WICKED!

Wow!  That's about all I can say!  Is WOW!

Thursday night, we went to the the Broadway Across America traveling production of Wicked.   Don't know what Wicked is?  Here is a description from Wikipedia: 

Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. (In the album notes, Gregory Maguire explained that he derived the name "Elphaba" from the initials of L. Frank Baum.) Their friendship struggles through their opposing personalities and viewpoints, rivalry over the same love-interest, their reactions to the Wizard's corrupt government, and, ultimately, Elphaba's public fall from grace. The plot is set mostly before Dorothy's arrival from Kansas, and includes several references to well-known scenes and dialogue in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz as a backstory.

This show was amazing!  I can't even begin to describe to you how great this show was.  It was certainly a comedy.  It was also dramatic.  It did an amazing job of giving you insight to the Wizard of Oz.  

The theatrical details were stunning, from Glynda coming and going in a "bubble", to the over-sized "wizard" of oz, to the flying monkeys!  

The lead actresses voices were unmatched in their clarity, strength and control.

The supporting cast couldn't have done a better job.

I can only image what the production crew must have gone through to pull this show off as well.  The scene changes and the special effects were superb.

Although our local run is here for 3 weeks, it's nearly sold out.  I can certainly see why.  But I highly recommend if you ever get the chance to go, DO!  It will be worth everything you pay for the tickets!

AMW

Virginia International Tattoo

If you have never been to a Tattoo before, it's quite an experience. And it's extremely difficult to explain to someone what it is. From one site:

One International sensation, 850 artists. Marching bands, massed pipes & drums, military drill teams, display acts, choral groups, Celtic dancers, color guards, and more. Visit Norfolk and see the largest Tattoo in the United States, presented with all the grandeur and splendor of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Pageantry and patriotism, spirit and spectacle, talent and teamwork, precision personified, you have to see it to believe it- 850 performers join forces, filling Scope Arena with music, majesty and might. Each year we feature an innovative theme, new performers from around the world, and fresh staging and special effects.

From another site:

The beat of the drums, the call of the trumpets, the roar of the crowds—the mighty sounds of the Virginia International Tattoo return to Norfolk in April! The 2008 Tattoo is sure to set hearts racing with more than 850 performers from eight countries joining forces, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Turkey. This year it was awarded the American Bus Association's Prestigious “Internationally Known Event” Designation as one of the “Top 100 Events in North America”. The Tattoo thrills with music, majesty, and might. You have to see it to believe it!

I've gone every year for about the last 6 or 7 years, and it never disappoints. There are 3 shows each year, and all 3 shows sell out. If you get the opportunity to go, DO! You won't be disappointed...

AMW