St. Louis Stage Capsules

Wicked We're off to see the Wizard — or at least the wizardry that can transform a Broadway musical into a phenomenon. With addictive songs by Stephen Schwartz, innumerable hi-tech effects and a red-eyed dragon threatening to breathe fire into the orchestra pit, Wicked races through the evening with the speed of a runaway train. Although the story transports us to a surreal world over the rainbow, the emotions conveyed here — love, friendship, betrayal — are more human than you'll see in many a more conventional musical. On its third visit to St. Louis, this imaginative variation on The Wizard of Oz is still in fabulous shape. Clearly, those who are shepherding the Wicked franchise are continuing to treat it with great care. Through July 11 at the Fox Theatre, 527 North Grand Boulevard. Tickets are $33 to $150. Call 314-534-1678 or visit www.fabulousfox.com.
— Dennis Brown