It only took a few years, but we finally saw "Wicked" at the Pantages Theatre last night and it was worth every penny and the wait.
Walter outside the Pantages Theatre before the show
Walter and I have talked about seeing this show forever, including having me go down to Hollywood at noon to enter the $25/seat lottery once I got laid off and had time to do that.
But there always seemed to be something seemingly more important to spend the time or money on. Granted, sometimes you do have to put expenses for plumbing, car repairs, medical procedures, food, GAS, etc. first. However, when Gold Star Events offered orchestra section seats for 30% off ($60) I broke into my rainy day piggy bank without thinking twice.
Reason 1: Because I'm just not willing to die one day without having seen this show live, having heard the album and seen tidbits of it on television and You Tube. The music is sublime and the story is relevant on literary, political and social levels, and that doesn't come along very often.
Reason 2: Life has been challenging in the past year for one reason or another, and in the process we've been in need of just going out and having FUN together in a splurgy kind of way, because we're worth it.
Anyway, the cast included the fabulous Jo Anne Worley as Madame Morrible and John Rubenstein as the Wizard of Oz. Hometown talent Erin Mackey (Glinda) and Teal Wicks (Elphaba) were outstanding, every bit as wonderful as the original Broadway cast. Every cast member really did a wonderful job in their roles.
So, YAY, I can now cross "Wicked" off my to-do wish list, although I'm not opposed to penciling it back in again with an asterick about trying to land some $25 seats.
On the downside, concessions are VERY expensive, so if I went again I'd bring my own water bottle and candy from the 99 Cent Store -- the theatre charges $4/each -- maybe having a drink elsewhere before the show. We sampled the $9 margaritas and they weren't all that great, although the bartender was very personable. Souvenirs? Forget it. Way overpriced. The CD was something like $28, I got it for half that price at Target and it's even less expensive online.
Discount tickets for performances are still available from Gold Star Events - click here for more information.
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