Wickedly Phenomenal

My mom's favorite movie, for as long as I've known her, is the Wizard of Oz.  My nickname was even munchkin.  Every now and then I'll find something that is from the movie and have to get it for her.  Recently there was a line of fabric that was from the movie, so she planned on making a quilt.   

In the spring of 2010 it was announced that as part of the Best of Broadway package coming to Spokane, Wicked would be in the line-up. 

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest with excitement.  I knew I had to get tickets to see this show for my mom and I.  Not only is Broadway one of her favorite things, but to combine that with the Land of Oz, is perfection.  Tickets didn't go on sale for a year.  As a sign, they went on sale the day before her birthday.  I got two seats in the second the last row on the floor.  They were the best available 10 minutes after the ticket booth opened!  I made up a poem and gave that to her on her actual birthday.  We've been excited ever since.

One of the things about my mom is that life never really goes the way she has planned.  She always picks the longest line at the grocery store, always gets people talking to her about their life story when she's just trying to grab that carton of yogurt, etc.  Her life always has twists.  We decided to get there very early to ensure that nothing went wrong. 

As we walked in the door to the auditorium, we were led to row AA.  Two people were sitting on the end, but beyond that the row was empty.  As I started looking at the numbers I realized the two people in the row were actually in our seats.  I knew it was my mom's fortune!  I went up to the nice couple with the biggest smile I could muster and said, "Um, I think you're in our seats."

The lady looked at me and said, "we planned that."  I wasn't sure how to respond, so she continued, "you see, I have a digestive problem and I need to be close to this exit.  We have two tickets in row Q, near the middle, would you be willing to switch with us?  Are you okay with that?" 

"OF COURSE!" was our response.  They seemed genuinely concerned that we'd be upset.  We switched tickets and ran before they changed their minds!  We moved up 10 rows and from the outside of the auditorium to the middle.  I've never been more pleased to hear of someone else's digestive issues.  See how happy we were?

I know it's a bit blurry, but you see that gold looking blur in the back?  That's the row we were supposed to be in.  It was like my mom's birthday came twice this year!

We were not disappointed!  Natalie Daradich and Anne Brummel did an amazing job. 

It was funny, clever, sweet and absolutely not what we expected.  Who knew Wicked was a story of friendship.  The set was unbelievable.  Normally productions come in two days prior to the start of the show's run.  Wicked came in 10 days prior.  It was amazing to see all the set changes and all the props.  If you get the chance, please go.  You won't regret it.  Maybe you'll even get a lady with digestive issues that will upgrade your seats too!

It was the perfect night, with the perfect companion.  Thanks Mom for being born and loving Wizard of Oz.  We now have a new favorite musical.