Review: Wicked

A successful musical about an enchanted world

Helsinki City Theatre’s major investment in the autumn is the witch musical Wicked. The recent world success premiered in New York in 2003, Toronto in 2005, London in 2006… and now in Helsinki in August 2010.

Wicked’s pop-influenced music and magical story have gathered fans and full stands everywhere. The plot of the fantasy musical centers on two young women, of whom Elfaba is green and Galinda is a blonde admired by everyone. However, difference grows into a resource and girls become friends.

The setting is The Wizard of Oz, where animals talk and even act as professors. The great and mysterious Wizard of Oz rules the Emerald City. Because Elfaba has magical powers, she dreams of becoming a wizard. The course of events intersects with the events of The Wizard of Oz and the movie of the same name, and there are many of the same people and characters. Viewers who have seen the film are offered several funny references to the film – for example, it becomes clear how the lion became scared and how the Tin Man lost his heart. The world of Wicked is certainly easier to get into if you are familiar with the Wizard of Oz. However, the story is independent and its humour works even if you don’t know the film. And Wicked is not a comedy, even if it makes the audience laugh at times. Its themes are acceptance of differences and the fact that even good intentions do not always lead to good. However, evil gets its reward and striving for good pays off. When triangle drama and family tragedy are added to the mix, the ingredients of a true classic are assembled.

At the City Theatre, a sparkling couple of young stars has been found for the main roles. Maria Ylipää and Anna-Maija Tuokko empathize with their roles to the fullest, and singing is effortless. The entire production shows the City Theatre’s professionalism in making big musicals. The dance troupe copes with demanding choreographies with millimetre precision, and the performers of the supporting roles are not overshadowed by the stars. The amazing acrobatic stunts as monkey characters take the viewer’s breath away. The set design, and especially the fast-paced lighting and special effects, create a believable setting for the magical world. The whole is so successful that Wicked entertains, touches and leaves you in a good mood – you can’t ask much more for a theatre night.

Wicked’s story is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel The Witch. The songs are composed by Stephen Schwartz, known from the film Prince of Egypt. Winnie Holzman’s original text has been translated into Finnish by Liisa Ryömä and the songs by Sami Parkkinen. Wicked is directed by Hans Berndtsson.