WE MUST ALL BE OFF TO SEE THIS WICKED AND WONDERFUL VISION OF OZ

It is the spectacle, the experience of a magical mystery tour through the fantasy land of Oz that takes and holds attention. When it comes to inventive make believe Wicked more than lives up to its name.

Sailing on the waves of escapist fantasy on which many of us depend for pleasure, the musical tracks back to the celluloid Wizard of Oz. It begins where the movie ends and dreams up a fresh narrative from the witches' viewpoints.

Eugene Lee's set reeks of magic potential. A winged dragon looks down from the rafters. A giant clock with huge wheels of time frames the action. The Wizard exists on a throne protected by a giant, gold face mask whose features shimmer.

Joe Mantello's production expertly marshals this remarkable kaleidoscope of magical shocks, surprises and sensations. Wicked works like a dream.

Nicholas de Jongh

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