Breaking the 'Wicked' curse

Editorial
I have a curse. It started ten years ago and follows me around, popping up a little stronger every three years or so when a certain national tour sweeps through town. The curse, the spell, if you will, washes over an innocent person’s face, like the woman cutting my hair, when they find out I create musical theater. They smile in anticipation of the connection they are about to make with the weird "artsy" dude. And then the question is popped: "Have you seen Wicked?" I have not seen Wicked. I love musical theater. I love the form, the history and the tradition. I would probably enjoy parts of Wicked, but I veer towards the kind of Musical Theater that’s a little more experimental, challenging and locally bred. The Wicked curse. It’s taking up space in my life too. I was gifted the Original Cast Recording for Christmas seven years ago and I have yet to listen to it. A year later a family member gave me a framed poster from the show that still sits in my closet. My family has ignored the fact I have never seen Wicked. They are trying to instantly make me a fan. Talking to my father about visiting for the upcoming holiday, he suggested taking a day off from work so that "maybe we could go see Wicked." I burst back, "Dad, there’s a lot of other theater in Chicago!" Other professions hold cursed questions. A friend who teaches high school choir recently lamented about how she’s constantly asked if she has a Glee Club. Soldiers are asked about Call of Duty, musicians don’t want to know what you think of the new Arcade Fire album and my poor seven-foot-tall brother-in-law is constantly asked what basketball team he plays for. But, in a city that has such a strong local arts scene, I expect a little more. If I told someone I crafted beer they wouldn’t ask me if I’ve tried Bud Light Lime. Would they? So, there lies my cursed question, an offering of recognition. "I know what you do, and I am familiar with it. Is this like what you do?" And here is where I have options, and I get a little frustrated. I want to start playing gatekeeper to the local arts scene and give them my tour of what’s good right now. Oh, if you like spectacle, you should try
Headshot of Mark Sweeney
Mark Sweeney
Mark Sweeney is a performer/ composer/ writer living in Minneapolis. He's recently been seen performing with Savage Umbrella, as well as at The Minnesota Fringe Festival and the Tiny Funny Women Fest. He also hosts and produces the podcast Twin Cities Song Story at noisepicnic.com