Kyle Dean Massey returned to the cast of Broadway’s “Wicked” on July 31 in the role of Fiyero. Massey will be taking over the role from Richard H. Blake, who gave his final performance at the Gershwin Theatre on July 29.
Kyle Dean Massey is no stranger to the role or to Broadway. He last played Fiyero on Broadway in the spring of 2011. He also performed this role in the First National Tour of “Wicked.” Massey’s other Broadway lead roles include Gabe in “Next to Normal” and Thalia in “Xanadu.” His Off-Broadway credits include “Altar Boyz” and “Lucky Guy” where he played Matthew and Billy Ray respectively.
The musical “Wicked” is adapted from Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name. “Wicked” serves as a prequel to the events of “The Wizard of Oz.” The show explores the friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. “Wicked” comments on the nature of good and evil. Some of the songs are “The Wizard and I,” “Dancing Through Life,” and “Defying Gravity.”
Currently, there are seven worldwide productions of “Wicked.” These productions include New York, London, Japan, Holland, Australian/Asian tour, and two North American tours.
“Wicked’s” current cast includes Jackie Burns (Elphaba), Chandra Lee Schwartz (Glinda), Randy Danson (Madame Morrible), Adam Grupper (The Wizard), Etai BenShlomo (Boq), Jenny Fellner (Nessarose), and Tom Flynn (Dr. Dillamond).
The Broadway production of “Wicked” is directed by Joe Mantello. Stephen Schwartz wrote the score and Winnie Holzman penned the book. Schwartz is responsible for such hit musicals as “Godspell” and “Pippin.” He also wrote the lyrics for the films Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Prince of Egypt.
“Wicked” opened on Broadway on October 30, 2003. The musical has won over thirty-five major awards. It was nominated for eleven Tony Awards and won three. The show received Best Actress (Idina Menzel), Best Costume Design (Susan Hilferty), and Best Scenic Design (Eugene Lee). “Wicked” also garnered a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.
Nick Orlando of Theatermania.com interviewed Kyle Dean Massey. When asked why he thought “Wicked” was a hit musical, Massey stated, “It has this universal appeal. People love the sets, the costumes. It is a complete package show. It gives people what they want and I’m happy to be onstage and give it to them.”
London Review’s Nicholas De Jongh had high praise for “Wicked.” He said, “No musical as weird or steeped in fairy-tale magic as ‘Wicked’ has cast its multi-million pound spell upon the London stage in decades.” De Jongh continued, “When it comes to inventive make believe Wicked more than lives up to its name.” He also complimented the director with, “Joe Mantello’s production expertly marshals this remarkable kaleidoscope of magical shocks, surprises and sensations. Wicked works like a dream.”
Richard Zoglin of Time Magazine wished all Broadway shows could be more like “Wicked.” He stated, “But if every musical had a brain, a heart and the courage of Wicked, Broadway really would be a magical place.”
The Broadway League reports for the week ending on July 29, 2012, “Wicked” grossed $2,055,433. For a full schedule of performances visit the play’s official website.
