In a few hours, I’m going to see Idina Menzel at the Birchmere. I’m not sure about her solo music – I’ve never heard it. But I do know she’s one hell of a singer, so it should be entertaining.
In preparation for this evening, I listened to the Wicked cast album today. (Seriously, girl can sing.) I could go on and on about how much I love this album, this show, and how it should have won the Tony (no offense, Avenue Q), but I won’t. I discovered the show in late 2005, which is about the time I decided I needed to change my situation and leave Chicago. So, like any other female between the ages of 16 and 30 during the Wicked craze, I felt like the show spoke to me.
“Something has changed within me. Something is not the same. I’m done with playing by the rules of someone else’s game.”
Man. Sometimes I hate being a cliche. But seriously, who can’t relate to those lyrics?
Video of the Day: While preparing for this evening I came across this video, which is kind of awesome. (And yes, I do prepare for concerts. Doesn’t everyone?) Watching this is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. I love you, Raul Esparza.
Retrowatching 
First, I agree that Wicked should have won the Tony that year. Ave Q is great but it isn’t Wicked.
Second, you’re right. Everyone can relate to that show. I remember back in college the day I decided that I eventually wanted to get my own place (a very dramatic decision at the time) I was listening to “Defying Gravity” and to this day I still feel a bit more empowered when I listen to it.
I hope you enjoyed the concert!
Whenever the subject of Wicked vs. Avenue Q comes up (which is not very often) I always remember what my mom said about it. I quoted a Washington Post review of Avenue Q, and the guy was like, “While Wicked was great and celebrated feminism, Avenue Q has something for everyone” (I’m paraphrasing.)
My mom’s response was: “I don’t agree with that. Yes, it was about females. But Elphie was also green.”
Anyway. While we’re praising Wicked, the song that gets me even more than Defying Gravity is Thank Goodness. When Glinda is all “Simply couldn’t be happier. Well, not simply. Cause getting your dreams is strange but it seems a little well, complicated. There’s a kind of a sort of cost. There’s a couple of things get lost. There are bridges you cross you didn’t know you crossed until you crossed.” Man. That kills me. And Kristin Chenoweth’s interpretation of it REALLY kills me. That song says everything you need to know about G(a)linda.
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