‘Wicked’ brings witches, wizards, and munchkins (oh my) to the Aronoff Center

Ben Cohen|March 10, 2014

“Wicked” is based off of the novel by Gregory Maguire. It debuted on Broadway in 2003 and has been a smash hit ever since. The show will be at the Aronoff through Sunday, March 23rd. Photo courtesy of Ben Cohen.
“Wicked” is based off of the novel by Gregory Maguire. It debuted on Broadway in 2003 and has been a smash hit ever since. The show will be at the Aronoff through Sunday, March 23. Photo courtesy of Ben Cohen.

There is something green about Cincinnati, and no it is not St. Patrick’s Day. The much hyped about musical, “Wicked” is in town for the Aronoff Center’s 2013-2014 season.

A brief synopsis, “Wicked” tells the story of the “Wizard of Oz” from the Wicked Witch of the West’s point of view and asks the question as to whether people are born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them

The show has been to Cincinnati multiple times before, but this is easily the best cast yet.  All of the leads were so incredibly strong in both their singing and acting.

Alison Luff, who played the not-so wicked witch Elphaba, was the real star of the show.  Her big solo “No Good Deed” brought about a nearly one minute applause. She was able to portray the character’s vulnerability as well as her strengths in such a natural manner, almost giving the original Elphaba, Adele Dazeem, sorry, Idina Menzel, a run for her money.

“Wicked” is a musical not to miss. Or to bring buckets of water to, for obvious reasons.