Returning to Seattle after its successful 2006 run, the touring production of Wicked fulfills nearly every convention necessary for a teenage rom-com. Following the opening scene in which the citizens of Oz are celebrating the death of the Wicked Witch, the story flashes back to when a green-skinned, brainy college girl named Elphaba (Donna Vivino) meets Glinda (Chandra Lee Schwartz). Glinda is bitchy and blonde, so everybody loves her. Both girls are horrified when they end up roommates, and even more so when they realize they both like the same boy, a hottie named Fiyero (Richard H. Blake). The songs sound like they were produced by Max Martin and the funky, colorful costumes look like they were designed by Betsey Johnson. The sets are drenched in glitter and colorful lights. Its pure popsaccharine sweet, shiny, and sleek. And thats why its fun as hell. People love Wicked. And sometimes, as a bitchy blonde once astutely noted, its all about being popular. ERIKA HOBART
Tuesdays-Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sundays, 1 & 6:30 p.m. Starts: Sept. 2. Continues through Oct. 4, 2009
