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B3 | MACE & CROWN | Wednesday 3.21.2012
Wicked Lands in Norfolk By: Emma Needham Contributing Writer
Luck O’ the Irish Hits Norfolk By: MaryAnn Jackson Staff Writer
Green, gold and leprechauns swept through downtown Norfolk last week. Last Saturday, March 17, Norfolk’s Knights of Columbus hosted their forty fifth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade began in 1968 and has since had a huge following for residents in the Norfolk area and beyond. Thousands of people adorned in St. Patty’s day gear aligned Granby Street.. According to the parade’s official website, based on local legend, the first parade consisted of several Brother Knights marching around the council home carrying trash can lids and brooms. The parade started at 10 a.m. and people were lined up through the back streets of Granby. An array of floats were presented in the parade procession, including Norfolk Public Libraries Bookmobile and a life-size pirate
ship. Raquel Taylor, the public information specialist for Norfolk Public Libraries, has been working the parade for years “I have been doing this parade with Norfolk Public Libraries for almost thirty years, and every year is more fun than the next,” she said. For others, this is their first time participating in the parade. Lenora Jennings, an ODU student who works in the volunteer coordination department for Norfolk Public Libraries, participated in the parade for the first time this year. Jennings had been involved in the parade in previous years, but never actually participated in it. St. Patty’s day fans arrived at the parade with festive campers that littered the streets. Celebratory outfits included anything from green tutus to kilts. The Knights of Columbus also sponsored an after party parade at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The event featured bands Hotcakes and Bill Deals: The Original Rhondels.
Feel like dropping into the Land of Oz? Now everyone can, because the Broadway hit “Wicked” has come to Chrysler Hall in Norfolk. The classic tale “Wicked” will be playing until March 25. The story, based off the book by Gregory Maguire, follows two friends, known to most as the Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West, and explains the backstory of the original “The Wizard of Oz.” From why the lion is a coward to how the wicked
Anne Brummel as Elphaba, are superb and could be considered above the Broadway performances’ standards. Originally from Yorktown, VA, Haas grew up watching the Broadway performances at the Chrysler Hall, according to the Daily Press. Now she is the one on stage who impresses the audience with her quirky, spunky movements and her absolute perfect portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch. Anne Hall, who was an original member of the production, has been to Norfolk before two years ago. Her voice is beyond what words can comprehend, and she brings tears to the
reminiscent of a clock, are made attractive through the use of lights and smoke. A large dragon hangs above the crowd and occasionally moves to add emphasis to certain scenes. A large map, taken from a page in the book, is also laid out on the front curtain for the audience to study and adds a certain authenticity to the show. Throughout the performance, the audience can be seen turning to the person next to them in surprise when they find the connections between “The Wizard of Oz” and “Wicked.” Other than the play being purely remarkable, it adds depth to the classic
witch became wicked, “Wicked” goes behind the scenes of the classic children’s tale and adds much more. The performances, which are nothing short of amazing, should not turn people away from seeing the show merely because it is a traveling one. The performance by the two leading actresses, Tiffany Haas as Glinda and
audience’s eyes, particularly in her amazing rendition of “Defying Gravity,” the bold song directly before the intermission. It is very easy to get lost in the Land of Oz while watching “Wicked,” as the costumes are delightfully elaborate, the script is masterfully planned, and the set, made up of steel and gears
story that many people grew up with. Even for those who aren’t fans of “The Wizard of Oz” will enjoy it, as one of the deepest themes behind “Wicked” is the importance of friendship which is exemplified in the touching song, “For Good.”