In continuing the tradition of one musical per year at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts (formerly known as the Orange County Performing Arts Center), I watched Wicked this past Friday.

Row F, 25-26. DEAD CENTER – Best seats EVAR!

I really enjoyed the production, but to me, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth ARE Elphie and Glinda, and no one else can compare. I think this is the only time I preferred the original cast members over current tour companies. For Rent, I liked Will Chase (as Roger) and Renee Elise Goldsberry/Lexi Lawson (as Mimi) versus the great Adam Pascal (I know, blasphemy, right?) and Daphne Rubin-Vega. Sara Jean Ford was a better Christine Daae than Sarah Brightman in Phantom of the Opera.

While I was laughing and having a good time, Henry just sat there stone-faced. Besides the fact that Henry just isn’t a big fan of musicals, he didn’t like Wicked so much because he didn’t understand many of the references to the Wizard of Oz. Why? BECAUSE HE’S NEVER SEEN THE MOVIE (or read the book). LAME! Who doesn’t know the Wizard of Oz ???

Anyway, next musical: Les Mis is coming to Segerstrom next summer!