Thursday, February 01, 2007

WICKED! GOOD TIME

Even though yesterday started out all types of crummy, by mid-day things had tuned around. After happening to be in the right place at the right time, I was invited to attend Wicked! with some of our students as there were some extra tickets. After falling madly in love with the book (that Monica totally owes me a copy of cause she promptly lost it but I still love her and don’t really care), I had wanted to see the show for some time. Additionally, as my loyal readers know how I feel about musicals, it is obvious that I wouldn’t turn down this type of production. Friend had told me that the music was somewhat shrieking and that had keep me from feeling too sad about not going. I think I have to thank the cast because I could easily see how the songs could get into that annoying part of the register but they seemed to keep things relatively in check. I will admit that I didn’t walk out with any songs in my head which should let everyone know something in the lyrical or tune writing department could have been improved. Just now I was trying to think of the tune for “No One Mourns The Wicked” and all I could come up with was the theme for Rocky.

The show was very pleasant and, if I hadn’t read the book I think I would have found it to be absolutely perfect. However, since I am such a fan of the book, I was a little put off. The book is dark, highly political, violent, and shocking. The play, on the other hand, strove to be child friendly. I guess that makes sense as it is more accessible to the general public. It still worked for a good story, it just wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. When we sat down I noticed a family with three children 4-9 sitting to my left and was a little afraid that the children would be traumatized for life. With the changes to the story, traumatization was certainly not an issue. I was slightly disappointed by that. Even though I feared for the psyche of the children, I really enjoy it when parents take their kids to things they shouldn’t and the kids are warped. I know that shouldn’t bring me happiness but I really like stupid parents to get a lesson in fact checking.

There was only about 20 minutes of dialogue in the 2.5-hour show, which tells you how much singing was involved. It was fine by me because all my years of watching musicals has given me a strong ability to understand lyrics. I know that many people don’t have that gift. Some of the people I was with missed some of the subtle plot exposition that was included in the songs. I was really glad I understand lyrics so well. It would have really diminished my appreciation of what was going on if I didn’t. One of the actors had been on Buffy The Vampire Slayer and it was nice to see him play a goat. I love Buffy. Knowing the goat was also capable of being a terrifying vamp also enhanced my enjoyment of the show.

The only drawback to the evening was that I didn’t get home until about 11:30 and since I had been up super early for the breakfast yesterday it was a little bit of a drag. I didn’t get the chance to sit and loaf as much as I usually do. I must say, when I actually got into bed, I was plumb tuckered out. I have no idea what that means but I like the way it rolls off my tongue.

Starting in about an hour and fifteen minutes I am going to have a very busy day. Should be interesting. I forgot my glasses at home and can’t see all that well, at all. Since I am nearsighted that means that I am going to be ok as far as work goes. My eyes are really watery though. I hope I’m not squinting too much. I don’t think I am. I noticed my glasses were missing on the train ride to work. I had been reading the paper and all was well until suddenly I touched my face for something and found no glasses. Not being able to see clearly makes me very very sleepy. In fact, I am wondering how I will make it thought the busy day. I think I might have to drink coffee. I am not the biggest coffee fan. There is no coffee in the break room. I guess by 9:47 all the real coffee drinkers have finished it all off. I wouldn’t know, as I am not one of them.

Hell Yes, Beck- I like Beck. I had a renewed interest in him this past year. I am not sure why but I guess there had been a large Beck void in my life. There is something so reassuringly ‘90s about his music. With the exception of Sea Change, that is quintessential early ‘00s.

Carey, Joni Mitchell- Blue is easily one on my favorite albums as a whole. It makes me really happy. Reminds me of good and carefree times. Then again, in those times I skipped certain songs that I have come to enjoy. I think I even programmed my CD player not to play a few of them. I must be getting old.

Traveling at the Speed of Thought (remix), Ultramagnetic MCs- HAHAHAHAHAHAHA is all I have to say about that.

13 comments:

Johnny Yen said...

When I was a student-teacher nearly ten years ago, my "cooperating teacher" was about ten years younger than me, and extolled the joys of Beck-- I've always thought what she said was funny-- "He's just got that sound everybody wants to hear." ????
I actually like him a lot, but thought, years ago, that he would be a one-hit wonder with "Loser."

My favorite Joni Mitchell album is Hejira, which came out when I was in high school, in 1976 (I'm dating myself here!)

I had a good chuckle with your comment about the glasses. I have to put my glasses in a specific place so I can find them in the morning-- I can't even see them, to put them on and got to the washroom and put my contacts in. I wouldn't even be able to find my car, let alone drive it without them.

OhTheJoys said...

So jealous. I want to see Wicked!!

Blondie said...

I've been trying to figure out if I should go see Wicked and I think I will pass. I do not actually like musicals (all the singing makes me nervous), and since there is a LOT of singing and no evil darkness, I just saved myself a lot of money!! :) Thank you for an honest review. The books kicks ASS though.

Anonymous said...

Friend, you are lucky that you had no songs from Wiked stuck in your head. When that show was all abuzz here, I had Defying Gravity stuck in my head for easily a month. I wanted to chop my head off.

Anonymous said...

I'm jealous -- sounds like great fun!

I should read the book, and see the musical.

Foofa said...

Johnny- I haven't heard Hejira, maybe I should. I am very torn between Blue and Ladies of the Canyon. It really depends on my mood. The sad thing is I always put my glasses in the same place too, I just forgot to go to that place...right by my bedside.

Oh, the joys- You should see it and could probably bring the kids. It does retain some elements of seriousness but easily palatable. Or ditch them and have a fun grown-up night. Both are good plans.

Blondie- I try to always bring the honesty. I honestly wouldn't have gone if it weren’t free. If I paid I would have been sad but for a free show I was happy.

Friend- That isn't even one of the better ok songs in the play. I am real sorry for you.

Mom- Book certainly, and then you can give me the copy cause mine is gone. Play sure, cause you like to do stuff. I bet there are cooler plays though.

little things said...

I love Beck! I'm not sure what it is...but it's along the lines of my fascination with Owen Wilson and his unperfect nose.
I also loved Wicked, but haven't yet seen the show.
Have you read any of the author's other books?

Anonymous said...

Oh, phooey! I was hoping I could borrow your book...

Foofa said...

Little Things- Cute picture! Owen Wilson's nose is quite fascinating. I must agree. I read Confessons of a Ugly Stepsister and Mirror Mirror. Both were really good and I would tell anyone to read them but Wicked was easily the best one.

Mom- You can't borrow it cause Monica lost it, didn't you read the post? I think she either still has or lost Ugly Stepsister too. She's lucky I love her so much.

Mrs. Loquacious said...

Ya know, I never did finish that book. I guess I wasn't in the right frame of mind for "Wicked" because I did not find it riveting and edgy and awesome like others have. Hrm.

But I would have loved to see it done on the stage. I love stage productions!

Anonymous said...

Uh, YAH, I read the post. But I didn't re-read it before I posted again so I forgot Monica had lost the book. Guess I've learned my lesson.

:)

Jules said...

How funny you just saw it - I'm seeing it on Tuesday (my b-day present from Mike). I too am a fan of the book's darkness, and am worried I may be turned off by the show, but (esp. after reading your post) I'm going to try to go in expecting it to be lighter and more family friendly, and hopefully I won't miss the Nazi illusions and interracial love affairs so much.

Foofa said...

Mrs L- I think was a decent way into it before I was wowed but I was entertained enough at the beginning to read on. I can see what you mean though, it isn't for everyone.

Julie- I'm sure you'll enjoy it and hope you post about it! It was a good production and very entertaining. Just different than what I was expecting. Good job Mike, awesome present.