The Hit Musical Wicked celebrated 7,000 performances on Broadway and its tour production is now playing in Orange County. Is it worth a watch?

Wicked tells the story of The Wicked Witch of the West, known as Elphaba, and Glinda (Galinda) the Good Witch before a little farm girl named Dorothy dropped into Oz. With music by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, the story is told from the point of view of both witches. Topics such as self-discovery, friendship, power, envy, disappointment, rejection, relief, and greed are covered with an outstanding story and musical numbers.

Wicked continues to change people’s lives and the current tour production is no different. What stands out most from the musical is how the story focuses on two female leads. What also works as a coming-of-age story for two women, Wicked is extremely careful in delivering a plot that is timeless with universal themes that finds a way to teach viewer something new. This is what makes Wicked very special and something marvelous.

I myself am a huge fan of the musical, seeing Wicked 29 times. As someone who has analyzed Wicked to its core, the tour production is one of the best productions I have seen. Talia Suskauers’ Elphaba comes off as perky, noble, and a dreamer. She comes off as someone who doesn’t take herself seriously, but deep down wants the best for everyone including herself. Her musical instrument during the first act finale offers goosebumps and a sense of freedom that I have never seen before.

Allison Bailey as Glinda is charming and entertaining. She makes Glinda more blonde than ever. I knew she would bring something completely different to the character when observing her in the first number of the show. She succeeds in her portrayal of Glinda showing hurt and sadness for Elphaba. By the end of the show, Bailey does well in making Glinda have empathy. Bailey executes the character by showcasing a drastic change. She delivers a performance that is soppy

Wicked continues to be an advocate for inclusion by showcasing actors of all colors and shapes. There are some stage adjustments made for the tour, but I believe this is due to the space of the theatre. There are one or two surprises that are brand new to the tour production that I had never seen before. Wicked is a musical not to be missed at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, after all a film adaptation is heading to Hollywood! Might as well see what all the buzz is about.

For anyone wanting to see Wicked, I have $20 dollars off select seats and performances. Use promo code WICKEDCOMEBACK at check out. Go see it. It’s so good!