# A Spellbinding Return: Wicked at the Hollywood Pantages

**URL:** <https://forum.geektherapy.org/t/a-spellbinding-return-wicked-at-the-hollywood-pantages/4652>\
**Category:** People of Con\
**Created:** [February 28, 2025, 7:02pm UTC](https://forum.geektherapy.org/t/a-spellbinding-return-wicked-at-the-hollywood-pantages/4652 "2025-02-28T19:02:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
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**Author:** ![PeopleOfCon](https://forum.geektherapy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/77aa72/32.png) [@PeopleOfCon](https://forum.geektherapy.org/u/PeopleOfCon)\
**Post date:** [February 28, 2025, 7:02pm UTC](https://forum.geektherapy.org/t/a-spellbinding-return-wicked-at-the-hollywood-pantages/4652/1 "2025-02-28T19:02:53Z")

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Originally published at: [A Spellbinding Return: Wicked at the Hollywood Pantages - People of Con](https://geektherapy.org/a-spellbinding-return-wicked-at-the-hollywood-pantages/)

Author: Winter Adair

On Tuesday, January 14th, I had the absolute pleasure of seeing _[Wicked](https://wickedthemusical.com/)_ at the [Hollywood Pantages Theatre](https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/venues/detail/pantagestheatre). This touring production is nothing short of a triumph—a dazzling, deeply moving spectacle that reminds us why this musical has captivated audiences for decades. Running through February 2, 2025, it’s a breathtaking return to form, bringing the [Land of Oz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_of_Oz) to life with stunning visuals, powerhouse performances, and a story that feels more relevant than ever.

This particular performance carried an extra weight of significance. It was _Wicked’s_ first night back after the [devastating Los Angeles wildfires](https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/fires-los-angeles-california-01-16-25/index.html), which continue to leave many in the community reeling. Before the curtain rose, producer [Marc Platt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Platt_(producer)) took to the stage to a standing ovation, reminding the audience that _Wicked_ was originally conceived in LA and, no matter where it travels, this city will always be its home. It was a powerful moment of connection. Cheers from the audience showed that we all appreciated the reminder of the resilience of theater and the communities it serves.

At the heart of this production is [Lauren Samuels](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3891827/), whose portrayal of [Elphaba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elphaba) is nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment she steps on stage, I was completely drawn in by her depth, vulnerability, and fierce determination. Her rendition of _[Defying Gravity](https://open.spotify.com/track/5QMrH5nszZZR3nefIj6Mar?si=9a2bac829039471d)_ isn’t just a showstopper—it’s a gut-punch, an electrifying moment that left me breathless. Opposite her, [Austen Danielle Bohmer’s](https://www.instagram.com/plainausten/?hl=en) [Glinda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glinda) is pure magic. She nails the bubbly charm and comedic timing, but what makes her performance special is the emotional complexity beneath the sparkles. Together, Samuels and Bohmer create a chemistry that is both electric and deeply touching, making their journey from rivals to soul-connected friends utterly mesmerizing.

[Xavier McKinnon](https://wicked.fandom.com/wiki/Xavier_McKinnon) brings effortless charisma to [Fiyero](https://wicked.fandom.com/wiki/Fiyero_Tigelaar/Musical), perfectly balancing his carefree beginnings with his eventual growth. [Erica Ito](https://ericaito.com/) and [Alex Vinh](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13021721/) shine as [Nessarose](https://wicked.fandom.com/wiki/Nessarose_Thropp) and [Boq](https://wicked.fandom.com/wiki/Boq/Musical), infusing their characters with sincerity and heartbreak. [Aymee Garcia](https://wicked.fandom.com/wiki/Aymee_Garcia) commands the stage as [Madame Morrible](https://wicked.fandom.com/wiki/Madame_Morrible/Musical), delivering a performance that is as deliciously theatrical as it is chilling.[Blake Hammond’s](https://wicked.fandom.com/wiki/Blake_Hammond) [Wizard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizard_of_Oz_(character)) is charming yet subtly sinister, while [Kingsley Leggs](https://wicked.fandom.com/wiki/Kingsley_Leggs) brings unexpected tenderness to [Doctor Dillamond](https://wicked.fandom.com/wiki/Doctor_Dillamond), making the show’s themes of prejudice and injustice feel all the more poignant.

Visually, this production is a feast for the senses. The set design is as breathtaking as ever, immersing the audience in the fantastical world of Oz with intricate details, grand illusions, and seamless scene transitions. I couldn’t take my eyes off [Susan Hilferty](https://susanhilferty.com/)’s iconic costumes, from Glinda’s ethereal ballgown to Elphaba’s striking black ensemble. The lighting and special effects add an extra layer of magic—whether it’s the eerie green glow of Elphaba’s spellcasting or the heart-stopping moment she soars above the stage at the climax of Act I.

The recent success of the film adaptation, _[Wicked: Part 1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked_(2024_film))_[_,_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked_(2024_film)) has only added to the show’s enduring legacy. [With a record-breaking box office debut](https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/wicked-makes-its-film-debut-strong-opening-weekend#:~:text=A%20Record%2DBreaking%20Opening,which%20opened%20to%20%24103M.) and a surge of renewed interest, audiences are flocking back to the stage production, eager to experience the magic live. During Thanksgiving week alone, [_Wicked_ the play topped Broadway grosses](https://people.com/broadway-wicked-tops-grosses-as-movie-box-office-soars-8756698), outperforming even _[Hamilton](https://hamiltonmusical.com/us-tour/)_ and _[The Lion King](https://lionking.com/)_.

What makes _Wicked_ feel particularly resonant today is its timeless message about truth, power, and perception. [In an era of misinformation, political turmoil, and deep social divides](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10106894/), Elphaba’s story—of an intelligent, compassionate woman villainized by those in power—hits even harder. For me, _Wicked_ has always been about more than just Oz; it’s about the courage to stand up for what’s right and the life-changing power of friendship.

The Hollywood Pantages Theatre, with its historic charm and breathtaking architecture, is the perfect home for this production. The energy in the room was palpable, as longtime fans and first-time viewers alike were swept up in the show’s grandeur. By the time the final notes of _[For Good](https://open.spotify.com/track/3WkgLAd7jGX3sZikfkF0lU?si=65c1afce6c1343de)_ echoed through the auditorium, I could feel the collective emotion in the room. It was one of those rare theatrical moments that remind me why I love live theater so much.

With a stellar cast, jaw-dropping production values, and a story that never loses its emotional punch, _Wicked_ at the Pantages is an absolute must-see. Whether you’re revisiting Oz or stepping into its emerald glow for the first time, this production will stay with you long after the final curtain falls. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic—I promise, it’s worth it!