Broadway sensation ‘Wicked’ is wildly entertaining

WICKED

Toto, you may not be in Kansas anymore, but thanks to Broadway Across America, Oz has returned to Kansas City.

The Broadway sensation “Wicked” is back at the Music Hall with all of its show-stopping theatrical razzle-dazzle intact, providing a wildly entertaining if overlong show that presents a clever revision of the characters from “The Wizard of Oz.”

How did the Wicked Witch of the West become wicked and the Good Witch of the North become good? Where did the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Man come from?

The book by Winnie Holzman, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, gives imaginative answers while providing some painless commentary about racial prejudice and political corruption.

But, of course, this is a buoyant musical, so none of it is to be taken too seriously. “Wicked” connects with audiences because of its spectacle, its music and its resonant themes of friendship.

With a few notable exceptions, the songs by Stephen Schwartz are forgettable. But thanks to spirited delivery by a terrific cast, the numbers soar.

Heléne Yorke is splendid as the superficial Glinda, the future witch of the North. She nails the giddy character’s comic shallowness while displaying exemplary pipes.

Marcie Dodd is equally good as Elphaba, the future witch of the West who is a whip-smart kid unlucky enough to be born with green skin. Dodd is particularly effective with her sensational delivery of the tune “I’m Not That Girl.”

Many local theatergoers will recognize former Kansas Citian Don Richard, who plays several roles, including that of Elphaba’s father.

But most of the play’s success can be attributed to Joe Mantello’s exemplary, award-winning direction and the show’s tremendous production values. After seeing “Wicked” you’ll understand the ticket prices.

Thanks to imaginative staging and a great cast, the witches of “Wicked” cast a welcome theatrical spell.

 “Wicked” runs through Dec. 6 at the Music Hall, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, Mo. For tickets, call (816) 931-3330 or viist www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

FARRAGUT NORTH

Playwright Beau Willimon spent time working on the political campaigns of Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Hillary Clinton and Gov. Howard Dean.

No wonder his intriguing political drama “Farragut North,” the current production at The Unicorn, seems to provide an insider’s view of political machinations.

Mark Thomas leads the solid cast as Stephen, a 25-year-old political enfant terrible. Already a master of spin, Stephen is the assistant campaign manager for a fictional presidential candidate.

During the run-up to the Iowa caucus, Stephen, his boss Paul (Bruce Roach) and an intern named Ben (Sam Cordes) are having cocktails with Ida (Manon Halliburton), a New York Times reporter, manipulating her for positive coverage.

Later, Stephen makes an ethical mistake by surreptitiously meeting with Tom (Robert Elliot), the campaign manager of his candidate’s opponent. This move, and a brief fling with a 19-year-old campaign intern named Molly (Kat Endsley), brings about unexpected personal and professional complications.

Director John Rensenhouse draws strong performances from his players, and the Unicorn staff provides sterling technical support.

The only downside of this compelling (and very adult) drama lies in its final scenes, which tend to be a bit calculated and melodramatic. Still, “Farragut North” is an engagingly cynical glimpse at modern politics.

 “Farragut North” runs through Dec. 13 at the Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. For tickets, visit www.unicorntheatre.org or call (816) 531-7529.

THEATER NOTES

Padgett Productions presents the Kansas City premiere of the stage version of the landmark 1967 film “The Graduate.” The adult comic drama runs through Nov. 22 at the H&R Block City Stage at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Road, Kansas City, Mo. For tickets call (816) 460-2020 or visit www.unionstation.org.

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