Wicked: The Grimmerie, a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Hit Broadway Musical by David Cote Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Wicked: The Grimmerie, a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Hit Broadway Musical
Book Review: Totally Wicked!
Summary: 5 Stars
In July 2005 I was on an unexpected and whirlwind visit to New York City and happened to buy a copy of the Original Broadway Cast recording of "Wicked". I came home to Oz (Australia, that is), listened to it a couple of times and fell in love with musical theatre again.
Today I received my copy of "The Grimmerie" in the post and I'm not sure who was more excited - myself or my two small children who have also fallen in love with "Wicked". The book is amazing for anyone who, like me, may never get to see it on stage (although my fingers are crossed that my time will come). I have read some complaints about what the book does and doesn't include, but I have none. Glancing through it simply makes me want to jump on the next plane to NYC and finally see it for myself. A great souvenir; if you're a Wicked fan you must own it!!!!
Book Review: Wickedly pleasing!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are a fan young or old of the Wizard of Oz you always have a feeling that the movie doesn't tell the whole story. The Broadway Musical "Wicked" has been a runaway success because it fills in so many gaps in this timeless classic. The Grimmerie is a beautiful reminder and keepsake that you can share with the family and friends when you want to relive the experience of seeing the show. This book packs alot of information in a very small amount of space including but not limited too, how the show is produced, how sets are constructed, how the actors/actress's prepare for each night and the true joy that they take in preforming this Musical night after night. You will come away from reading the Grimmerie wanting more and I highly recommend not only the original book "Wicked" on which this Musical is based, but also the Original Broadway Cast Recording. It will leave you with the feeling that you are not just listening to the recording but truly experiencing a "Wicked" performance.Book Review: The Grimmerie lacks of magic...
Summary: 2 Stars
Though it is a beautiful book, it's content is somehow disapointing. First, Idina Menzel is missing in too many pages, just as Kristin Chenoweth. Okay, they're not in the show anymore, but if "you don't loose sight of who you are", you'll remember they're a big part of the success the show is encountering today. Then, pictures are very disapointing. Most of them were in the program or on internet (actually some are better on internet!). Quality is not amazing and again, opening cast is missing. On the good side, some illustrations are simply beautiful. And again the overall look of the book is great, too bad the content isn't following. That's why I only give it 2 stars. I didn't find in there 20% of the magic that show brings to people. But it still is a great add to your library and if you like or love Wicked, you have to have it.Book Review: The 2nd Bible (I give it really 4.5)
Summary: 4 Stars
If you are a WICKED fan, this is your bible. Here are the goods:
Pros:
1. REALLY cool pictures, graphics and the cover
2. How to do the 'Elphaba' from the Oz Dust ballroom
3. How they make Elphaba green
Cons:
1. Not a full libertto (just because the book doesn't have that doesn't mean it should only get 1 star)
2. The fan letters are stupid
3. Spoilers (for when fans wh show their friends who haven't seen the show.)
Otherwise, it is my second bible. :)
Book Review: grab your broomstick and book of spells to defy gravity with this totally wicked book!
Summary: 5 Stars
She wasn't wicked. Let's begin at that.
The Not-so-Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, was tortured by college students and lured into evil due to her mysterious ways a green skin...you've gotta give her SOME credit!!!!! Now a hit Broadway musical (tickets beginning at $110 big ones), "Wicked"'s spellbinding cast, music, set flies high on stage, and knowning you DIDN'T see it can send you green with envy to anyone who did!
Ever consider that Dorothy was a murderer to the Witch's sister? Did you stop and think that maybe Elphaba's sister was spoiled and she was just a little jealous? Ever wonder if Glinda and her were...ROOMMATES?!
The Grimmerie is used in Gregory MaGuire's book "Wicked", and is used in the musical as the book that Elphaba uses to cast spells. Not with real spells, but the "Grimmerie" does include cast/writer interviews, set design, costume/make-up tools, and music inspirations. With astounding pictures, a complete collection of musical lyrics, full acting libretti, and humorous creativty (jokes only Wicked-obsessers such as myself will understand), the "Grimmerie" is a wonderful and cute way to explain how the unknown story of the Witch of the West went from scraps of handwritten notes to novel, and from scribbly songsheets to money-blasting stage, the "Grimmerie" is DEFINITLY what "Wicked"-Lovers need!
So next time you read the Wizard of Oz, just try and remember these three things:
1.) EVERYONE DISERVES A CHANCE TO FLY!
2.) NO ONE MOURNS THE WICKED!
3.) DEFY GRAVITY!
Dance through life!