Wicked, The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz - A Powerhouse Production At The Kimmel Center's Academy Of Music In Philadelphia

Theater: Kimmel Center, Inc at the Academy of Music, Philadelphia
Show Title: Wicked, The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz
Opened: July 25, 2007
Seen: July 26, 2007
Reviewer: Charlie Seymour Jr
Submitted: July 27, 2007

[As I've written before, though I will write here from time to time, I will not present formal reviews - others do that better and I think it's just better to leave it to them.]

The Cadillac Broadway Series at the Academy of Music opened Wicked this week and what a glorious production. Philadelphia Theater has another shiny star and she rode into town on a broomstick.

This national tour production has been out for about two years but it is fresh, beautiful, and powerful in its presentation at the Academy of Music. The grandeur of the space, the clarity of the sound, and the collective laughter and applause by all 2,650 in attendance last night produced a rousing emotional impact on everyone in attendance.

And though many in the cast were warmly recognized for outstanding performances, the audience leapt to its feet as one when Victoria Matlock and Christina DeCicco appeared for their curtain call - both the roles and the actresses deserved nothing less. These two witches were spellbinding - beautiful to watch and a delight to listen to.

Last night was more than just a terrific show - The University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts joined with Penn Alumni and sponsored a group, a cast talk-back, and a reception. This event was made possible by Marc E. (C'79) and Julie Beren Platt (C'79). Their commitment to supporting arts at Penn is manifested in the Platt Student Performing Arts House, which opened in Fall 2006 and is home to the more than 40 student organizations of Penn's Performing Arts Council, offering the Penn community a space specifically designed for exploring the performing arts.

Cast members Christina DeCicco (Glinda), DeeDee Magno Hall (Nessarose), and Cliffton Hall (Fiyero) joined Company Manager, Steve Quinn, and an enthusiastic gathering of Penn Alums in the first four rows of the Academy directly after the production was over.

Questions about touring, how many tractor trailers it takes to transport the production, how they like being in Philadelphia for an extended period (believe me, they DO!), and other questions about their personal journeys in theater were answered. And though sworn to secrecy, I can tell you that many of the effects and special features of this complicated production were discussed.

And at the reception at the DoubleTree Hotel, directly across the street, Annenberg Center, Penn Alumni, and the Kimmel Center were VERY well represented.

In small group conversations, Gideon Umile from the Kimmel Center shared some details of upcoming productions (and wished he had more time for several productions that are selling quickly). Fanny Chu-Fong, the Director of Global Alumni Network at Penn, was an energetic knowledgeable professional, introducing people to each other and making connections that will grow Penn's involvement with the arts throughout the region. Kristina Clark, the Director of Operations for Penn's Alumni Relations, introduced me to her son… and we discovered that I had photographed him while in performance at Young People's Theatre Workshop a few years ago (truly a small world!). And Andrew Rosenthal heads up the local Alumni Association and looks to expand the groups activities in the arts. [There were many others as well!]

And then there was Beth Delaney, the Director of Development for Penn Presents, the theatrical, music, dance, and children's programming arm of Penn. We had a great time sharing stories of Penn, Hal Prince, the growth of Annenberg Center (where I spent a great deal of time as a graduate student earning my MBA at Wharton), and the arts in the region. She is well-versed and well-connected. Beth and several other staff members crowded around a small table at the reception and we shared ideas about how to help arts groups with their Internet Marketing (something I spend a great deal of time working on and am passionate about).

Groups like this build enthusiastic audiences for theater. Seats won't remain empty for long when people enjoy themselves and remember the "experience" as the entire evening of fun and enjoyment.

The arts are strong in the tri-state area, and this was proven again last night. Now let's go tell our story to get even more people to attend theater throughout the region!

Charlie Seymour Jr
Founder / Chief Marketing Director
StageMagazineOnline.com