Friday Five (Wicked Edition)

Do you guys have things you want to experience, that have become so mystical and magical over the years of wishing and dreaming for them, that when they actually do happen you have no idea what to expect? My first kiss was one of those things, visiting Disney World was another. The kiss didn’t live up to the hype in my head (hellooo awkward teenager) but Disney totally did. Last night, I got to add another long-wished-for experience to the list.

I got to see Wicked!! I seriously can’t rave enough about all the cool stuff there is to do in Omaha. From now until Sunday, May 25th Wicked is at The Orpheum Theater. (Seriously run, don’t walk, to get tickets. Shows are selling out.)

Wicked is a show I’ve dreamed about seeing for years. I love The Wizard of Oz and always thought the idea of getting to delve into the world and find out the characters untold stories sounded so cool. Add in that I’ve heard rave reviews from everyone who has seen it, and that I’ve been singing along to the songs for the last ten years, and it has become this magical thing to me. When I was offered the opportunity to see it I was both exciting and terrified. I was excited to finally get to experience the Broadway version of Oz but terrified that it would let me down. I wasn’t sure there was a way the real experience could top what I envisioned in my head.

First and foremost, let me put those fears to rest. This show blew. my. mind. There was a depth and a heart to the story I wasn’t expecting. It managed to tackle big issues and weave in hysterical humor throughout the entire show. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire performance. I’ve seen a lot of musicals, even by the original casts on Broadway, and this is without a doubt the best one by far.

In honor of Friday Five, here’s five things I loved about Wicked.

1. Getting to have a date night with this guy! I am fully aware how lucky Josh and I are to have so much time together. We’re blessed to have jobs that allow us a work-life balance. That being said, it’s still important for a couple to make a conscious effort to spend quality time together. For as much as we go out and do, we also spend a lot of time lounging on the couch reading emails and watching TV. Getting to share this experience with him- the excitement leading up to the performance, the awed whispers as the play unfolded, and the animated recapping and discussion on the way home- was really special. I’ve realized in the last few years that experiences matter way more than things ever will. This is an experience I will cherish forever.

2. The friendship in this story was so touching. It really illustrated how true friends change you and make you a better version of yourself. Elphaba and Glinda’s performance of “For Good” made me cry. I’m such a sap. On a happy note, it was really cool that my friend Kitty and her husband were at this performance too! I had fun chatting with them and (of course) snapping photos.

3. There’s a reason this play is still on Broadway after 10 years. The music is phenomenal. I’m a huge fan of Idina Menzel and have loved the song Defying Gravity since I first heard it. Getting to see “Defying Gravity” performed live was incredible. It was just as powerful a performance on a different stage, 10 years later, with a different performer. That’s a testament to the amazing score.

4. There was a romance! I’m not putting a picture for this one because I don’t want to give anything away if you’re going into the performance unfamiliar with the whole story, like I was. I knew to expect a story examining the power of friendship and good versus evil. I did not expect an awesome love story that had me clapping and cheering throughout the performance. Josh said he could see my eyes light up when I realized there was a romantic twist. I just love love.

5. Last but certainly not least, one of the things I loved most about Wicked was the quality of the play. It’s a Broadway production and it shows.  The actors are pros. The stage is incredible. There’s extensive backdrops, gorgeous costumes, lifts suspended from the ceiling, timed effects and trap doors. Together it creates a magical experience that took me out of my seat and into the world of Oz.

If you live in Omaha, you seriously need to buy tickets before time runs out. If you don’t live in Omaha, don’t fret. There’s another traveling Broadway National Tour performing all over the country, as well as permanent shows in New York, London, Tokyo, Australia, South Korea and Mexico. You’ve got plenty of options to experience this phenomenon for yourself.

Questions of the Day: Have you seen Wicked? What’s your favorite song?

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by The Omaha Performing Arts Center. All thoughts and opinions are my own. And I thought Wicked was the bomb dot com.