I'm taking a break from movies this week to review a stage musical. Can I do that? Yes, of course. (It's bound to become a movie anyway.)

This is the Tony Award winning Broadway musical based on the novel "Wicked" by Gregory Maguire, which expands on the classic "Wizard of Oz" by Frank Baum. Wicked - The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz focuses on the early days of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, but goes right through to the conclusion we know so well from the Judy Garland film. It tells the story of Elphaba's birth as a green infant and her life as a school girl, where she meets Galinda (later to be known as Glinda the Good Witch of the North). They become friends and rivals as their relationship grows.

We learn :

• why Elphaba becomes the Wicked Witch
• how the Tin Man and the Scarecrow were born
• the secret of the Wizard of Oz
• the truth behind the Cowardly Lion
• why monkeys fly (and they fly at you, wow!)
• how Dorothy really came to Oz
• and the story of the Ruby Shoes

Much of the political and social background of Oz is brought to light in this clever story which adds new mythos to the story we know so well.

Elphaba was played by Amanda Harrison with great skill, and a marvelous singing voice that thrilled the audience. Glinda was played by understudy, Erin Hasan. Hasan was just outstanding - can't imagine a better performance - and she is a very fine singer. The complete principle cast is:

• Amanda Harrison (as Elphaba)
• Lucy Durack (as Galinda, later Glinda the Good)
• Rob Guest (as The Wizard) - passed away 3 months later.
• Rob Mills (as Fiyero)
• Maggie Kirkpatrick (as Madame Morrible)
• Anthony Callea (as Boq)
• Rodney Dobson (as Doctor Dillamond)
• Penny McNamee (as Nessarose)

My only quam with Wicked was the over-abundant use of stage fog, which at times thickly filled the entire theater. That much fog is just not necessary. I wonder how much exposure performers (who are swimming in it) can repeatedly take. I was glad to be in the balcony, which helped somewhat.

In summary: great story, great songs, great performances, and great stage design. Don't miss this rich theater experience, it's a rare emerald jewel indeed!