Review: Willemijn Verkaik & Savannah Stevenson join Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre

Wicked

Apollo Victoria Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 19th December 2013

Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name, Wicked tells the cleverly put together, untold story of the witches of Oz. Despite being set in a different world, the secret to the show’s success is that it reaches out and touches so many people in so many different ways. At the core of the musical is a story of friendship, something so simple yet something we rarely see.

You will never be able to think about The Wizard of Oz in the same way after watching Wicked. I will never forget seeing the show for the first time and becoming completely lost in the incredibly enchanting storyline. The first act, which focusses on establishing the story, is set before the Wizard of Oz takes place when Elphaba (aka The Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda are at University together. The second act takes place during The Wizard of Oz and reveals what was happening behind the scenes… not all is as it seems. “Are people born Wicked or do they have Wickedness thrust upon them?” 

A new cast have recently joined the production, including Dutch star Willemijn Verkaik (pictured right with Savannah Stevenson) who is the first actress to play Elphaba in three different languages. Fresh from Broadway, Verkaik gives a refreshing performance - you would never know she has been playing the part on and off for just over six years! What I love most about Verkaik's performance is that she isn't afraid to hold back. She could have quite easily put her all into Elphaba's first big number 'The Wizard and I' but she effortlessly glided over the notes, before belting out the final section, leaving the audience wanting more. 

Of course the biggest number in Wicked is the act one finale 'Defying Gravity' which is quite simply one of the best and most powerful musical theatre songs ever written. The number starts so small and beautiful before building and building to its jaw-droppingly brilliant climax. Verkaik means every word and takes the audience on quite a journey. She belts out 'Defying Gravity's' climax fearlessly, leaving the audience to recover during the interval. Verkaik's portrayal of Elphaba is very different to previous actresses who have taken on the sought-after role. She is less sarcastic and more frustrated and angry from the beginning, yet she leads the cast so graciously. 

Savannah Stevenson has also joined Wicked as Glinda. She has made the role her own, which isn't easy when so many other actresses have played the part before her. Stevenson is hysterical during the first act (I loved her **toss toss** giggle) but really shines during the second act as she reveals Glinda's vulnerable side, giving nothing short of a sincere performance. She performs with such detail and seems to find the correct balance between playing up for laughs and finding the truth in the character. 

Jeremy Taylor plays the love interest Fiyero and it's great to see somebody act the role with such ease. Every time Sue Kelvin walked on-stage as Madame Morrible I couldn't take my eyes off her, as far as she is concerned she is starring in ‘Madame Morrible the Musical’ which I adored! Sam Kelly, who has recently returned to the show, makes a fantastic Wizard; I particularly enjoyed his gentle and heartfelt rendition of 'A Sentimental Man'. Katie Rowley Jones and Sam Lupton remain strong as Elphaba's sister Nessarose and innocent munchkin Boq. Rowley Jones' 'Wicked Witch Of The East' is always a highlight. 

The set is spectacular and the costumes are extraordinaryly  detailed. Stephen Schwartz's score is heavenly, but most importantly exciting and unpredictable - big numbers are suddenly stripped back and gentle melodies grow. The music is vital to the piece and always drives it forward, opening up the characters. Downloading the soundtrack is a must. 

Wicked is one of the only shows I would happily see again and again and again. I don't think anybody can put their finger on what makes it so remarkably special. It's wonderful to see Wicked in such fine shape, the new cast bring a new energy and Verkaik has such strong chemistry with Stevenson - the show is in safe hands. There is a lot of hype surrounding Wicked but you must arrive at the theatre open-minded. If you allow yourself to become lost in the piece you will have an unforgettable theatrical experience. 

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

andrew@westendframe.com

Wicked is currently booking at the Apollo Victoria until 1st November 2014.
Click here to book tickets.

Read West End Frame's interview with Katie Rowley Jones.

Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

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