I read the book Wicked in 2004 and was so jazzed about it. Then I heard that there was a Broadway play of Wicked and just had to go, but it was in New York. No chance of me getting to New York anytime (darn it) but I kept up on all that was happening with Wicked and even bought the book “Wicked”The Grimmerie, a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Hit Broadway Musical” so that I could at least see how the play came to life. Then a few months ago I got an email from Ticket Master of upcoming shows and Wicked in San Francisco was one of them. I knew that I had to go so I purchased tickets for a matinee show and we went the day after my birthday. The play was wonderful, great singing, great dancing and it was funny too! Oh and the part of Madame Morrible is now played by Patty Duke! who took over the roll from Carol Kane.
We drove to Walnut Creek where we were able to drop off Lily so she could play with her cousins Julia and Donovan all day and had a great time! We took the Bart train into the City, this was a wise decision because the train stops right by the theater (Civic Center) so there was very little room for error in the ‘getting lost’ category.
Here is a video of our trip. Now, I don’t have any video of Wicked because they are very very strict on their no camera policy and I really didn’t want to get my flip taken away or worse, be kicked out.
I was able to sneak in one picture from my blackberry. This is of the stage and the curtain before the show.
After the show we walked up Market to Union Square for some dinner. I wanted to eat at the Cheesecake Factory which is on top of the Macy’s building. We were lucky enough to get a table on the outside terrace, although after we were sat I see why. Pigeons. Well, they weren’t too bad as not one poop on me!
Below is a photo of where I spent most of my time in San Francisco in the 90′s. At The Disney Store. This store WAS on the 1st floor of the Borders building at 400 Post Street. I was part of the opening cast in 1995 and it was such an awesome time for the company and for me. But it closed a few months ago because the Children’s Place took over and ran it into the ground! Ok, that is just my opinion but this is my blog so I get to say what I want. The only way that place was going to make a profit was to sell more San Francisco specific product. We sold ONE style of t-shirt with Mickey Mouse and the word “San Francisco” on it and they sold like hot cakes! Whatever, it’s history now.
I was so excited to head into the city with Louis for a few reasons. 1) so that we could spend some time together without Lily and 2) just to be back in the city again. I thought really really thought that I missed the city but I was wrong. Once we spent a few hours back in the city I was done with it. It smells like urine, cigarettes and is so dirty. Some of the gems that I saw was a smashed up pigeon in a crosswalk, a few chicken bones, urine puddles and many many people. I can’t believe that I used to live there, well there is a reason why we grow up right? I lived in the city when I was in my 20′s and ready for adventure and freedom. Now I am in my thirtys I enjoy my suburbia lifestyle.
If you want to know more information about Wicked, check out these links.
SHN – San Francisco & The Orpheum Theater
http://www.musicalschwartz.com/wicked-sf.htm
SacBee article about Teal Wicks – She is from Sacramento and playing Elphaba
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (Harper Fiction)
Wicked: The Grimmerie, a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Hit Broadway Musical
