Saturday, June 17, 2006
The play is making its Cleveland debut Wednesday at the State Theatre.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Life is nothing but a series of experiences and choices that not only define where you are today but invariably where you'll be tomorrow.
Ultimately, this is the theme behind the recent Broadway smash hit and Tony Award-winning "Wicked," which makes its Cleveland debut Wednesday and runs through July 9 at the Playhouse Square Center's State Theatre.
The show
Based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 ingenious novel, "Wicked" acts as a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz." It focuses on two characters, one smart and misunderstood, the other beautiful and ambitious -- that eventually become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch long before Dorothy and Toto drop into the picture.
Performing the role of Glinda in the national touring production of "Wicked" is Kendra Kassebaum, who said seeing the production during its initial Broadway run was very helpful in preparing for the whirlwind adventure that awaited her.
"It showed me what I was going to be part of, the big spectacle of the show," said Kassebaum, calling from Atlanta. "But as far as the performance, that had to be more organic to me. It wasn't about copying a certain performance. It was more about experiencing what I was going to be a part of."
She added, "I think whenever you're sitting as an audience member, you're given a grand story board, and I was realizing from an audience perspective how huge of a production this is. Now as an actor on stage, I'm removed from that. It's a small and intimate story between two women for me. I am just able to tell a story."
And what a story it is, giving a background to two of the more memorable and enigmatic characters that intrigued us as children while watching "The Wizard of Oz." In many ways, "Wicked" gives us answers that we never expected to receive.
"I think that is maybe what kind of piques the audience's interest when they sit down and are exposed to the show," Kassebaum said. "That one line of the untold story of the witches and your imagination kind of goes crazy. You're wondering, what is this? Or if you've read the book, how can they transfer such a huge story onto the stage. There are all of these different aspects of mystery. And 'Wicked' is a story within itself."
National recognition
More so, "Wicked" has taken on a life of its own selling out dates all across the country.
In fact, the musical is a phenomenon of celebrity that has somewhat affected how the actors approach their craft.
For example, Kassebaum said normally the first show in any city is reviewed by the press. Invariably, this has the cast on its toes and after it's over, the pressure of critical critique subsides with the focus being put on the best performance for audiences. However, "Wicked" is so popular, attention from the press remains seemingly ubiquitous.
The result is a pressure cooker that does take its toll, but Kassebaum isn't ready to get off this shooting star just yet.
"Oh sure there's pressure, but my biggest belief as an actor is you have your days that you're pretty exhausted coming in, but the day you really start finding boredom in the story is the day you should maybe pack up your things," Kassebaum said.
"And to be honest, and not to sound cheesy, but I'm finding new things with the show. I'm still having fun with it."
"Wicked" will be performed at Playhouse Square Center from Wednesday to July 9 (times vary) at State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Call (800) 766-6048 or visit www.tickets.com locations for tickets.