[pedroo52]

Hi!

My name is Pedro and I'm from Barcelona.

I'm going to see WICKED on February. My English is quite good but I guees it's not good enough to understand a musical (I cand understand some easy movies such as LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, because they speak
a very formal english)

I've printed out all the lyrics of the musical and a very complete Synopsis (2 sheets) and i vave the CD

My questions are:

- Is it easy to understand the musical for a foreigner like me?

- What do you think is better: Read the synopsis and the lyrics and could
understand almost everyting when i go to the play, but loose the posible plot suprises or...

Not to know a lot, understand just a few, but be surprised.

- In Addition, are there many plot suprises or the plot is quite simple and plane (like "mamma mia!")?

Finally: I've got the STALLS 31-D seat of the APOLLO VICTORIA THEATRE. Could someone tell me (truly) if it's a good seat or what disavantatges will I have so close to the stage.

- - -
<a href= "http://www.albemarle-london.com/PickList/SeatingPlan.php?Theatre_No=17">THEATRE MAP - </a>

http://www.albemarle-london.com/PickList/SeatingPlan.php?Theatre_No=17

Thanks a lot. I'm looking forward to receiving your answers

[Belle]

I am not sure how difficult the show would be for a foriegner, since I am English I have never really thought about it! There is quite a lot of dialogue and I think it is more complicated than Mamma Mia. So you probably had better read the synopsis. There is only really one big surprise right at the end, I hope the synopsis will leave this out as you see it happen, rather than it being talked about.
The plot has quite a lot of clever moments when you realise that the fantasy story ties into the Wizard of Oz. Watch the film before seeing the musical!

31 D is a very nice seat! You are very close, but far enough back that I don't think you will be constantly turning your head to see everything. There is one bit in "One Short Day" where the effect when they reach the Emerald city happens all around you, and that looks best from further back, but it is not important if you miss it from the front. The only possible problem is if you're short and stuck behind someone very tall, as the seats are not on a slope at the front. You should have a great time sitting there!

[katethegreat]

Hola Pedro!

First of all, your English is FAR better than my Spanish. From your post I can't imagine you'd have too many problems understanding the musical. The only place you might have trouble and that would be with some of the language characters like Madame Morrible use. They use what I like to call 'Bush speak' after George Bush They're basically just messing around with existing words, and they mean the same thing, I doubt it will be too much of a problem!
I only have a small experience of theatre in other languages, one of them being opera. Although I don't speak much Italian, I found I understood what was happening throughout Rigaletto without needing translation.
I'm sure you'll be fine - it's a great show, if you do have any questions afterwards though, don't hesitate to ask!
Enjoy!

[pedroo52]

Thank you!

Both of us gave me a very useful information. You're very nice.

I'd like to ask you two more questions. The Synopsis I found is this one:

<a href="http://www.theatre-musical.com/wicked/synopsis.html"> -Synopsys-</a>

http://www.theatre-musical.com/wicked/synopsis.html

If you could read it and tell me if it's 'sure' to read, it 'd be great to know
if I should stop reading in a special point.

The second question is about lyrics. I'm plannig to listen to all the songs reading the lyrics. Today I've listened 'Popular' and 'Defying gravity'
and and can imagine something about the plot. But nothing very important.

Is there any song that reveals something that better not to know? Where does the 'surprise at the end' comes?

Finally. Maybe my written English seems good. but remember that it's not
the same speaking or listening than writing (You have plenty of time to think what to write).

I'm thinking in changing my seat if I find that there is any free seat from someone who hasn't come. Could I do that? Is it possible to get in the theatre after the play has started?

One thing more. How is the weather like in London?, Here in Barcelona is like SPRING with no snow at the mountain, no rain and around 15ºC.
Amazing!!!

I'll wait impatient your answers.

Pedro

[katethegreat]

There's nothing you need to worry about in that synopsis - like the author said, they've taken out the parts that would give away too much of the story.
There's a synopsis in the programme, so it might be worth buying one or taking that synopsis in with you so you can refer to it if you get confused?
I knew most of the show before I saw it by listening to the CD, and it didn't affect the show for me because although it gives you a vague idea of the story, it also doesn't give anything away!
I'm not sure about changing the tickets, if you want to change it on the day (although I don't know why you want to, because it sounds like a good seat!) I would approach the theatre directly, they may not be able to change it or you may have to wait and see if there are any other returns.
Whatever happens I hope you enjoy yourself!

[SapphireNight]

I dont see any reason to change your seat. Its very good, nice and close to the stage. Trust me, I've seen Wicked 3 times front row, and there arent any problems being so close to the stage. Even from the front row, you can see everything clearly.

About the language problem, first of all make sure you understand the lyrics to the songs, thats usually one of the hardest things. As someone mentioned, they do use the occasional made up word here and there, but the first part of the word is the word they are meaning- they've just put a fussy ending on.
There are some dialogue heavy scenes you might have problems with. I know of a script of Wicked online, I can copy sections for you, which you may wish to translate for yourself before you go.

And about the songs on the CD. Appart from getting a very brief understanding of the plot, the songs are designed not to reveal anything- which I can assure you, you wont find any spoilers there. Some spoken dialogue has been removed from these songs, so listeners cant understand the wider plot. So, just be aware that there has been dialogue removed. Again, if you want to know what it is (there are no spoilers), I can send you that too.

[pedroo52]

Many thanks for your help! All of you are helping me a lot.

If you have stuff or you know some web sites that can be useful for me I'd appreciate you send it to me.

my email adreess is: pedroo52@eresmas.com

Post a note if you do it.

Speaking about CHANGING MY SEAT. You missuderstood me. I meant...

Imagine I see a free seat just 2 minutes before the show starts. My question is if I can ho that seat (and leave mine) in that moment without saying anything. For that reason it'd be important that people are not allowed to get in the theatre once the show has just started.

Why change? because you told me far back is better to see the special effects.

And speaking about the lyrics and the music. I'm reading the lyrics from the web page I told you in a previous post. And even I'm listening the songs found in you tube with Manga animations. (at this moment I have listened till 'I'm Not that girl')

Finally one more question: I think I won't have any problem with the songs since I'm listening and reading them every day, but what do you thing it could be the longest / toughest part of the show where i should pay special attention.

Thanks a lot. You're all being very useful. Thank you so much t (from the heart)

Pedro

[RachaelB]

Hi Pedro,

On either side of the stage, there are screens which shows the lyrics and the script as the action happens. I dont know wether that will be any help to you!xx

[pedroo52]

Really?

I didn't know it!! But tell me please...

- Do the screens show just the lyrics or do they show all the dialogs?

and...

- Can I see these screens more o less ok for the fourth row?

Thank you again.

Pedro

[Belle]

RachaelB, there aren't any screens as you describe at the regular performances of Wicked in London. If you've seen that, it was probably a special performance for deaf audience!

Pedro, if you move further back there is one moment that looks better, but most of the show is not as good! From right at the front you can see the tears in Glinda's eyes as she sings "For Good", it is amazing.

If you do want to change your seat, it is not good to do so at the beginning of the show. Often people do come late to theatres in London. I think they believe it is like the cinema where the ticket says 7.30, and the film will begin at 8. But in theatre when it says 7.30 that is when the show begins! But people who come late are taken to their seats. Often they do not have to wait until the applause or a break in the show, they disturb you right in the middle of the scene. So do not change seats before the interval! And the one effect that is better seen from further back is "One Short Day" in act 1, so it is too late to move. Just look around you when they go to the Emerald City! You have got a great seat, don't worry about moving.

[RachaelB]

[The Very Angry Woman]

[Belle]

Whenever I've seen signed shows, it's been signed by an interpreter standing downstage. It's fascinating as he/she wasn't just standing there, they were almost another character in the show, interacting with the cast.

[theatre_grl]

hey Pedro!
you seem to have a great grasp of engish, so it wont be too hard to understand , i don't think.
as said before, there are some words that are changed; for example, 'confusified' really means 'confused.'
if you want to read the script, i dont think it will make watching the show bad or boring. i read the script before i saw wicked and many people here have seen wicked several times; the show is still great even if you know what is going to happen. seeing it acted out is much more powerful, and much more fun!

[pedroo52]

Hello Again to everyone... Some comments about what you said:

1 - BSL interpreters? wow! there's nothing similar in Barcelona. Well, Indeed, Barcelona is not the best city where to see musicals. Often, I have to go to Madrid (for example Mamma Mia!). So... I understand that there won't be any screen.... ... I don't need them for lyrics since I've been listening and reading them all day long. I almost know them by heart, but it would be great in the dialogs.

2 - I'm afraid of reading 3 songs. I haven't read, yet, (3 last songs): "March of ...", "For Good" and "Finale". I think they're telling something I think I can't imagine about the characters, don't they?

3 - Thank you for saying I have a great grasp of English, I've been studying English for 2 years with no interruption, but as I told you, that doesn't mean I can understand a movie o a play. My level of understanding arrives to conversations and some speeches. Always if they talk formal English and with a good timing.

4 - I know the show won't be bored if I know all the plot, but I love to be surprised like I was with the end of Mamma Mia! (for example) and I hate to read any synopsis ... even when I buy a book.

5 - Naaaa!!! 'confusied' sounds like 'confused'... Don't worry... Worst is to say 'fortnight' instead of 'couple of weeks' or 'overwhelmed' instead of 'exhaust' or simply to speak with a little accent (Welsh or Scottish for example)


Thank you again.

Pedro

[SapphireNight]

About the songs you mentioned. March of the Witch Hunters isnt that much of a spoiler, IF a certain character has been labled a certain way. If your unsure, avoid it- the lyrics are mostly "go, and hunt her, and find her, and kill her- Kill the Witch". I'll have a look at the dialogue and see if there is anything which would be useful translated. I dont see any need to look at the lyrics (but I will check), its a short song, and pretty much what i quoted above.
For Good is a charming song, about the two main characters expressing their friendship. There isnt really any spoilers there, so I would say go for it- you will appreciate the emotion more if you understand what theyre saying
And the Finale, skip, there is a big spoiler there if you consider it carefully. The lyrics are already covered in No one mourns the Wicked and For Good, so if you look at those, then you will be alright for understanding the Finale.

I'll have a look at getting the script of a couple of scenes for you later. I'll make sure they dont reveal any spoilers.

[pedroo52]

Thanks a lot!

I almost read FINALE, because I read yesterday that the lyrics don't reveal any spoiler.

In this case, I'd leave 'finale' apart and I will focus to read and understand the rest.

One thing more:

My girlfriend who has finaly accepted to come doesn't know a lot of English, her English level is very poor. Do you think if I give her the synopsis and the lyrics translated into spanish will be enough for her to understand the show?

Thank you again.

Please send me these scenes please, especially if they don't have any spoiler. I remind you my email: pedroo52@eresmas.com

Pedro

[Quique]

Es perfectamente normal saber lo que va pasar en un musical antes de verlo. No te preocupes tanto de "Spoilers" porque la verdadera sorpresa es en ver el musical en vivo. Yo siempre trato de escuchar un show y seguir la letra antes de verlo, y nunca me he arrenpentido.

[pedroo52]

Thank you QUIQUE! I'll answer you in english.

(Kike told me not to be worried about knowing the spoilers or the plot because the important think is to enjoy the show.)

I know what you mean Kike, but I'd like to enjoy the show as maximum as I can and the surprises in my case have an important weigh

Anyway, how you prepared yourself to see WICKED, did you visit any website with information about the plot?

Can a person with low level of english understand the show just with the knowledge of the lyrics and the synopsis?

Thank you again

Pedro

[SapphireNight]

This is a question to other people, in order to help pedroo.

I was planning on sending pedroo a few scenes between the songs. Having looked at the 'sharing secrets' scene, before Popular, I was wondering if I should send that one? It doesnt have any spoilers, but it does have some touching backstory. What do people think? What do you think, pedroo?
I'll have a look at the other scenes I was planning to send. I think the 2nd classroom scene speaks for itself, though I might send the Lion cub scene. The Glinda/Fiyero scene in the middle of Thank Goodness I'll probably send, as well as the catfight scene. Also, what about a section at the begining of WWotE- the song isnt listed, but translating the first part will probably help understand what the rest is about.
What do people think?

To pedroo52:
Thanks for the translation, by the way. My Spanish has gone down the drain since I left school. 4 years of lessons, and I still had a very basic understanding- I am incredably impressed, pedroo, that you are as good as you are.
I think someone with a low understanding of English will probably be able to grasp enough of the plot (having looked at the lyrics before hand), though there will be a few things which she wont understand, but they will be minor. The show itself is so eyecatching, that if your girlfriend didnt understand everything, she would still have a brilliant time.
Hope that helps. Ill send the scenes once people have given a responce. Mostly they are quite charming scenes, but I just want to check with other people before I send them to you, just incase i overlooked something.

[pedroo52]

Thank you Sapphire! But I'd like to be as good as you think I am. Believe me. Through the computer everything seems great and incredible.

By the way,
I have found a complete Script of WICKED, so you just have to tell me what scenes skip watching.

Furthermore, I have though one thing. But it could be a really bad idea.

My mobile phone can store text files. I've though if it could be a good Idea to store the scenes and read them as the shows goes on. But maybe it could be bothering for people at my side, so the mobile phone emits light (a soft light to see the screen).

Well I suppose I'll store them but I think I won't use it. I don't know.

By the way, You haven't told me about the weather in London. How is it?

Pedro.

[SapphireNight]

Well, if I didnt know any better, Id be expecting Dorothy any moment now. Weve been having extreemly strong winds, which have caused quite a lot of problems- felled trees, mad wheely-bins, flying roof tiles, and a few incedents with fatalities. It has, however, sparked off a few interesting questions about what would happen if the power were to shut off during a performance of Wicked. Especially if Helen or Kerry were up in the air at the time...

The idea about the phone, dont do it. Appart from the fact that your neighbours will find it disrespectful, the ushers are always on the look out for possible bootlegs. In the West End, there very strict about it, and ushers are very quick to snap up cameras, videocameras, and mobile phones. I know you arent planning on taking video, but that screen is a sure way to get yourself noticed, and I can guarentee that you will get it confescated.

I'm not quite sure about the script. The thing about the script is that there are varying degrees of what you will allow yourself to know. I had the unfortunite experience of going into the theatre for the first time knowing everything (bar a few scenes here and there), including spoilers. This was my fault because I couldnt resist Wicked, and the show had yet to open.
I'll have to think about it, but a sure thing is to stop reading directly after the end of 'For Good'. I'll give you other places to avoid, but like I said, it depends on how 'deep' you want to go.
I'll write more later, I never planned to write this much, its the middle of the night!

[pedroo52]

Hi there!

I hope the weather will be better during the first week of february.

Speaking about How deep I want to know. The limit is the synopsis I told you in a previous post, because you told me there are no spoilers, aren't they?

And I think I will read all the synopsis until 'for good'. This is how deep I'd like to get.

Pedro

[Quique]

Honestly, I think you're blowing this way out of proportion, lol.

Your English is good. You either go to great lengths to make sure your posts are well-written or your English is better than you say it is, which I think is the case here.

And why would ANYONE want to follow the lyrics to a live performance using their cell phone? lol!!! Pardon, I honestly don't mean to be rude, but that's just silly.

Just follow the lyrics while listening to the cast album before attending the performance. Familiarize yourself with the show and do any necessary reasearch to make sure you understand any parts that confuse you. Instant online translation websites work OK to give you a basic idea of what's being said.

Really, your English is good. If you can write that well, then you should have no reason to worry.

[pedroo52]

Well quique, maybe you're right. I usually think more than I should, and that's because I always prepare everything very carefully. It's part of me. I can't avoid to do it.

The matter with the cell phone it was not just for lyrics but for all the show. Having this if I found a hard scene I could follow it through the phonee.

But ... Yeah... it was a crazy Idea. I'm gonna focus my efforts in knowing the songs very well, read the synopsis and practise some listening with the help of some DVDs.

By the way, where are you from? Are you Spanish? How long have you been there?

Thank you.

Pedro

[Quique]

No worries. I mostly thought the cell phone idea was a bit much. Not only is it very inconsiderate to the people around you, but if you do that you'll miss portions of the performances due to looking at your cell. It's beyond crazy, it's just wrong, lol.

I hope you take it as advice and not an attack. I mean well by it.

Anyway, yes, I'm of Spanish/Mexican descent. Mother is from Spain, Dad from Mex. I primarily identify as Hispanic American though as I was born and raised here.

If there are specific scenes you don't understand, ask here and people will be more than willing to help you. Let us know how the performance went as well. I'd love to read all about it. =)

[SapphireNight]

The phone idea was just something that came into your head, which you hadnt fully thought through yet, wasnt it? Enough said about that, initially it would seem like a good idea, if it wernt for the drawbacks, and you can see that now.
And I know how it is a lot easier to understand something which you can re read, and think over your answer, then something spoken at a normal speed, which you have to analyse quickly in your head. If youve got a good knowledge of English vocabulary, you shouldnt find things too difficult, you should be able to grasp what the dialogue means.
Let me think about the script. I think you might get a lot out of understanding the catfight/cornfield scene. Its a very comic scene, just look over it, make sure you can understand it, then leave it. At the performance you will be able to understand it (and appreciate the comedy more), without being able to remember to much about exactly how the script went. This scene (also called 'fallen house' by cast) occurs in act 2, after the small scene after As Long as Youre Mine, and before No Good Deed.
Thanks for the additional help, Quique. Its better to have several points of view, rather then one, and I'm glad your helping.

[pedroo52]

Dear Sapphire, Quique ...and the rest!

Lately, I need to connect to the Forum to know about your new help or advice. I'm getting used it... I enjoy a lot speaking with all of you.

It's a shame we can only know each other through Internet.

By the way:

I have read what Sapphire has told me. After 'As long as you're mine' and before 'No Good Deed' there are 2 scenes:
- Dorothy arrives (SHIT! I know someting else... fortunately I saw a picture of witcked with Dorothy and I supposed it)
- 'Glinda us Elphaba' (I prefer not to think too much about it)

Reading just the titles no one seems to talk about cornfields o something similar. What Scene do you really mean in your previous post?

Quique: I don't feel bad. I had thought the cell phone idea was not good, you just confirmed my hypothesis. I imagined it could be useful because in the LICEU THEATRE in Barcelona there are two-line screens in front of the seat that shows the script of the Operas so that to understand it.

Of course it's not the same a cell phone screen that a two-line screen (sorry I don't know the name of this type of banner screen)

One thing more: Is there any spoiler in ACT I, and ... can you confirm the synopsys I told you in page one is 'sure' to read. (I mean... I have noticed there's quite long text written after FOR GOOD)

I'll be waiting your answers... If you want of course....

EY! You have to promise we'll chat after I see the show... I will need friend voices to comment the wonderful play. (At least, just listening to the lyrics I'm asonished, so I supppose the show will be wonderful)

See you.

Pedro - Sunday 03:30 AM - Spanish Hour - after a couple of beers -

[SapphireNight]

[pedroo52]

Hi!

I didn't understand.. do you mean I can read both scenes of just one of them? WITCH (hahaha) ONE?

[actor]

I think you should watch The Wizard of Oz too, if you haven't already.

[pedroo52]

I did it yesterday, The judy Garland's version.

I did have seen it, already. But it was long time ago, so I picked up from the public library and I saw it.

Thanks

[The Very Angry Woman]

[Belle]

[theatre_grl]

[pedroo52]

EY! Although English is my second language ...

(The truth is that it's the third one cause since I am Catalan and I Speak Spanish and Catalan)

I've read a lot (I finished Computer Science) and I've seen films with subtitles, that gives me some joke references I had read anytime.

Sapphire, You haven't answer,yet: WITCH one do I have to read?

Thank you for your comment theatre_girl. You are very kind.

I'm looking forward to seeing the show, but one thing: Do you agree if I say that the musicals in london are quite expensive? (I paid £24 for GREASE in Barcelona (36 EUR) and £60 for WICKED (90 EUR) )

Pedro.

[SapphireNight]

Glinda Vs Elphaba (skip the previous one). Ie, the one from "Thats right, just follow that one road the whole time..." Until the point where Glinda starts twirling her wand (after the slaps).

[pedroo52]

Know what?

I think I know too much. Lately I've realised that each time I listen to a song or I try to understand better any lyric. My head begins to think about what is going to happen... and:

I DON'T WANT IT...
NO! ...I CAN'T WANTED...
ANYMOOOOORE.... (...)
I THINK I'LL TRY DEFIYING 'WICKED'-PLOT

By the way:
ie: "No good deed" tells some things, that make me think a lot. So After reading very fast the complete synopsis I've decided not to read, and EVEN, not to think anything about the act II.

In just a week I'll be at the apollo Theatre... I know the songs by heart, I trying to listen DVDs at home to get used listenig English. So,
I think I'm gonna 'forget' everything about WICKED and anything I could ever known.

My only one conecction with wicked will be the forum. So I'll continue reading it, and I hope all of you will comment the show with me in february. won't you?

Pedro

[Impossible Dream]

What date are you going, if you don't mind me asking? (You could PM me if you don't want to say on the forum?) I've got tickets for next week as well, so wouldn't it be a coincidence if it's the same day?

[Belle]

there is one possible problem that all tourists should be careful of - Wicked is NOT at the Apollo Theatre!!!! The Apollo Theatre is on Shaftesbury Avenue, I'm not sure what is playing there right now but it is often used for plays.

Wicked is at the Apollo VICTORIA Theatre. It is about two miles away from the Apollo. If you get a taxi and ask for the Apollo theatre you might miss the show as you go the wrong way! The Apollo Victoria is easy to get to, it's right next door to victoria Station.

[pedroo52]

I meant Apollo Victoria Thetre. I didn't know that there was another APOLLO THEATRE.

Thank you anyway.

Speaking about the show. I'm going on 6th of February. What about you?

Pedro

[Belle]

A lot of new Wicked fans seem to not realise that there's another theatre that's called the Apollo! There's also an Apollo Hammersmith, so you do need to get it right if you're getting a taxi or asking directions! Always specify the Apollo Victoria!

[pedroo52]

EY!

Hello to everyone!

Next Friday (20:00) I'm living Barcelona to get London. I'm looking forward to getting there.

I have also realized that the weather forecast for those days seems to be great. Wonderful!

Do you have any advise of something I can't miss in London? (something unusual maybe I have to know)

I don't know if anyone will post something else in this forum, maybe a last WICKED advice. But anyway, I wanted to thank all of you for the help received and I hope you want to chat a bit after comming back, to solve some doubts I'll sure have. And also, to comment the play.

Kind Regards (if we don't chat before February)

Pedro.

[pedroo52]

THIS POST CONTINUES IN THE NEW POST

"I'm already WICKED-Back in Barcelona"

Thanks