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Review: The most popular musical of this century retains its appeal but now seems disturbingly timely
“Wicked” reimagines the Land of Oz, telling the untold story of how two young women — one green-skinned and misunderstood, the other popular and ambitious — become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. (Photo courtesy of Blumenthal Arts)
by Lawrence Toppman
My college professors liked to say the mark of a classic was that you could revisit it and learn something new each time. Darned if that’s not true of “Wicked.”
When I first saw the stage musical more than 20 years ago, I took in the visual spectacle, the ear-grabbing songs and the message of empowerment — specifically for young women, though really for anyone who feels unseen and unheard. When I saw it about a decade later, I absorbed more of the message about resisting corrupt authority and seeking justice. Now, seeing it at Belk Theater on Thursday on a national tour that capitalizes on the popularity of the 2024 film, it seems to me to be about fear.
Fear of “the other,” who doesn’t look like us, and fear of new ideas that might improve outmoded ways. The Wizard told us in the 1939 movie to obey the orders of a giant talking head and not to look at the little man behind the curtain. That still raises a smile. But the Wizard in the Stephen Schwartz-Winnie Holzman musical is a falsely jovial, elderly dictator who refuses to relinquish or share power and rules by deception. Nothing to laugh at there.
I doubt anyone needs a plot summary of the most popular show of the century, which, as far as I can tell, is getting the longest run in the 33-year history of Blumenthal Performing Arts. (Yes, even longer than the first visit by “Hamilton.”) But in case you do, here it is:
Elphaba (Jessie Davidson), the green-skinned daughter of a father who considers her a freak, attends Shiz University in Oz mainly to look after younger sister Nessarose (aptly intense Jada Temple). There, Elphaba discovers her own magical powers, a newfound sense of independence, an unlikely friend in the popular but shallow Galinda (Zoe Jensen), an unlikely romantic interest in the popular but not-as-shallow-as-he-pretends Prince Flyero (appealing Ethan Kirschbaum), and a series of cruel injustices.
At Shiz University, Elphaba (Jessie Davidson) and Galinda (Zoe Jensen) start out as reluctant roommates but grow into an unlikely friendship that shapes both of their destinies. (Photo courtesy of Blumenthal Arts)
She believes that, if she can gain the ear of the Wizard (creepily cheerful Blake Hammond), he’ll fix these problems. How wrong she is! When he learns of Elphaba’s rare skills at sorcery, he induces her to give his monkey servants wings — not so they’ll be free, as she’d imagined, but so they can fly across Oz and spy on his enemies. When she realizes he’s a tyrant, he brands her an enemy of the state and drives her into hiding.
Schwartz and Holzman, who are in their 70s and come from Jewish families, may have taken on this project with images of the Holocaust in the backs of their minds. Yet abuse of power occurs in all eras, and lines written at the turn of the century seem chillingly applicable to our times.
“I don’t see why you can’t just teach history without harping on the past,” chirps Galinda to Professor Dillamond. He warns Elphaba privately about being pressured to conform: “If you make it intimidating enough, you can keep anyone silent.” Soon, two unidentified government agents burst into his classroom, dragging him away without explanation.
The grinning Wizard observes that “Everyone knows the best way to bring folks together is to give them an enemy.” And, later, “The truth is not a thing of fact or reason. The truth is just what everyone agrees on.” He appoints Galinda to carry out his witch hunt, but she surprises herself by balking at unreasonable orders. Though she lacks the title of attorney general, it’s impossible not to think of another attractive, upbeat blonde who’s having qualms because her boss demanded she persecute his enemies.
Jensen has the most difficult task in Holzman’s narrative: making us believe in Galinda’s transformation from intense self-absorption to hard-won wisdom, graciousness in the face of lost love, and the ability to balance public and private feelings. She pulls off that change, though I sometimes had trouble understanding her lyrics in the sound mix.
Davidson impressed me even more than long-ago memories of Idina Menzel. She has a big voice, excellent pitch and enough breath control to sustain big notes, but she’s willing to sing softly and turn the electricity down for intimate moments. She’s believable not only when defying gravity at the climax of Act 1 but when pulling us quietly into Elphaba’s troubled mind.
If you’re going
“Wicked” runs through Oct. 26 at Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday. The best seats can be found on weeknights and at matinees.
Lawrence Toppman covered the arts for 40 years at The Charlotte Observer before retiring in 2020. Now, he’s back in the critic’s chair for The Charlotte Ledger — look for his reviews several times each month.
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Today’s Ledger is sponsored by VIA Health Partners, which delivers compassionate and comprehensive care to patients with serious illnesses. As the Carolinas’ largest independent non-profit hospice and palliative care provider, we serve over 5,000 patients daily, spanning 38 counties.
This week in Charlotte: ‘Iryna’s Law’ crime bill passes legislature, Major investment at UNC Charlotte, Drive-thru coffee battles, Helene hit 1 year ago
On Saturdays, The Ledger sifts through the local news of the week and links to the top articles — even if they appeared somewhere else. We’ll help you get caught up. That’s what Saturdays are for.
Education
CMS eyes staff housing at Garinger High: (Ledger 🔒) Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is exploring plans to build about 100 housing units on a 7-acre site at Garinger High School in east Charlotte, public records show.
Honeywell backs UNC Charlotte with major investment: (WFAE) Honeywell is funding a new “Innovation Hub” at UNC Charlotte to expand STEM education and research.
Politics
Crime bill passes legislature: (WRAL) N.C. lawmakers passed a crime bill—prompted by the killing of Iryna Zarutska—that tightens bail rules, increases mental-health monitoring and revives the death penalty, sending it to Gov. Josh Stein’s desk for approval or veto.
Local news
Shots fired into Medic ambulance: (WBTV) An ambulance carrying a patient was struck by gunfire around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday near the Midnight Diner and Spectrum Center.
WFAE to leave uptown: (Charlotte Business Journal, subscriber-only) WFAE, the local National Public Radio affiliate station, said Friday it’s leaving its uptown space in the spring, citing recent federal funding cuts and declining corporate support.
Business
Charlotte H-1B leaders: (Ledger 🔒) Bank of America led all Charlotte employers with 738 foreign worker visa approvals in 2025, followed by Truist (180) and Honeywell (125). The update comes as a new $100,000 federal fee looms over future applications.
Big new HQ on the way? (Real Estate Whispers 🔒) Local brokers say they’re hearing that Charlotte is on the verge of landing a big auto headquarters, which could bring 1,000+ jobs.
From the Ledger family of newsletters
A nonprofit that helps charities grow and thrive. Plus: Legislature to debate new anti-crime bill called ‘Iryna’s Law’; Developer dishes on new 43-story South End tower; Myers Park statue dressed as Revolutionary figure; Corn maze time
Wednesday (🔒)
The brewing battle for drive-thru coffee. Plus: Auto HQ headed to Charlotte?; Charlotte companies with the most H-1B visa workers; Toppman reviews Matthews Playhouse play; Legislature passes bills on crime, DMV
Friday (🔒)
A year after floodwaters recede, a community rises. Plus: Law schools draw record first-year classes; Charlotte gardeners face citations; Shots fired into Medic ambulance
Ways of Life (🔒)
In memoriam: Christa Guilbaud, an online educator with in-person impact. Also remembered: The founder of Camp SOAR; chairman of the board for the Metrolina Association for the Blind; an artist whose work was seen across Charlotte
Where the transit plan’s ‘road money’ would go: Much of the revenue from a higher sales tax would fund upgrades for pedestrian safety, intersections and sidewalks — not just new or wider roads.
After more than 60 years, ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ still stings: It runs through Sept. 28 at Matthews Playhouse, 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews
CMS: housing developer? Plus: Is Charlotte about to land an automotive HQ?; Charlotte passes vibe check; Checking in on Sycamore Brewing’s new Cotswold spot
Charlotte FC’s Harry Toffolo has battled a frustrating hamstring injury just weeks after his MLS debut, but while sidelined he’s embraced community work and family life in Charlotte, feeling more settled as he eyes a return before the playoffs.
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