subject: Wicked Tickets - The Show In Boston [print this page] Things are getting wonderfully 'wicked' in Boston this year with the addition of theatrical actor Richard Kline taking on the role of the Wizard for the engagement's run through October. Kline knows that he has his work cut out for him if he wants to fill the shoes of the mysterious "man behind the curtain." He was quoted in the Metro West Daily News as saying, "This character has two influences that could lead you astray. The dithering Frank Morgan from the classic movie based on L. Frank Baum's story or the darker character from Gregory Maguire's novel."
He went on to tell audiences, "I wanted to be very careful to do something that was different with the character." See what magical wonders Kline will work as the Wizard when you purchase a pair of Wicked tickets from StubHub today.
The musical by Stephen Schwartz is loosely based on Maguire's best-selling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. It provides a back story to Baum's best-selling children's book and the subsequent movie, The Wizard of Oz.
Wicked premiered in San Francisco at the Curran Theatre in 2003 and later made its official debut on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre. Since then, the production has become a favorite of theater patrons and has spawned several national productions as well as shows in London, Japan, Germany and Australia. It has been nominated for numerous Tony Awards in 2004 and won those for Best Actress, Scenic Design and Costume Design.
Wicked offers fans of the Wizard of Oz stories a glimpse into life in Oz before Dorothy's house blew in on a Tornado and she embarked on her journey down the Yellow Brick Road. In fact, Wicked presents the idea that the Wicked Witch of the West, known as Elphaba, was actually a completely misunderstood student who was merely trying to offer common sense and solutions to a wizard's corrupt government.
Patrons are also re-introduced to some familiar characters, including Galinda Upland, who eventually becomes the Glinda the Good Witch of the North. The two aspiring sorcerers meet at Shiz University where they are studying. At first they are sworn enemies to one another, but over time develop a deep friendship and special bond. The story is mostly a flashback to the witches' earlier experiences, but actually begins as the citizens of Oz are celebrating Elphaba's death after Dorothy accidentally throws a bucket of water on the witch, which subsequently melts her.
The story explores the idea that perhaps things aren't all as they seem in the Land of Oz and it presents a number of popular musical tunes like "What is This Feeling?" "I'm Not that Girl" and "Dancing Through Life."
Take a trip down the Yellow Brick Road and take a glimpse into the life and times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Perhaps you will discover that she isn't so wicked after all. Be sure to purchase your own pair of Wicked tickets from StubHub and enjoy the show!
