These are the questions pondered in Gregory Maguire’s best-selling tragic novel that became a best-selling musical comedy written by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. A musical so best-sellingish that it sold out its two-week San Diego run during the first hours that tickets went on sale. But if you managed to get one of those tickets, you’re in for a treat. And some tricks.

The show is a hit in so many facets. It’s a visually stunning production with dazzling lighting effects, great costumes, and a creatively designed clockwork set that mixes science and magic – all topped off by the torso of a dragon whose purpose flies just under the radar. Top all that off with a gorgeous musical score, terrific comedy, and an intriguing story (though fans of the novel may wince at its complete lack of pathos).

This national tour also boasts a top-notch cast, led by the two women that dominate this tale. Julia Murney is Elphaba, a.k.a. The Wicked Witch, the idealistic green-skinned young woman who goes to college hoping to change the world for the better, but gets reality slammed in her green face. Julia does a magical job of portraying both the serious and conflicted side of Elphaba as well as her sharp, distinct sense of humor. And her singing of the show’s signature song Defying Gravity is a hit.

One of the strongest parts of this show is how it makes Elphaba’s unlikely friendship with Glinda seem believable. You couldn’t have a more opposite person than the spoiled, perky, fidgety debutante who goes by the name Ga-linda, with a “Ga.” And you couldn’t have the role played with better wit and personality than it is by Kendra Kassebaum. She’s got a sense for the comedy both vocally and physically, and her hysterical personality is one of the great comic performances to come through the Civic Theatre.

The rest of the cast is comprised of a strong bunch of actors and singers. Sebastian Arcelus is Fiyero, the guy whom both girls fall in love with for different reasons. Jennifer Waldman is Elphaba’s crippled sister Nessarose, also known as The Wicked Witch of the East who falls for the first boy who is nice to her, with Kirk McDonald as the Munchkin Boq who dates Nessarose while being obsessed with Glinda. Alma Cuervo is the horrid school headmistress Madame Morrible and K. Todd Freeman is the goat professor Doctor Dillamond who becomes the victim of bigotry as talking animals are discouraged by “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” played with a politician’s charm by P.J. Benjamin.

Performs July 26 - August 6, 2006.

Rob Hopper
San Diego Playbill

Glinda: