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
