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“Wicked” casts its spell “For Good” on KC audiences

by Erika Ashley-Atkins Views: 10
Claudia Bennett as Glinda and Aline Mayagoitia as Elphaba in the North American Tour of WICKED (photo by Joan Marcus)

The PNC Broadway in Kansas City series returns to the Music Hall with “Wicked.” Featuring a thrilling score that includes the hits “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good,” the award-winning musical is in its 23rd year on Broadway.

Many will have first encountered the storyline in the two-part fantasy film adaptation. The live staging compresses the storyline arc and requires significant, real-time technical achievements to reimagine the Land of Oz.

The touring production presents the lush visual and audio stimuli that audiences have come to expect. The clockwork set design, the Tony-winning work of the late Eugene Lee, features a steampunk vibe reinforced by memorable costumes for every scene.

Kenneth Posner’s inspired lighting design, together with the multimedia required to make Glinda and Elphaba fly, stuns theatergoers and creates a shared imagination. Be sure to watch the giant mechanical metal dragon that sits above the stage.

The impressive ensemble cast engages the audience to answer the question, “Why does wickedness happen?” Newcomer Claudia Bennett charms as Glinda, masterfully matching the more experienced Aline Mayagoitia as Elphaba.

Standout onstage chemistry by Pablo Laucerica and Cristina Sastre deepens the poignant sadness of Boq and Nessarose. Typically Act I’s “Dancing Through Life” is Fiyero’s big moment, but Ethan Kirschbaum’s warmth shines more brightly in Act II.

Drew McVety as Doctor Dillamond in the North American Tour of WICKED (photo by Joan Marcus)

I interviewed Drew McVety, who has performed the role of “token goat” Doctor Dillamond since 2025. The part challenges the actor to emote undeterred by a mask. McVety explained that the current production requires, in addition, a quick-change following the opening musical number to transform from a Munchkin to a talking goat. Immediately following the backstage magic, Dillamond performs a musical duet with Elphaba that pivots the story. McVety uses body movement to capture both the animal and human experiences.

As one of the most popular musicals, beloved for over 20 years, “Wicked” continues to resonate with a diverse audience including young and old, occasional and regular theatergoers.

“Wicked” plays Tuesday through Sunday each week through Aug. 30 at the Music Hall, with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are available from BroadwayInKC.com.