My wonderful wife took me to see “Wicked” at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center this past week.  I have always loved theatre, musicals, especially.  I have to say, I was let down by this production. My expectations may have been unrealistically high due to all the hype associated with this show, or perhaps, I’m just too picky. Either way, I didn’t leave the theatre humming the songs or on some mystical musical high. I left feeling a little empty.

I’d have to describe “Wicked” as a pop musical. Mostly filler, quick jokes, and witty nods to “The Wizard of Oz” make up the bulk of the dialog. The show has a clever enough premise, but I felt the music didn’t deliver a feeling of epic-ness, that you find in shows like “Les Miserables”.  Which is fine, I suppose. Everyone enjoys some cotton candy now and again. But I was looking forward to a steak, and instead, got mostly air, with some sugar mixed in.

The performance was good, not great. There were some missed lighting cues, and the follow spots had trouble keeping up. But overall, it was enjoyable. As I said before, I felt the show lacked a loftiness, it didn’t speak to my spirit.  It was… entertaining.

I’d give it 3 out of 5 broomsticks.