One Wicked Cool Show

Okay, so Saturday afternoon in Chicago, Ruth, her friend Kaye, and I were sitting at Kaye's apartment, wondering what theater show we were going see that evening. There was a list several computer-screens long online, and I looked at every one for at least a split second.

A couple looked good, especially Dead Man's Cellphone which was playing at the Steppenwolf Theater, which I've actually heard of. We called for tickets, but they were sold out and it was the last night of the show's run.

So we tried our second choice, Wicked. Can you believe it was our SECOND choice? We just didn't think we would be lucky enough to get tickets on the day of the performance. But we checked with Ruth's favorite classifieds source, Craigslist. And BEHOLD. There was a set of 2 or 4 tickets available for $50 each. Sweet! We called and got 3.

Wicked tells the backstory of the witches from the Land of Oz. Turns out that the wicked one wasn't so much and neither was the good one! And they were evidently friends. Who knew? It's a great story with universal appeal, and includes lots of references to the mama show, The Wizard of Oz. I love those inside jokes. Like, "Yum! What's in this punch?" "Lemons, and limes, and melons." "Oh My!"

It is based on the book of the same name by Gregory Maguire, which I've heard has a good deal more adult content than the musical. Our book club decided to skip it after hearing some questionable reports from others, but now I'm sufficiently interested to try it for reals.

After we dropped off at Ruth's work the SEVEN pairs of Nine West shoes we had bought, we walked over to the theater. And...okay, now that we look at the hard copies Ruth printed for us, it appears that we have been given EIGHT tickets. Big whoops on the part of the clerk. Luckily for them we didn't have five other friends who wanted to go with us. And lucky for us we didn't try it, because four of those extra seats already had people in them.

Where were our seats, you ask? Oh, only against the BACK WALL of the BALCONY. The only saving grace was that they were in the center, so there actually were a few rows that were farther away from the stage than us.

And what a stage. An emerald map of Oz was projected on the black curtain, and above the entire stage was an enormous dragon with wings outstretched.

Once that curtain went up, the sets themselves were minimal, but the costumes were extravagant. All the Munchkins/Ozians/students at the "college" were decked out to the extreme. Elphaba (aka "Wicked Witch of the West") wore the most simple costume, but her identifying characteristic was more along the lines of makeup - her skin was green. Remember that little detail? Kind of a birth defect, apparently. Galinda (aka "Glinda the Good Witch of the North") wore mostly white outfits, but doesn't don the famous ballgown until the end.

I sat on the front half of my seat for the entire show, and not ONCE did I ever think, "Okay, I get it, lets get on with the show." The first half was 1 1/2 hour long, and it flew by. Every song was incredible, and although I did not purchase the soundtrack afterwards, it will soon be in my possession, I predict.

At intermission, we all attempted to make it to the bathroom. Along with, oh, about 60 other women. The bathroom was across the balcony lobby from our door, and the line was half way back to the door. We decided to wait until afterwards.

And I tried. I really did. But in the middle of the third to the last song, I sincerely felt that I may either wet myself or be sick. So I decided to make a run for it. I bolted to the door and down the steps to the lobby, where two ushers were relaxing. Never one to put appearances before comfort, I dashed over to the ladies room and "went" as fast as I could. The music was quite audible, so I knew I wasn't missing any more plot, but still. I didn't want to miss more than necessary. So on the way back, I ran even faster. (Cause you know, this time I didn't have a full bladder.)

The same two ushers are still there (in 30 seconds, they hadn't found anything to do!) and I decided to announce the obvious. "WORST! TIMING! EVER!" They laughed.

I made it back before the end of the song, and Kaye and Ruth assured me that I'd chosen a good time (like, before I needed new pants).

I cried during the curtain call, as I usually do, since I'm processing and absorbing the entire show at once. Also, appreciating all the work and effort of so many people, and how it combines to be such an incredible example of human talent and creativity.

I love the theater. And my sister. Thanks for a very fun evening!