I've been in love with Wicked ever since I heard the songs starting with of course 'Defying Gravity'. I saw this youtube clip of Idina Menzel, the original Elphaba, (when I was currently researching for her since I saw her in Glee) and coincidentally Kurt and Rachel sang the same song on Glee. I also found out that Kristin Chenoweth (another coincidence that she also had her own arc on Glee) is the original Galinda. I downloaded the entire album and I've been in love with the songs ever since.
Watching 'Wicked' has been on my bucket list for years now and I've been preparing myself where would I watch it. I found out that they had a run in Singapore in 2012. I was even preparing myself to go and watch it there but due to some setbacks I didn't get to go and that has been my regret ever since. Not until me and my cousin Phyllis (also a fan) found out in 2013 that Wicked would have a Manila stop beginning January 2014. And the best part was...the Australian cast who performed in Singapore is the same cast for the Manila run. Imagine us being so ecstatic that we thought we would pass out. And here it was...our 'Wicked' night after 9 months.
It all started on...
February 1, 2014
Saturday
This was the day me and Phyllis finally got our Wicked ticket. I was so thankful for the extended shows in the season or else I wouldn't have this opportunity to watch the musical. The book was given to me as a gift back in July 2013 by my friend Meanne as a parting gift when I resigned from my previous company.
After all those countdown to D-Day...
Fast forward to...
February 28, 2014
Friday
This is the 'Wicked' night
I arrived at the venue 4:30 PM, and yes the show was at 7:30 PM...I was so excited I arrived three hours early.
Advisories...its better to be early then late
The steps to the theater lobby. I fell like Cinderella going to a ball
Finally at the lobby...the waiting begins.
Oz Dust Boutique...
I honestly want to steal and bring this drawer home...hahaha
So, me and my cousin Phyllis opted to hangout and wait for the 7:30 show
Funny story: me and my cousin was singing 'What is this Feeling?' (me as Galinda and her as Elphaba) whole heartily when I stopped to hear one person rushing to this part of the lobby to the stage (maybe) and I see a flash of blonde. OMG~ I think we saw Suzie Mathers (?) pass by and we were so starstruck that we literally became mute for a few seconds. UGH! I wish I had the courage...but I guess she was late for something backstage.
Finally...we're going in.
I was so excited that I had to document everything
Right before the show
my cousin Phyllis and I
me
Now, we move on to the music. I think even those seated beside us and in front of us (and I can feel that some of those behind us) were giving us those weird looks. Why? We've been trying so hard not to sing along but we can't. We know every song. Well, except one.
Act I
No One Mourns the Wicked - Once you hear that melody, one can say that the magic is about to start. I had goosebumps even at the first note. Everything seems so surreal. Finally, I am here. Galinda's soprano voice as she descends from the bubble? Divine. Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?
Dear old Shiz - Shiz is the name of their university. This is where Galinda and Elphaba meet. And of course Galinda's soprano voice at the end. What amazed me the most is Galinda's transformation from the witch in the bubble to the school girl Galinda. Wow~ that was a quick change? How many seconds was that?
The Wizard and I - This is Elphaba's uplifting song. I love the little banter between Elphaba and Galinda before the beginning of the song.
What is this I'm Feeling? - Ah, yes. The song that I always sing with my cousin Phyllis. I love this song...you could feel the loathing, the banter and the way of the world between Elphaba and Galinda. Unusually and exceedingly peculiar and altogether quite impossible to describe. Blonde.
Something Bad - Dr. Dillamond and Elphaba's duet. Something baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad is happening in Oz.
Dancing through life - This is Fiyero's song and for me the ultimate production number. This song is about 7 minutes long? I think so. But what made me concretely a fan of this song is when I saw Suzie Mathers and Jemma Rix's version of Galinda and Elphaba, the part where Galinda was teaching Elphaba how to dance. This was the moment they became friends. Even without music, the scene for me was special. Even without music, I teared up. That was a powerful scene.
I even tweeted it to Jemma Rix and Suzie Mathers and I was happy they read it. It was really a powerful scene.
Popular - Galinda's optimistic song...clad in her pink dress singing to her new friend, teaching her the ways of the world. What to do for everyone to accept you. Whenever I see someone less fortunate than I...
I'm Not that Girl - Elphaba's song for people with unrequited love. Due to a moment between Fiyero and her, she began having her heart beat for him. Too bad as per what society wants, Galinda and Fiyero were 'sort of' together. The scene I liked? When Elphaba was singing 'I'm not that girl...' Fiyero looked back at her. Yep, my heart fluttered at that moment.
One Short Day - As much as I loved the production for 'Dancing through Life' the lights and sounds for One short day would top them all off. It makes me want to go and spend one short day in the Emerald City.
A Sentimental Man - This is the shortest song in the musical (I think so) in which the wizard is explaining why he did what he did.
Defying Gravity - This will always be THE ultimate Elphaba song. Words cannot describe how much empowering this song is. The ultimate breakaway from the norm song. The last part is my favorite. Jemma Rix did a great job that if I only had a thousand hands, I would clap them at the same time. Seriously, she was amazing up there.
So, if you care to find me, look to the western sky...as someone told me lately..everyone deserves a chance to fly..and if I'm flying solo, at least I'm flying free...to those who ground me...take a message back from me...tell them how I'm defying gravity...I'm flying high..defying gravity..and soon I'll match them in renown...and nobody in all of Oz, no wizard that there is or was is ever gonna bring me down~
Act II
Act II is the heavy part. If Act I was all happy, Act II addresses everything all the problems that everyone concealed.
No one mourns the wicked (Reprise) - This begins the second act, a song that mimics the beginning of the musical.
Thank Goodness - Galinda is now reaping her rewards as Glinda the Good and everyone loves her unknowingly that everything is the result of the deceit and Elphaba is carrying the burden of being the villain.
The Wicked Witch of the East - as I mentioned earlier, this was this one song I know nothing about just because it wasn't included in the final cut of the Wicked album. This is the part where Nessa finally lost it. I feel bad for Elphaba though, she was doing everything for everyone but she is still dubbed as the villain just because she is different. I'm hunting the song now. I wanna know this!
I'm not that Girl (Reprise) - Galinda finally realizes that Fiyero also has this affection for Elphaba.
As Long As You're Mine - THE duet song of Fiyero and Elphaba. I love this song so much. The romance between the two is undeniable. And the last part? I love it. Nothing, its just for the first time...I feel...Wicked.
No Good Deed - I know that 'Defying Gravity' will always be THE ultimate Elphaba song but for me 'No Good Deed' showcases whoever plays Elphaba better. Especially the part where she belts out then her voice softens. This is the reason why whenever I say Fiyero's name I do the FIYEEEEEEEEEERO part. WOW. Jemma Rix is really amazing. Eleka Nahmen Nahmen Ah Tum Ah Tum Eleka Nahmen.
March of the Witch Hunters - This builds up to the climax of the story. I love this song as much as I hate the fact that they seem on misunderstanding Elphaba.
For Good - Now this is the ultimate Elphaba-Galinda duet. I love the fact that they gave their friendship the utmost importance. I teared up at this point mostly because I know the musical has neared its end. *sigh*
Finale (For Good - reprise) - This. Is. The. End. So many tears....and they truly deserve the standing ovation. And yes~ I want more. Amazing cast.
That final bow. They deserve the standing ovation. Amazing cast. Truly amazing.
I enjoyed my stay in the Emerald City
Amazing Jemma Rix and Suzie Mathers. Truly amazing.
Phyllis and I as Elphaba and Galinda (but the outfits seem to be Galinda and Elphaba)
My appreciation on the wall. Fiyeeeeeeeeero~
I know that today (March 9) is the last day in the Manila run but I hope that they enjoyed their stay. Jemma Rix and Suzie Mathers as Elphaba and Galinda were amazing. They had this amazing chemistry. I will never forget this night and if opportunity presents itself once again, I would watch this musical over and over again.
Thank you for that magical night...Wicked Manila.
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