Wicked Review/ New York City, NY

"WICKED works because it has something Broadway musicals, so addicted to facetiousness and camp, have largely given up on: a story that adults can take seriously. Adapted by Winnie Holzman from the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, the musical reimagines a children's tale in grown-up psychopolitical terms a lot more successfully than, say Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine did for 'Into The Woods'. As the Wizard (Joel Grey) puts it, "The best way to bring folks together is to give them a really good enemy." Imagine: a family musical that might make the Bush Administration squirm. Which isn't to say WICKED, under Joe Mantello's assured direction, lacks funs. The show gets laughs by playing off famous bits from the movie. It also provides a showcase for two fabulous Broadway stars. Kristin Chenoweth, the Kewpie doll who won a Tony for 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown,' is a perfect delight as Glinda. In the tougher role of Elphaba, Idina Menzel is possibly even better, a mix of vulnerability and feminist passion, with a rock voice to raise the roof. With an awful lot of plot to establish, the show drags in spots. But IF EVERY MUSICAL HAD A BRAIN, A HEART AND THE COURAGE OF WICKED, BROADWAY REALLY WOULD BE A MAGICAL PLACE."