Wicked continues to amaze audiences after almost 20 years with its original story and thrilling scores. Check out the details in my parents guide musical review.
WICKED has come to St. Louis, playing at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from April 12 through May 7. The musical takes a different look at the story of The Wizard of Oz, focusing on the origin story of the wicked witch of the west, AKA Elphaba, who was originally played by the great Idina Menzel. This Broadway show comes to St. Louis, transporting audience members back to Emerald City and down the yellow brick road in these family-friendly shows. Check out the details in my parents guide review.
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Wicked Parents Guide
The Broadway sensation WICKED looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”
Wicked Age Rating Parents Guide
Let’s take a look at what parents need to know in this parent’s guide and the age rating of the movie before letting their younger children watch WICKED.
Language: WICKED has a bit of language but no profanity or strong language. The harshest words viewers will come across are dumb, “shut up,” and some bullying that calls Elphaba an artichoke.
Mature Content: The musical has dark themes with scary creatures and set pieces that include flying monkeys, a winged dragon that hangs above the stage throughout the show, a cursed child (a green baby), bullying, sorcery, animal mistreatment, and a death scene. Most people who know the story of The Wizard of Oz will remember the “melting scene” where the wicked witch dies at the hand of Dorothy; this scene is shown but behind a curtain and only the siloette is seen, including audio. Animals are mistreated, not allowed to speak, and kept in cages. There is an implied affair that happens between Elphaba’s mother and a mystery man. A couple of scenes include loud noises that may startle or frighten young children, but older kids will enjoy it.
Age Rating of WICKED: The musical WICKED has a PG ratings to G rating for mild peril, scary situations, and implied adult themes. It is appropriate material for all ages, although some younger kids may find some of the adult situations a bit scary with some scary moments. Young people 8, young teens, and older children will not have any problems with the material. The suggestion of parental guidance or an adult guardian is highly suggested for young kids under 8 year old. There is no sex scene or sexual content, and there is no foul language or bad language.
Overall Thoughts
There is something magical about the musical Wicked, which has been mesmerizing audiences for almost 20 years and continues to pack a theater every time it passes through a town. From the eye-popping costumes, the catchy tunes, and the interesting tale that hooks in viewers with its version of the story of Oz, it has all the makings for a musical success. But the show has more substance than the allure of flying monkeys and a glitzy good witch versus bad witches; it has humor and heart with an important message about the dangers of propaganda and authoritarianism, which is very appropriate considering the political climate as of late.
Wicked is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, with music and lyrics written by Stephen Schwartz, and introduces new and familiar characters one may remember from the story of Oz, including Glinda (Jennafer Newberry), the wicked witch of the west, Elphaba (Lissa Deguzman), and even some appearances from The Wizard of Oz (Timothy Shew), the tin man, and the scarecrow. The entire cast ensemble is phenomenal, each giving standout and believable performances. Newberry and Deguzman are terrific together, both commanding the stage, hitting the jokes on time, and enchanting theatergoers with their angelic voices as they belt out familiar tunes such as Defying Gravity, Popular, and For Good.
Wicked’s running time is around 2 hours and 48 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. So for those thinking of bringing along their little ones, consider the show’s length before doing so. But don’t let this be the deciding factor, of course. The Wizard of Oz is such a timeless classic that even today’s kids have likely seen it a time or two. Since there won’t be a movie adaptation of Wicked until next year if everything goes as planned, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to let them experience this stage production in all its magical glory.
