Lexington High School students—prepare yourselves for the most anticipated theatrical event since Shakespeare decided iambic pentameter was a good idea: LHS’s very own production of “Wicked.”
To clear up some confusion: no, this show isn’t about Boston (despite the name being called “Wicked”). In this version, everyone except Elphaba is painted green (don’t ask; they say they’re “trying to send a message”)—and current sources report that the dye seems to be permanent. It seems that nothing says high school theater more than a cast-wide makeup disaster (due to which we regret to inform you that the CVS in the center is now sold out of soap, makeup wipes, and bleach for the first time since its opening).
Despite these setbacks, the production crew’s commitment to authenticity is nothing short of legendary. When the script called for Elphaba to levitate during the show’s iconic Act I finale, “Defying Gravity,” the stage crew’s innovative solution was to launch her via a cannon. Multiple times. Without a helmet or any cushions. After all, why use stage rigging when you could defy safety codes?
“We wanted to emphasize the concept of ‘defying gravity,’” director P. J. Ura, who may or may not have been extremely serious, said. “Are you really defying it if you’re not risking mild traumatic injury? Or a concussion?”
The costume department also deserves an Oscar for its, shall we say, creative thinking in this production. In the original stage production—and the 2024 film—Glinda arrives in the opening number via a bubble, making her first impression in a poofy, pastel ball gown representative of her mode of transportation and her equally bubbly personality. However, it seems some details got lost in translation because, instead, LHS’s Glinda makes her debut in a disco-ball costume. It may be unconventional, but it’s certainly inventive!
“This show is all about redefining perspectives,” Paula Tazebad, a costumes crew member, said. “So we thought, what if Glinda doesn’t just arrive in a bubble? What if she is the bubble? Then we realized we didn’t have a bubble, so we had to use a disco ball instead, but at least she’s super bright and colorful!”
Rumors are also circulating about some unexpected theatrical moments. John Barley, who plays Fiyero, reportedly completed a flip so ambitious that he’s now sporting a fashionable arm cast signed by half the school. Nessarose (played by Alyssa Rode)’s wheelchair was motorized for the LHS production by our very own robotics team. As a result, she may have subsequently caused more damage to the set than the tornado that destroyed her character’s house. Perhaps most intriguing, the production team has decided to draw inspiration from the film adaptation of “Wicked” by making their intermission one year long.
“We know it’s a little longer than usual, but we encourage audience members to use this time to really hold space for the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity,’” Mariana Venti, who plays Glinda, said.
Cindy Arriba, who plays Elphaba, was unavailable for comment. According to outside sources, she was most likely somewhere practicing her “swankified” version of the “Defying Gravity” riff.
All theater enthusiasts and confused parents are invited to witness this groundbreaking production. Tickets include complimentary green face paint and a liability release form.
Showtimes: This weekend only. Bring helmets. And make sure someone has a fire extinguisher.