Thursday, October 25, 2007

A Truly "Wicked" Birthday!


This past weekend was one of the greatest birthday celebrations that I have ever had!! :) Sterling surprised me by flying us out to L.A. to see Wicked. We also toured around the city, hit a couple of art venues, and even made it to a few of the touristy sites. It was wonderful. It was such a nice and refreshing break. And, best of all, I got to have some time alone with Sterling . . . without our boys (whom I love dearly)!!! Yippee!!!

I just wanted to tell you all how much I LOVED Wicked!! The production was witty, clever, captivating, engaging, and bewitching - he he he! I was instantly taken with the music. What surprised me even more was the fact that the story had a truly great message. I mean, I would have never thought that a simple (yet intricately entwined) tale could leave such a lasting impact on me. I dare say that this play is now officially my #1 favorite!

Without giving away any major details, I wanted to share a few of my personal thoughts on the play. As you may know, Wicked is a tale of Glinda (the good witch) and Elphaba (the wicked witch) and how they came to be in the story, "The Wizard of Oz". Many people told me that this would be the story of how Elphaba became wicked. This is what I was expecting. I mean, after all, she was sooo wicked and mean, right?!

There is a part in the play when the Wizard of Oz says "The truth is whatever people choose to believe" (something like that). This really got me thinking about the perceptions that we develop in our lives - the viewpoints that we choose to settle on. The answers that we choose to be content with. How did we get there? Are we just running and jumping in the giant hole like that guy in the Wendy's commercial? Do we really believe everything that we hear? Or, do we choose to consider every angle of the situation? Do we give other possibilities a chance?

Without getting to deep and confusing everyone with my sudden epiphany (that was always there . . . it just needed to be given a shove in the side) I just have to say that "it is all about perspective, baby!!" I have realized that I need to broaden my perspectives and not always accept the social norm or the simplest explanation. There is often so much more to the story that we need to search out for ourselves, whether it be in politics, relationships, social interactions, etc.

I highly recommend this play. I LOVED LOVED LOVED it!! And don't worry, it doesn't need to be all deep and thought provoking, it can just make you laugh and feel good inside for happy endings!! ;)

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

what fun, zoe! i'm glad you had a good time. I've heard awesome things about wicked. i did try and read the book, though... it was pretty yucky - i put it down. glad the musical isn't like that!

Zoe said...

Yeah, I have had a few people tell me that the book has some darker topics in it. The play definitely doesn't touch on those!!

Ashley McKinnon said...

That's so great. I love that play. I haven't seen it yet but I am very familiar with the music. Every single pageant I go to...neverfails....someone sings "The Wizard and I", "Popular", or the most overly-done song "Defying Gravity." Noah and I want to go pick-up his sister from her mission in Phili next year and go to New York. Then we can see it on Broadway.

I am jealous though! That sounds like such a fun trip!

Ash

Uberly Ewe said...

My Book Club I am in read it last in November of 2006. I could not finish it because of the yucky stuff too. I am also glad to hear that the musical is better than that. If it comes to my town I will check it out!

Evey said...

That is so awesome. I am glad you had such a great birthday. Happy belated birthday by the way ;)

Beehive Art Salon said...

I'm so jealous! I've wanted to see that musical forever! I've had the same epiphany lately, more specifically about money, what we're taught to believe and what the realities actually are... it's amazing to open a door like that and question everything...

Tee/Tracy said...

Love the first paragraph - of course you love the boys, but adult alone time is soooooo good. LOL.

I have to admit, I'm not into musicals at all but your review has snagged me. I'm interested for sure!

Shionge said...

Wooo...sounds like you really did have fun :D GREAT!!