Courtesy of Joan Marcus

Sacramento is Defying Gravity-Wicked Style

Although I know that Wicked is an insanely popular show, I had no idea what I was missing while I was waiting to cross it off my bucket list. If the chills I felt throughout…

Although I know that Wicked is an insanely popular show, I had no idea what I was missing while I was waiting to cross it off my bucket list. If the chills I felt throughout the show could speak, everyone would be lining up at the newly renovated SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center to see it before the show melts away to its next destination.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked tells the true story of Elphaba and Glinda, the famous witches of Oz. This show precedes the story of the Wizard of Oz, long before Dorothy arrives with the infamous ruby slippers. Have you ever wondered why the Wicked Witch of the West wanted those ruby slippers so bad anyway? Or why her skin was green? Let’s just say that I had a lot of a-ha moments during the show that connected me to the powerful cast of characters and the story of Oz which we all know and love.

Speaking of powerful characters, most of my chills came from the voices of Jennafer Newberry (Glinda) and Lissa deGuzman (Elphaba). These two powerhouses belted out songs like “Popular”, “Defying Gravity”, and “For Good”, so incredibly that I still get chills just thinking about it. It is a true testament to the talent and ability of an actor who can portray a character so well that it makes any viewer feel something so overwhelming that they are brought to tears watching them perform. Both these women not only did that for me but also for my two daughters who attended with me as well.

I cannot fail to mention that the sets, costumes, and the rest of the cast were absolutely amazing. I couldn’t keep my eyes off the many beautiful costume pieces, especially the extravagant ones in the land of Oz.  Oh, and can we talk about the flying monkeys for a minute? I almost believed that they were real. Of course, I wouldn’t have expected anything less from such an amazing cast and production team and a show which has won over 100 international awards including a Grammy and three Tony awards. Everything about this show was on point and “Wonderful”.

Don’t “Dance Through Life” without seeing this show! Performances of Wicked run through April 24, 2022. Hurry! Ticket availability is limited and we wouldn’t want you to “Mourn the Wicked” by missing it. Click here to learn more.

Blog contributed by Rachael Durling, Destination Partnerships & Community Engagement Manager at Visit Sacramento.