog sang that it’s not easy being green and that green never seemed to work for The Incredible Hulk. However, despite his problems, we still love them. The same can be said for Elphaba, who also has green skin. Don’t worry if you’re watching the show off-Broadway.
9. “Defying Gravity”
“Defying Gravity” is the spectacular moment that ends Act I. And if the hairs on the back of your neck don’t stand on end when Elphaba takes the stage, then you might as well revoke your ticket to Wicked. The number “Defying Gravity” is one of the greatest musical theater moments of all time. If you’ve seen Wicked, whether on Broadway or in another city, you’ll know it’s not hyperbole.
10.Quality
Wicked isn’t the only “fun” musical on Broadway. Rock of Ages, Legally Blonde, and Avenue Q are great too, but you wouldn’t put them in the same category as West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, and Jersey Boys. Wicked belongs to those elite music dramas because aside from the good times, the show is a serious drama with a powerful message. It’s a high-quality production that’s also a lot of fun.
