The 2018-2019 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season officially began on Wednesday with opening night of the return of ‘Wicked’ to the Majestic Theatre. This hugely popular musical has become a cultural phenomenon since its first performance in San Francisco in 2003 will run through Sunday October 14 with showtimes Friday at 8p.m., Saturday at 2p.m. and 8p.m., Sunday at 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30p.m. Tickets start at $53.50 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by calling 800-982-2787, or by visiting the Majestic box office. ‘Wicked’ is based on the 1995 bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire and has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. It is the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, the future Good Witch of the North, who meet in the Land of Oz before Dorothy drops in. Their friendship is put to the test through a series of events including their reaction to the Wizard’s corrupt government and Elphaba’s eventual fall from grace.

‘Wicked’ begins with Act I set in the Land of Oz where the Ozians are celebrating the death of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda the Good Witch confirms the death and starts to recount Elphaba’s past, including how her mother had an affair while her father was out of town and how she was the product of that affair. (“No One Mourns the Wicked”) When an Ozian asks Glinda if Elphaba and she were friends, she reluctantly agrees and proceeds to tell the story of how they became best friends. The flashbacks begin when Elphaba and her sister Nessarose arrive at Shiz University (“Dear Old Shiz”) where the beautiful and popular Galinda, who later changes her name to Glinda, is also a student. During a confrontation with the headmistress Madame Morrible, Elphaba displays her magic powers which eventually lead to her being summoned to work with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, something she has always dreamed of. (“The Wizard and I”) When she finally meets him, she is disappointed to learn that he is a regular man with no magical powers and behind all the terrible things that have been going on in Oz, including the subjugation of the animals. Elphaba becomes a confident young woman and together with Glinda and Fiyero, a shared love interest, they fight to right the wrongs and bring peace to the Land of Oz, regardless of the consequences.

The complicated relationship between Elphaba and Glinda takes center stage but this multi-layered musical has something for everyone. There is enough humor, action and romance to keep audiences coming back every time it rolls into town. Considered a prequel of sorts, it gives numerous references to ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ namely the origins of Tin Man, Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and the Flying Monkeys and how she got the reputation as the bad witch. Ginna Claire Mason and Mary Kate Morrissey are excellent as Glinda and Elphaba and work together splendidly while the lighting and gorgeous costumes help transport the audience to the magical Land of Oz. Show highlights include “Popular” as Galinda tries to give Elphaba a make-over, “Defying Gravity” when Elphaba realizes that she must not let anyone hold her down and “No Good Deed” when Elphaba fails to protect Fiyero because of the limitations of her powers and vows to live up to her reputation as the “bad witch.” It is not necessary to be familiar with ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ but it helps because of the various refences throughout the story. With universal appeal, it is appropriate for all ages, but the appearance of the Flying Monkeys might make some people uncomfortable. There are still many chances to catch this must-see production.

“Are people born Wicked, or do they have Wickedness thrust upon them?” – Glinda the Good Witch