Mom’s Night Out: A Wicked Good Time

Some time ago we told you that Wicked was coming to town. It’s here now, and playing until June 29, 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Last week I had the chance to visit and check it out.

Wicked in Vancouver

Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, better known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Based on Gregory Maguire’s book of the same name, we meet a much more sympathetic character than we see in the Wizard of Oz. Elphaba is rejected by virtually everyone around her because she’s green. When she accompanies her younger sister to school and finds herself rooming with the beautiful and popular Galinda things change. Her powers reveal themselves, and soon she’s off to see the wizard.

Through the play we find out how Elphaba’s sister came to be the Wicked Witch of the East. We also get the back-stories of the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow. I hadn’t seen the play or read the book before, and I had no problem following the plot line. It was a fun twist on a classic story I’ve known since childhood, with strong characters and a touch of romance. The highlight of the show, though, is really the music.

The Music!

As a musical, Wicked has no shortage of spectacular singing and dancing. The songs are very character-driven, and the actors do a very good job of embodying the parts they play. At several points the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I had heard most of the music before, but seeing it performed in front of me absolutely took it to a new level.

If you decide to go, there are a few things to know. Children under the age of five will not be admitted, and everyone pays the same ticket price. I did see a number of kids there, but I doubt I would bring my own nine-year-old or five-year-old, particularly to an evening show since they don’t wrap up until 11:00pm. A reasonably mature 10- or 11-year-old would likely enjoy the show, and for the most part it’s fairly PG-rated. If you do bring your kids, I think it would be helpful to familiarize them with the back-story so that they can follow along more easily. Really, though, I would recommend seeing this play on your next date night or girl’s night out.

Vancouver Moms are Defying Gravity

We asked you to tell us how you’re defying gravity like Elphaba in Wicked for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show. While that contest is over, we wanted to share some of our favourite answers with you. Here’s how Vancouver moms are taking the wisdom of Wicked to heart:

I do what my gut tells me and I do what is right for MY family and the kids. Mistakes are okay with me because I learn every day on how to be a better parent for tomorrow. ~ Jeannie

I am a new mom, so everyday I feel like I am defying gravity. My four month old son teaches me so much everyday. ~ Siobhan

One of the ways I’ve trusted my instincts is with my son’s preschool. I felt a lot of peer pressure to put him in a Montessori program, but when it came down to it he just wasn’t happy there. Moving him to the play-based model has made a huge difference to his confidence and creativity. I’m so happy I did it! ~ Sonja

I come from a country where the insecurity is really bad. You can’t go out at night, drive too early in the morning, dress fancy or speak in a foreign language without feeling in danger. So, I packed my whole life in a suitcase and moved here. When I arrived I had a three month old baby and nobody to ask or trust with any kind of advice, so all the care I did was trusting my instincts. It has been four years and now that I look back I think made the best decision. Sometimes I feel like I’m flying solo, but at least I’m flying free. ~ Moya

I defy gravity by refusing to step on a scale. ~ Jennifer

I’m a single mum and trained to be a pilot when my first was only one, and had to trust my instincts many times because of the lack of support and time for my daughter. Not only did flying give me the confidence to trust my instincts, but I believe that every mother has a sixth sense when it has to do with their child and they should learn to use it and trust it. ~ Saba

I am ‘Defying Gravity’ by pulling my kids out of school frequently to travel and be educated in a larger classroom; the globe. ~ Tara

I am a proud mama to five children. They make me the mom I want to be. My youngest son has Down Syndrome and he inspires me always to trust my instincts. He has many therapists and doctors involved in his life but I always trust that I know him best and what will work for him and what won’t. I love being a mom, I feel that is my calling in life and what a wonderfully “wicked” time I am having. ~ Amy

Living each day without pulling my hair out! ~ Josie