‘Wicked’ begins five-week run at the Academy of Music | The Triangle

‘Wicked’ begins five-week run at the Academy of Music

Have you ever wanted to defy gravity? Or maybe just to be more popular?

Well, you’re not alone.

In fact, there was once a young witch named Elphaba who felt the very same way.

The hit Broadway musical “Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz,” more simply known as “Wicked,” is making its rounds once again. This time, it will be stopping in Philadelphia for a five-week run at the Academy of Music.

This delightful take on the universe we all know and love from “The Wizard of Oz” originated in 1995 when Gregory Maguire wrote the novel on which the story is based. It was transformed into a musical and debuted in San Francisco in 2003, to much acclaim. “Wicked” has since won countless awards and is currently the ninth longest-running musical on Broadway.

The story follows the friendship between Elphaba (later known as the Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda (who would become Glinda the Good Witch.) It’s an interesting and eye-opening take on the characters who you thought you knew from “The Wizard of Oz.” “Wicked” offers a completely fresh perspective and will make you appreciate the characters so much more.

“Wicked” also has one hell of a soundtrack; you may already know some of the more popular numbers such as “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” “For Good,” “One Short Day” and “Dancing Through Life.” If you’re unsure, check out the original cast recording on Spotify and listen to the fantastic powerhouse of a duo that was Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.

You may be thinking that “Wicked” is only for “Wizard of Oz” superfans, but fear not! You don’t even need to have read the book or seen the film to enjoy the musical (although having a general sense of who the characters are will certainly augment your enjoyment.) “Wicked” succeeds as a standalone work of art, telling a complete story that you do not want to miss out on seeing.

So splurge a little bit! Take “one short day” and make the trek to the Emerald City and see for yourself why everyone is raving about “Wicked.”

The show will run July 26 through August 27. Tickets and further information are available at www.kimmelcenter.org.