Student Critics Take on Wicked
Every year, a handful of aspiring arts writers and critics join the Tommy Awards Student Critics program. They attend performances of Broadway shows, touring dance and music companies and local arts groups, including Overture’s resident companies. Under the direction of Capital Times arts writer Lindsay Christians, they learn to take in these performances with a critical eye and ear and to produce honest, well-written reviews.
The new crop of student critics for 2015/16 came and saw Wicked last week, and just filed their first reviews of the year. Here are some highlights.
“St. Louis’ Glinda shines in her humor trying to stand out as one of the funniest Glindas. While her humor hits every mark at times, at others it can appear overbearing, as if she is trying too hard….The performance defies gravity.” – Elijah Genda, Waunakee
“Fox’s voice is perfectly suited to the task and goes from gentle to bitter to victorious in what feels like seconds…Wicked is not a flawless show, but it is an entertaining show, one that might even make you consider the world a little differently. Go on. Get a ticket. It’s worth it.” – Hannah Nies, Waunakee
“Every costume in the musical fit together like pieces of a puzzle, capturing a look not only right for each other, but right for the production. … The set designed by Eugene for the show is made of gears and cogs and clock parts, giving the show an industrial look different from that of The Wizard of Oz, but fitting for the story of Wicked.” – Lillian Norman, Madison East
“(St.) Louis makes Glinda completely hilarious and impossible to not love in a completely new and different way. She makes huge acting choices physically and vocally throughout the show that left me crying with laughter. … The chemistry between Fox’s and (St.) Louis’s characters is deep and believable. Their comedic timing is right on.” – Emily Newmark, Janesville Parker
So, do these student critics have you convinced? If so, get your tickets now — WICKED plays in Overture Hall through Sunday, November 1.
