Broadway Monday

Wicked So much happened before Dorothy dropped in.

Long before that girl from Kansas arrived in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for the most completely satisfying new musical in a long time.

I've been highlighting Broadway features on my blog for close to 40 weeks now and somehow have managed to keep this very special show tucked away, waiting for the day when I had the time to devote and give proper respect. Don't laugh! If you've seen the show you know what I'm talking about!

Let's say you're watching the Wizard of Oz when suddenly the camera shifts a frame just a bit to the left. All of the sudden, you are witness to the other story that was playing out at the same time. This is the story of Wicked. The happenings, events, relationships and turmoils that support the story about the little girl from Kansas we grew up reading and watching. There have been many Elphabas and Glindas, but my heart will always belong to my friend Stephanie J. Block! To me, no one can hold a candle to Steph's Elphie!

Wicked is a musical with songs and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. The story is based on the best-selling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. In 2004, Wicked was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and garnered trophies for Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Book, and Best Actress in a Musical.

Wicked still runs at the Gershwin Theatre to SRO crowds for eight shows a week. The show recouped it's 14 million dollar investment in the first year, and continues to gross a million dollars weekly. A "Sold Out" sign is affixed to the theatre exterior. The show is currently on tour in many cities in the US and abroad.

If you're wondering what all the hubub is about with us and, Wicked, and our BFF Stephanie, just take a look at the Wicked Tour promo. (Steph's the green one!)

remember to pause the player in the sidebar

I will never get used to seeing Steph's name in my email inbox!

I wrote to Stephanie to let her know we would see her next week, and she, again much to my surprise, wrote back with a big "Hooray!"I know. I'm a geek.

Enjoy this bootleg recording of my favorite green girl singing "The Wizard & I" from Wicked.

the countdown is on! let the sqealing begin!

Two weeks from today, we will be in the city we love so much celebrating our 15th anniversary! I've launched a countdown clock on the sidebar so you can keep up!

We cashed in Marriott Rewards points for the hotel, and will be staying at the Marriott Marquis in the heart of Times Square! We are so excited!

Since we saved a TON of money on the room, we felt it okay to splurge on tickets to see Wicked. Look at these awesome seats! I love American Express Cardmember Perks!

And here is the sight we've been waiting to see for a few years! Our friend, Stephanie J. Block as Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre! Now then!

Stay tuned for many more details and gushes!

Deep Breath...

It has taken me a full day to gather my thoughts about our trip to see Wicked.

I had such a great time and the show was incredible. The cast of this tour has really gelled and is so comfortable onstage. It looks effortless! I was particularly excited to have seen Carole Shelley in the role of Madame Morrible which she originated Broadway.

Not to gloss over how great the show was, but for me the most excitement happened afterward when I got to meet Stephanie! Soooo excited to have actually talked to her and share my appreciation! She even knew who I was since we have corresponded via email a few times since April '05 (how can you forget a name like mine!)

She is just the best and I can't wait to watch her career continue to unfold! What a hidden talent!

Sigh...

We're off to Defy Gravity!

In exactly 4 hours and 50 minutes, I will be sitting tightly in my Row G seat that the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, eagerly awaiting a rising curtain for the touring production of the Broadway smash Wicked!
We traveled to Chicago last May(left) to see the show's current cast as they embarked on a year-long commitment to this great story. We chose to see the touring cast as opposed to Broadway because Stephanie J. Block had been dubbed to take over the role of Elphaba, the green girl. After much research and scrutinizing of voice choices, we chose Stephanie and the touring cast. WOW! She and the entire cast did not disappoint! We had amazing seats-- second row center! I can officially say that I am spoiled and forever ruined by sitting that close to something that you love! All seats pale in comparison now.

Will plan to post pics tomorrw of our soon to be fabulous time and share even more gushings regarding this great show!