Review: 'Wicked' uses heart, humor to remind us why it's still a powerhouse after 20 years

With magnificent set design, dazzling costumes, unforgettable music, and superstar talent, a wicked good musical has set down temporary roots at The Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St., now through Oct. 8.

Told with humor, heart, and a message of acceptance, "Wicked," a three-time Tony winner, has returned to Louisville for the first time in eight years.

As it has since the musical first hit Broadway in 2003, Friday's performance in Louisville took the audience on a spirited journey down "a road made of yellow bricks" as it revealed the real story of what happened in the Land of Oz before Dorothy and Toto arrived.

Although the musical has been around for nearly 20 years, if you have yet to experience "Wicked," hang onto your hat (black and pointed is our recommendation!) You'll recognize most of the characters from "The Wizard of Oz" but certainly not the plot.

A not-so-Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a recognizable character in the theatrical production. The Flying Monkeys, Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion make brief appearances. As for Dorothy, she's pretty much out of the picture. The real plot centers around the witches, and how they became known as "Good" and "Wicked."

The award-winning musical is based on the critically acclaimed 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West." It tells the story of the misunderstood, green-skinned Elphaba, who is played by Olivia Valli, the granddaughter of Frankie Valli, The Four Seasons frontman. Friday's audience was treated to Valli's powerful vocals as she belted out “Defying Gravity” while being hoisted high above the stage in the Whitney Theater. The scene is a legitimate showstopper and received thunderous applause during the performance.

The green skin of the future "Wicked Witch of the West" is sort of a character all its own. It's hard not to focus on Elphaba's glowing green body and wonder how the makeup team creates the look. Turns out the greenifying process takes about 20 minutes to brush onto Valli's face, neck and hands before each performance. (And the makeup is called Chromacake from MAC in a shade called “landscape green.”)

On the flip side, Glinda, "The Good Witch," appears on stage fresh-faced and dressed in shimmering ballgowns, frilly ensembles, and a precious pink party dress. Actress Celia Hottenstein brings the role of the popular and bubbly Glinda to life.

With the characteristic hair-flipping and gawky mannerisms of the "most popular girl in school," Hottenstein plays the very "blonde" Glinda to a T. She's at her best during the scene when Glinda and Elphaba, reluctant school roommates, find a common bond while Hottensteain sings "Popular," another hit from the show.

Iconic songs like "Popular" and "Defying Gravity," along with Stephen Schwartz's other breathtaking original songs, including “For Good," "I'm Not That Girl” and "As Long As You're Mine," are a big part of what has drawn an audience to this musical for two decades.

A local bonus: the touring orchestra which accompanies "Wicked" is joined in Louisville by nine local musicians who are playing all of the performances presented at the Kentucky Center during its multi-week run.

As for the set design, the attention to detail is awe-inspiring in this PNC Broadway in Louisville production of "Wicked." From the grand Emerald City to the intricate animatronic dragon that dominates the stage, the elaborate set design elevates the energy of every scene.

From the moment the curtain rises to the final scene in this inventive tale, "Wicked" uses humor and heart to remind its audience that an open mind and kindness can lead to friendships that can emerge from the most unexpected places.

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com. Reach Kathryn Gregory at kgregory@courier-journal.com.

'Wicked'

WHAT: The stage production takes place in the years before Dorothy and Toto arrive in Oz and tells the story of Elphaba, a smart, misunderstood young woman, born with emerald-green skin and an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships until the world decides to call one "good," and the other one "wicked."

WHEN: now through Oct. 8

WHERE: The Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.

COST: Tickets start at $85.41

MORE INFORMATION: The recommended age for children is 8 years and up. louisville.broadway.com

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 'Wicked' PNC Broadway in Louisville 2023 review: Olivia Valli