Wicked....The Book

[spinguru]

My daughter took me to see Wicked before she left for school. I enjoyed the show very much -- and decided to read the book. It's a great read -- if you enjoyed the Wizard of Oz as a kid (even if you WERE scared of the monkeys -- yes, I was!), you'll enjoy this in depth take on the "Wicked Witch". Best of all, it is an in-depth look at the nature of evil, what constitutes "good" and "evil", etc....It's very detail oriented though, so if you like a quick read, perhaps not the best choice. I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed the story.

[like2bike]

Thanks for the recommendation! I'm always looking for a good book to read!

[DanielleF]

I loved the book Wicked. Ya gotta love a baby born with fangs....

[AC]

I saw the musical about 2 years ago and thought it was great. The story is a brilliant satire on prejudices and the music is soaring.

BTW...There are a few remixes of "Defying Gravity" that are a lot of fun to use.

[2bfit]

Has anyone read the sequel? Isn't it "Son of a Witch"?

[cfoam4me]

September is my birthday, as well as my DH's (plus our anniversary), and my DH's mother gave us $$$ for Wicked tickets. Suggestions for a before dinner locale, mebbe even a reasonable overnight for a Friday or Saturday night show?

[spinguru]

When we saw the show, we went to Ruths Chris for steaks afterward-- yummmmmy. Pricey, yes, but well worth it. The words "reasonable" and "overnight" in Center City don't often go together, but sometimes you can get good package deals. The Bellvue is literally steps away from the Academy (as is Ruths Chris), but there are so many great hotels in Philly, it's hard to pick. One of the most romatic getaways my husband and I have ever had was at the Latham Hotel in Philly -- small, very quaint hotel. Absolutely wonderful, but it was years ago, so I'm not sure how they do now. Lowe's Hotel on Market Street isn't in the most scenic part of the City, but it's reasonable and has a great spa and gym inside the hotel that hotel guests can use for free (spa services extra). Very modern rooms, if you like modern decor, you'll love it there. We enjoyed a nice getaway there also, about a year ago. Of course, there's always The Ritz, but "reasonable" it's not :). Wherever you decide to go, enjoy!

[spinguru]

The sequel is Son of the Witch -- there's an exerpt of it in the back of Wicked -- that's next of my list :).

[NJspin]

Mary, check out philly.com there are often good weekend deals like 2 for the price of one etc.. Varalli's across the street from the DoubleTree on Broad St is a great place to eat. Up near 17 th and Chestnut is Protifinos but be ready to take home something as servings are huge. Fado's behing the Academy is good for Irish fare. Mixto on Pine and 11th is great also if you are into Cuban. Want more? PM me. September is my birthday, as well as my DH's (plus our anniversary), and my DH's mother gave us $$$ for Wicked tickets. Suggestions for a before dinner locale, mebbe even a reasonable overnight for a Friday or Saturday night show?

[AC]

Wicked is a prequel to "The Wizard Of Oz". Elphaba becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda, the "Good Witch".

The lyric in Defying Gravity, "So if you care to find me, look to the western sky".

[cfoam4me]

Ooops, sorry guys, we're seeing it in NYC. Thanks for the Philly tips though. We always get questions from friends passing through about where to stay and what to eat when they come to Philly. Any for the Big Apple?

[NJspin]

Son of a Witch is the second novel of a planned Wicked Cycle. Son of a Witch elaborates a darker and more mature side of the lighthearted world of Oz.In October 2006, Maguire announced that he was working on the third novel The Watermark (previously A Cowardly War), which will feature the Cowardly Lion. Looking forward to The Watermark here.
The sequel is Son of the Witch -- there's an exerpt of it in the back of Wicked -- that's next of my list :).

[spinguru]

Cfoam: If you like Italian food, and large portions, Carmine's is a great choice, and is located right in the heart of the theatre district, on West 44th Street. Warning: the portions are absolutely HUGE -- it's family style dining.

Since it's your birthday, if you want to splurge on a fantastic dining experience and you are in NYC and like French food, I highly recommend Daniel's on East 65th Street. You'd need to cab it if time is tight (or walk it if it's a beautiful day and you have the time!). My husband took me there for our 25th anniversary -- wow is all I can say, both about the food, the service and the very romantic atmosphere. However, it is a little $$, but in my opinion worth it. We didn't stay overnight, though, so we had a little more we could spend on our dinner.

I've never stayed here, but I understand from a friend that the Embassy Suites hotel in the financial district has a good deal on rooms on the weekend. NYC prices for hotels are outrageous -- that's why we didn't stay for our anniversary -- it was in December, two weeks before X-mas, which is prime visiting time in NYC -- cheapest I could find was over $500.00 a night -- too much for me. Check out package deals, also.

Have fun and enjoy the show -- there's nothing like Broadway shows in NYC :).

[AC]

My favorite pre-show dinner is usually at Cafe Un Deux Trois (123 West 44th St.). Excellent French food. Usually some theatre people eating there (Once sat across from Denzel).

Hotels are always expensive, so if you'd like a great location and great views, try the Marriott Marquis in Times Sq. The "View" which is the revolving restaurant is a great experience and very good food (and also expensive...but there isn't anything in NYC that isn't expensive).

[cfoam4me]

Thanks AC, I had forgotten all about Un Deux Trois, it is a great place to go!