WICKED is AWESOME!

It was a VERY late night afterwards as we drove back home to Holland, MI. I think we crawled in bed around 3:30 a.m. But as usual, it was so worth it!

So, here is a picture of my carpool group (minus myself) that just got back from another sweet trip to Chicago, last weekend, to see the ever "Popular" and stunningly beautiful Broadway show, "Wicked". This was officially my third time seeing it and I enjoyed it just as much!

The show is just pure "magic"! Everything from costumes, to set, to storyline, to music, to lighting, to the "shock-factor". I love it all!

My wife and I took 35 people into the windy city last night to experience the Tony Award winning production. We made really great time on the road and only ran into a little but of traffic at the end. We met most of the group outside the theater around 6:00 and went to eat at a corner bakery restaurant. After a nice meal, we gathered into the beautiful Oriental Theatre and watched the show.

Even after seeing it several times, I still enjoy living through the story with the characters and I always walk away with a few more insights into the show. Plus, it's always nice to see the show with new people and feed off of their excitement as they experience it for the first time. This trip was no exception. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we had a "Wonderful" time. Even though it was just "One Short Day" in the windy city.

Afterwards, my group (which consisted of my wife, Michael Ulrich and his mom, and Chad Adkins) decided that we wanted to go by the stage door to meet some of the cast. So we did, and even got some autographs and photos with Kristy Cates (Elphaba) and Stacie Morgain Lewis (Glinda).

Here are the guys with Kristy Cates who played Elphaba. Stacie Morgain Lewis (Glinda) was also there outside but was not feeling well and only signed one autograph and took one picture (unfortunately, not with our group).

From what I have read from the critics, out of the three current productions running, the Chicago production is the best! So I am proud to say that I have been able to see the BEST "Wicked" production THREE times!

This show has just completely exploded in popularity and is growing fast. Right now, there is a London and a Los Angeles production in the works. That would make a total of FIVE around the world! I have also heard talk about an upcoming MOVIE version in the works. I have read that Steven Spielberg has bought the rights and is working on getting the production started. That would be awesome!

No doubt you all have noticed how many musicals are starting to be turned into movies. Right now, "Hairspray" & "Dreamgirls" are coming up. Past modern movie musicals are, "The Phantom of the Opera", "The Producers", "Rent", & "Chicago". I kind of like the trend. I just hope that they start doing the more cleaner shows in the future.

Well, that's all for now. Keep the love for Live Theatre alive! Attend a show near you!