‘Wicked’ defies gravity

By Shari Goldstein Stern

“Wicked” is back, thrilling Broadway Dallas audiences at the Music Hall at Fair Park for a five-week run through June 14. The magic of “One Short Day in the Emerald City” exceeds all expectations. 

Triple-threat actress Kristen Chenoweth was 35 when she performed in the original 2003 Broadway production of “Wicked” as Galinda, the good witch. Idina Menzel as Elphaba, the green, wicked witch, was 32 when she deservedly received the 2004 Tony for Best Actress in a Musical. The show launched both women into enormous career success, and they continue to shine today. 

At last week’s opening, two hardly known, early 30s ingenues brought down the house in those roles, displaying lofty talent beyond their years with unforgettable, sterling performances. These two witches may be destined to enjoy futures in theater as rewarding as those of their witchy, now-famous, predecessors. 

As Galinda, Zoe Jennsen, hailing from Rockford, Ill., was dizzying, girly, precious in pink, disturbingly self-absorbed and hilarious. Her energetic verve never wavered as she displayed a gift for physical comedy while basking in her own, over-the-top cuteness. 

Jennsen has an impressive creative bio, including appearances in Broadway’s “Six” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” a regional production of “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” and in the National tour of “Hamilton.” With a BFA from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, she has television credits for “Law & Order SVU”and other series. In a televised interview, Jennsen explained that since seeing “Wicked” in Chicago at age 11, Galinda has been her dream role. 

Jessie Davidson’s Elpheba showed remarkable restraint despite constant harassment and bullying from classmates at the prestigious Shiz University, where both young women were students. New York’s Davidson was as quirky as a young witch with a forest-green complexion might be. Clearly blessed with an exceptionally intelligent, curious mind, she thrived on understanding and championing the underdog, as with her goat professor and other speaking animals at risk of cruel extinction. Her story resonates with the world’s timeless, ongoing battle for inclusion. Davidson’s vocals are a feast. Few, if any, patrons will forget the exquisite power of her iconic endnote. 

Back in the day, the Music Hall’s acoustics were a constant source of critical frustration. That has been a thing of the past since several sound system overhauls. The sound quality during scripted conversations, though, especially between Elphaba and Galinda and among Shiz University students, is barely audible. Whether that is a mic issue or the actors’ reluctance to project, it’s disappointing to miss a word of dialogue. 

The versatile Tom McGowan has played the Wonderful Wizard of Oz in other “Wicked” touring companies since 2009. This is his fifth national tour of the classic. Since 2010, the show has visited the Music Hall at Fair Park (formerly under Dallas Summer Musicals’ umbrella, now under Broadway Dallas’) multiple times, and McGowan is reprising the role he has performed here before. He gave another larger-than-life performance of the Wizard.  

Audiences may recognize the versatile comedic character actor best for his television roles as Kelsey Grammar’s station manager, Kenny, in “Frazier,” Ray Romano’s friend, Bernie, in “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and one more quirky character in Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” He also appeared in episodes of “Desperate Housewives,” “ER,” “Hot in Cleveland” and many others. 

Among McGowan’s substantial film credits are winners like “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “As Good as it Gets,” and “The Birdcage.”  

He was seen locally in the 1990s as Scrooge in Dallas Theater Center’s “A Christmas Carol.” McGowan said his love of theater began when his parents took him to see “Fiddler on the Roof” at age 11. He remembered peering into the orchestra pit and wanting to see backstage. “I knew then I wanted to be an actor,” he said. 

When asked about his preference between film, television and theater, McGowan replied, “There’s nothing like performing in front of a live audience. Theater is my first love. While doing television and film, I have always stayed active in theater.” 

The admired actor is no stranger to Dallas. His wife, Cathy Cummings McGowan, is a Dallas native who attended Highland Park High School and graduated from SMU. She has appeared locally at Dallas Theater Center and Theatre 3. The couple married at Highland Park United Methodist Church in 1991. “That was my first experience in Dallas in August. It was 103 degrees,” McGowan quipped. 

In an interview during the actor’s 2013 “Wicked” tour at Dallas Summer Musicals, he said that while in town during the season, he never misses a Rangers game, and “Of course, Tex-Mex is a priority when I’m in here.” 

With some advance preparation, younger children can take their parents to enjoy “Wicked,” aside from a fearful, fire-breathing dragon on the proscenium arch, flying monkeys and the Wizard’s booming electronic voice. Many little girls in sequined dresses and sparkly shoes were entranced during opening week. “Wicked” is a must-see, even for those of us who can never tire of the spectacle. 

“Wicked” continues its five-week run through June 14 at the Music Hall at Fair Park. For tickets and information, call 866-276-4884.