Show was great, but the acoustics were terrible. Too loud and 50% was un-understandable. We were on the 1st level, right center.

I was tremendously disappointed in this show after having looked forward to it for so long. There was absolutely nothing memorable about it. I usually leave a Broadway show humming one of the tunes; you couldn't do that with this one - the songs were nondescript and boring. The music was awful, the songs were screamed, not sung, the choreography was blah, and the pace of the show was like a snail's crawl. If this were a TV show, I would have turned it off after 10 minutes. At the intermission I seriously debated leaving. We stayed, but in hindsight we could have left and not wasted another hour. I honestly don't know where the acclaim for this production came from. Bottom line: it STUNK.

The show was great but not as good as seeing it in NYC. The acoustics really were terrible but I found it to be the opposite of the other comment, I thought it was not loud enough and there was an echo. I was in the second row to the side in section B.

I thought the show was wonderfull!what an amazing performance.I cant believe someone would say it was bad.The cast was great!

I loved the show. It was really funny and good.

Saw the show on Wed. with Marcie Dodd and then Saturday with Carmen Cusak. Carmen is far superior, both as a singer and actress. Amazing performance. Well worth the second trip down.

My wife and I attended the Saturday matinee. Absolutely fabulous performance. Carmen Cusack shined above the rest. Katie Rose Clarke was outstanding as well. We sat in the balcony. The acoustics were fine.

Wonderful! I call it WONDERFUL!

WICKED was AMAZING! Everything about it was great. At my show Marcie Dobbs was Elphaba and thoaught she was so good. It was worth every penny.

WICKED is right. My guest and I could not understand one thing being sung on stage (and sometimes what was spoken) up in the Mezz. The sound system in this place STINKS at best. After spending $168.00 on tickets I can say that I feel ripped off. We ended up leaving at Intermission as did a few people around us. MAYBE you can understand the performers from the Orch. but certainly not in any of the upper areas of the theatre.
What a waste of my time and money.

Say the show on 11/18. It was AWESOME! From the stage sets, to customes to all the wonderful performers - truly outstanding.

At my show Marcie Dobbs was Elphaba - she did a wonderful job! I'd have to say Wicked is the best show I have seen in an extremely long time. It was surprisingly hilarous! So, so funny - we all laughed throughout the entire show. I would go see it again in a heartbeat.

-JoAnn

Saw the show on the 14th. Marcie was also Elphaba for that performance. She was amazing and the sound was just fine. I'm going back this wednesday and although not likely, I hope she is Elphaba again.

Saw the Sunday (11/18) night performance, in which an understudy stepped into the role of Elphaba. I cannot understand anyone who did not enjoy this show. I thought it was truly wonderful and magical. I saw it in London back in December 06, and actually enjoyed this show more. Well done to the whole cast, and especially the lady who stepped into the lead role- she was marvelous.

See this show. If you have a heart, a brain, and some courage, you will truly love it. HIGHLY recommended.

As others have already noted, what could have been a great show was ruined by the poor quality of the sound. The review in the Nov. 17 Courant alluded to the problem but, in my opinion, vastly understated its magnitude.

The Bushnell owes at least an apology to its audiences or, at best, a refund of some or all of the not inconsiderable ticket prices.

Will the Bushnell post a response?

I saw the show on November 15, and it was AMAZING!!!! The only word to describe it at the end is WOW! I was in the balcony, and the acoustics were fine. I definitly went home singing the songs. This show is well worth the trip and the money. If you are a musical buff like myself, Wicked is definitly something you need to see! I'm not sure what everyone else was watching if they had complaints, because it was AWESOME!!!!!!

Thank you for all of your comments - this blog is a great way for you to tell us what you are thinking, as we are always working to make improvements to all facets of our performances. We take all suggestions into consideration; however, The Bushnell only refunds the face value of a ticket if a perfomance is cancelled. Thank you for taking the time to let us know your thoughts, and we hope you continue participating in our blog.

Went to the Nov 16 show, as mentioned by a few above, sound was muddled, lyrics mainly indecipherable, and was very dismayed by the level of comfort in seating, small seats with people all scrunched up next to each other. Not a pleasant overall experience for the money I paid.

OK everyone after seeing at least 25 shows in NYC and a few in hartford/new haven & waterbury, I decided (thank god due to the current strike) to take 8 of my top sellers in my company to see this sunday's version of Wicked in Hartford. It's funny how you get two completely opposite opinions/comments about the same event. I truly hope this experience is what we're looking forward to. Being up in the 2nd Balcony as there were no other seats available for our group at the time of purchase I hope to report back to you Good news! Also glad that this Blog is watched by the Bushnell and that they've responded and observed everyones comments.

I went to the saturday 11/17 show i was so looking forward to the show after reading the book. I was disappointed it took me a while to get into the show, i guess i must of been expecting more. and the bushnell staff does not TREAT bacolny ticket holders very well at all. Just as we were aloud to go to our seats the show was just starting no time to go to the rest room or get a drink, i doubt i'll go there again, just take the trip to NEW YORK.

My younger daughter took me to see WICKED as a birthday gift. We both so enjoyed it! We are returning with her siblings. The only problem I had was the young children behind me talking thru the show.

OK just returned from the show, the Vocals, Set, Costumes, Dance, acoustics, lighting, staff, parking, drinks, restrooms were PERFECT, yes the seats were a bit small and our knees were bumping into the people in front of us, but I remember a time when seats didn't even have cushions. SO Hats off to the BEST production, I didn't think the voices were going to come close to the Originals I'd seen on broadway, but you did and added your own flare to them too. Very excited to see I DON'T have to go to NYC and Pay those prices yet still be able to get the same Bang for my buck! ALL 8 of use thoroughly enjoyed EVERYTHING, heard it all, saw it all, and we were in the 2nd to last row (not by choice) without a complaint here!

I have to agree with Maureen. I, too, was seated in the upper area of the theatre and could not understand ANYTHING. The sound is absolutely terrible in the upper areas of this place. I bet that the people that raved about the show had seats in the lower sections. I am sure the play was wonderful and enjoyable for those who could hear what was going on but to me it was nothing but jumbled buzzing.

Initially I was really nervous going to this show due to all of the negative postings I've read about it. I've been wanting to see this show for so long and couldn't pass up the chance when it came back through, and I would have been heartbroken if the experience had been lacking. I can't tell you how glad I am I went anyway. The show was phenomenal! Elphaba was both powerful and sympathetic, Watching Glinda (the Guh is silent) transform from adorable ditz to fully realized individual was touching, Fiyero went from shallow to self-sacrificing and we were all included in the journey. The energy level remained high throughout. My friend and I went to the 11/25 evening performance and were seated at the far right of the mezzanine. We arrived a bit late and had to wait about 10 minutes before we could be seated and the staff was nothing but courteous and welcoming to us. We must have been approached by at least 4 different ushers while we were waiting in the lobby to let us know how much longer we had to wait until we could go up to our seats, and each person was equally pleasant. Kudos to the Bushnell staff! The only sound issue I ever noticed was when all of the ensemble was singing at the same time, it tended to wash out the principles. The dancers, orchestra, set design, costumes were all amazing. So, if you're still on the fence about this one, I can tell you it's safe to make the trip to Hartford. Congratulations to all who were involved in this project and I hope they come our way again soon!

RE: David Cattanio

I complained about the sound and I was in the second row of the Orchestra. I saw it twice there and the upper level was far better sound wise so IDK

Sorry i meant RE: Kimberlee

I read the postings wrong and thought the name above was the one who wrote it

The show last night was wonderful and I really enjoyed myself. The actors were great. I can't wait to see the show in NYC.

I am so glad I did not read the posts before going. Everyone's experience is different, and am sorry some were disappointed. I am a fan of the Wizard of Oz having grown up waitng for February to come so I could watch it on TV and I got the CD as a gift so I familiarized myself with the songs. I am a professional vocalist in bands for the past 30 years, and have auditioned/performed in NY so I could not wait to see the performers and hear the voices, and was not disappointed at Glinda's incredibly beautiful range (not to mention her comic delivery). The chorus voices were also wonderful. I was extremely moved by this play, and I also saw others leaving the theater in tears. Yes, the Wizard's mechanical voice was a little loud, and a couple of times it was difficult to hear some of the duet words, but those things were minor in comparison. No one told me or would tell me anything about the show - the sets were beautiful, the scene changes were flawlwss, and the special effects, especially the monkeys, the rain and the scene at the end of Act I, were all terrific-I got chills!!! I laughed (there are some VERY VERY funny lines/parts in the play-did anyone notice how the engagement sign was intentionally misspelled?), I cried-we have all been affected by someone in our life or felt different, and I gasped at realizing who really was who, especially the ending (I don't want to ruin it for anyone).
My recommendation - Get the CD and read the words to the song - the CD does not really give anything away - and IF YOU ARE A FAN OF THE WIZARD OF OZ - DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW BEFORE IT CLOSES. I told my husband I want tickets to Broadway for my birthday milestone next year-and Brett you are going with us !! Thank you Bushnell! I will never forget the night! Am sorry I waited so long, but I am going to look for tickets if I can get them to take my parents - I know they will enjoy it!!

I spelled flawless wrong - pretty funny ! I also wanted to thank my wonderful husband Michael for the tickets for my birthday - ILY forever !!

My wife and I saw the show on Wed., Nov. 28th and while we were happy with the presentation, we were very disappointed in our seats. We called the box office a month before and listened to the advice of the ticketing agent. She suggested first row in the mezz., sec. F, row A which would give us an unobstructed view of the stage. This row is in back of the first aisle and cost $79.00 each. We all stared at heads and used our imaginations as to what was happening on stage. All six people sitting in this row voiced our concerns to the usher who was nice enough to relay them to her supervisor. During intermission he moved all six of us to different locations in the mezz. He was also going to suggest that these seats no longer be sold for future presentations. After three days, I am still bothered by this experience and it will be quite some time before we attend another event at the Bushnell.

I am sorry I read the preceding posts before going to the show, it spoiled it a little for me. I was expecting bad sound and a few other things. Turns out, it was an EXCELLENT show, great sound, great effects, great actors, great everything. It really was an excellent show. Even my husband, who isn't into this type of thing, was impressed. I was close to tears at the end. Great job, everyone!

Brought my family on Sun. 12/2/07, 2pm performance. The show was amazing! I'm not sure why people are saying the sound was bad, I thought it sounded perfect! Do not miss this show! Great cast, everyone did a great job.

I saw the show on Thursday, November 15. It was my second time seeing WICKED at the Bushnell and I thought it was better with the orginal touring cast. Katie Rose Clarke (Glinda) was not ready to play the part of Glinda. She did not hit the high notes as well as some of the other ladies who played Glinda in the past. Carmen Cusack did her best at the role and redeemed herself with "No Good Deed" although I don't think she did as well with "Defying Gravity". I sat in the front row of the mezz and the view was excellent. The only problem that I saw was with the lighting. It was so bright that I could not see the actors faces which was a shame because a lot of the best stuff is non-verbal. Thank you to the Bushnell for bringing this show to Hartford so that people like me who would never be able to afford to go to New York would be able to see this Wickedly awesome show.

Saw the matinee on 12/1. Took my wife and daughter. Simply awesome. Yes, we had good seats in the orchestra section. Sound was great. Elphaba was phenomenal. Standing ovation at the end...

When is The Bushnell going to FIX the acoustics on their stage? We saw Monty Python last year and Wicked the other day and you STILL CAN'T HEAR details of lyrics and dialogue. I've sat in various areas of the orchestra seats and front and back mezz - it's a problem everywhere.

btw...I'm 44 yo and my hearing is perfect.

I wish people would be more constructive with their criticism, and be more specific as to where the problems were in the show- where were you sitting that you couldn't hear the talking/singing? I have been a fan of this show for about 11 months now, without seeing it live, and I came hear to see what "newcomers" to the show would think of it, since I have to wait until the second to last day. I hope this doesn't take away from your view of the show. See it if possible where it is stationary. Those have the best quality shows.

The performance was excellent !
Can't wait to see it again in the future!

Zach again. I saw Wicked yesterday and it was Wonderful! Better than any video I've ever seen of it! I'm so glad I ot to see it live! The cast and orchestra were both great! I sat in Orchestra, Section C, Row W, seat 105 and the acoustics were ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! I HIGHLY Recommend getting seats around there if you can. You'll be glad you did! And I love the memento I got from the show ;) Can't wait to see it on Broadway!

Well atleast all you folks got to even see the show! I had tickets for the December 7th 8 p.m. show and mother nature decided to dump snow and ice just a few hours before the show. I don't know about the rest of CT, but waterbury was a mess with street closures and small accidents. I was wondering if anyone else had problems getting to the show because of weather related incidents.

And I know the bushnell has a strict policy on refunds, but I paid 180 plus for these tickets and if I can't get a refund, then I should be able to see another show, right?

Saw the show on the 7th! Was amazing! William, I live in the town over from Waterbury - roads were fine! I would NOT have missed the show even if there were 5 feet of snow!

Wicked was absolutely amazing! Carmen Cusack was astounding I've never heard anyone sing with so much feeling in my entire life, she just blew me away! Katie Rose Clarke had such a wonderful voice for Ga-linda and the way she danced during Popular was really hilarious the acting was completely phenomenal. The diction wasn't exactly perfect, sometimes I couldn't understand the words. I really like the way Carmen Cusack said "For the first time I feel- Wicked!" The way she said the word Wicked instead of whispering like the original Broad way cast did was a lot more powerful and it stuck in my mind. The entire cast was so jubulant and involved 100 percent I don't know how anyone could give it a bad review. Wicked has been the only thing I've listened to since I saw the play. I only wish there was a CD with the cast from the Wicked cast for the Bushnell! Then I would be utterly beyond excited.
Wicked was wicked awesome!
-Kirstin Tuttle
(If I could see Carmen Cusack as Christine in Phantom of The Opera that would be so wonderful! hint hint next year maybe?)

I have seen Wicked twice and Carmen Cusack and Katie Rose Clarke and they are unbelieveableable You people are messed up if you say that Wicked bad I want to see it for a third time!!!

Wicked at The Bushnell was simply breathtaking. My only regret is that I lost the program! Can someone please tell me whose amazing voice I listened to on November 30th in the part of Elphaba? I can deduce that it was either Marcie Dodd or Carmen Cusak from the blogs above, but I'm not sure which one it is. I would really like to see her perform again in Wicked or something else.

Hi Julie - thanks for your question! You saw Carmen Cusack perform the role of Elphaba at your performance. Glad you enjoyed the show!

First time reading this blog and wish to chime in.I saw "Wicked" during its run at the Bushnell in 2006. It was AWESOME!!

However,as a Hartford native and very long time Bushnell patron ( how many others can claim to have seen Imogene Coca in "Once Upon a Mattress" or Sammy Davis JR. in a his one man show ?) ,I am increasingly annoyed by the uncomfortable seats,obstructed view and poor acoustics especially relative to ticket prices.

I don't have any suggestions for remedies but I sure hope someone does.

By the way,Sammy Davis JR. was without question, the best performer who ever lived!