Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...It has been a while since I sat in a Chicago theater packed with diverse, paying customers and excited for every moment. Most heartening. Once the audience has gotten over the hump of a return with "Wicked," there's a decent chance they'll finally decide to come back for more, all over the city."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Outside of the cringe factor, "Wicked" is a fun romp, with beautiful sets, dazzling lighting and some great music in between the more perfunctory songs. "Defying Gravity" is a legitimate showstopper, and watching Elphaba's rise in a crucible of lights, her cape ominously hovering behind her is truly breathtaking, thanks to the talents of lighting designer Kenneth Posner. And Natalie Venetia Belcon serves up horrible fun as Madame Morrible, the conniving headmistress, angling for greater power."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...As aficionados know, "Wicked" was adapted from author Gregory Maguire's unconventional book riffing on L. Frank Baum's unconventional fairy tale "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.""
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...Wicked is an extravagant megamusical that gives you the green light to see beyond ordinary beauty. No matter how often you see this musical, you will walk away with a fresh sense of adoration. It is a cultural phenomenon of female friendships with unforgettable songs."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Theater is back and so is "Wicked". People claim that "Wicked" is Chicago's most popular musical, as it was here for years and I believe most of the city has seen it at least once. In fact, they had buttons tonight- some say "I have seen Wicked-- times" and others "This is my first time seeing "Wicked". I know this was my third and judging from those who were dressed in witch hats , I would think many have seen numerous productions or the same production many times. Why not? It is a touching saga that explains the pre "Wizard of Oz" story, but from a different angle."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"..."She's dead!" belts the ensemble in the opening moments of this spectacular hit show, which happens to be the 5th longest-running musical in Broadway history. But then the production flashes backward in time, spinning the enchanting story of how the girl with the emerald green skin grew to become the Wicked Witch of the West. This polished, professional production returns to Chicago, filled with flashy visuals and fantastic performances, haunting music and terrific choreography. This superb production is most definitely worth the trip to Oz, whether it's your first visit or, like me, your fifth."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...At the heart of this musical is the unexpected friendship between Glinda and Elphie (played by the commanding Lissa Deguzman). It's the prom queen meets socially conscious nerd quandary. The magnetic Newberry and Deguzman make the opposites attract palpable. Individually, they each hold their own. Opening the show, Newberry glides in like a perfect opera diva. Deguzman closes the first act by the crushing the inspirational anthem "Defying Gravity." Yet, they are a tour de force when they are together. Their relationship develops from loathing to learning to loving. The chemistry is so real when Newberry and Deguzman sing the final song "For Good", I'm moved to tears."
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...Wicked is a beautifully produced staging with a few especially strong performances. It was also rewarding to see a little diversity in the cast. The clunky plot and its unnecessary length (the first act alone runs 90 minutes) keep me from rating it it more highly."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...Witches have returned to Chicago, and an opening night full house was definitely excited to welcome them back. Broadway in Chicago brings the touring company of Wicked to the Nederlander Theatre for a delightful new run through Dec. 4. That two-month time period is also welcome in an era in which touring shows sometimes get less than a week, and the great news is that this is indeed a perfect, faithful, and exciting production of the Stephen Schwartz/Winnie Holzman musical based on Gregory Maguire's novel."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...Stellar ensemble and standout music and choreography make Wicked a must-see. Whether you are a long-time fan of the score or this would be your first introduction, the production is well-worth the ticket."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...This was my fourth time seeing Wicked, and I’ll be seeing it again next month. I have no doubt, having seen this specific production once, that I’ll have a great time at my fifth viewing. If you’ve seen Wicked before, come enjoy it again, and if you’ve missed it until now, remedy that as soon as possible. This show rocks."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...I believe that if any of us were mistreated or bullied or not accepted we could very well become "Wicked". You will laugh and cry, gasp and cheer. This is a beautiful story which should be seen. Welcome back to Chicago Wicked! If you can, see it with someone you care for. As the song says "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good". That's all anyone can ask for."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...“Wicked” is above all, an experience, and most that have it want to repeat it: often multiple times. Significantly, it does not disappoint with repetition, but only deepens."