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Thoughts on Broadway season: Wicked jukebox stuff
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How cool of Broadway Across America-Atlanta to program two of the best juke-box musicals — ever.
I’m talking about “Ain’t Misbehavin’” — that lovely bookless compendium of the tunes of Fats Waller — and “Jersey Boys,” based on the amazing true-life story of Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons. Both will play the Fox Theatre during the 2008-2009 season, opening in the fall.
These two shows may be about different musical styles and different periods in time. But they are both beautifully stylized pieces of storytelling.
Frankly, I’m tickled that “A Chorus Line” is headed to Atlanta.
And “Wicked,” I must say, has grown on me. The songs “Popular,” “Defying Gravity” and “Thank Goodness” (from “Wicked”) seep slowly into your consciousness and then haunt you.
“Thank Goodness” gets kind of philosophical and profound, even. The lines that get me every time are Glinda’s: “There are bridges you cross/ You didn’t know you crossed/ Until you’ve crossed.” Think about that.
Now tell me: What is your favorite “Wicked Song”?
And who would you like to see play Glinda the Good Witch (originally portrayed by Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway) and Elphaba the evil (created by Idina Menzel on Broadway)?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Theater
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By Lance White
March 28, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
I am somewhat excited about the new season, albeit a little disappointed. “Jersey Boys” is wonderful. I loved it in New York, and I am sure I will love it on tour. “A Chorus Line” is a classic, and I welcome its return. But what is with “Happy Days”: The Musical. That was never on Broadway. So I do not get the selection of that musical over other shows that will be touring. I hope “Mary Poppins” is in our future, as well as “Spring Awakening.” But I guess I will have to wait for next season.
“Wicked” is pure spectacle. The book for the play, although not as complex as the novel it is based on, I find to be cleverly written and touching when it needs to be. The music, although some critics say is forgettable, I find wonderful. It really is the type of music that takes repeat listening to appreciate. After all, it did win a Grammy award for best show album in 2003. You start to appreciate the score and lyrics the more you listen to it. You are right; the music slowly sinks in and stays with you.
My favorite songs are “Defying Gravity,” “For Good,” and “Thank Goodness.” I find “Defying Gravity” always puts me in a better mood when I am having a bad day.
I loved Kendra Kassebaum’s comic timing as Glinda when I saw her in Atlanta in 2006. What a surprise it was to see her again when she took over the role on Broadway last year. I would love to see Kristen Chenoweth reprise her Tony nominated role, but she is too busy I believe “Pushing Daisies.”