The return of the wildly popular musical "Wicked" to Kansas City stirs memories for Overland Park actress Hayley Podschun. But this time, she's not playing Glinda, the good witch from Oz. Instead, she's taking on the lead role in "Legally Blonde" at New Theatre & Restaurant. It's an ironic twist, as Podschun's journey with "Wicked" was a life-changing experience. She first saw the musical in New York in 2003 and was mesmerized by Kristin Chenoweth's performance as Glinda. Ten years later, she starred as Glinda with the touring company for 13 months, bringing the show back to her hometown in 2013. Now, as "Wicked" returns to the Music Hall, Podschun is reflecting on her time with the show and the impact it had on her career. She credits "Wicked" with helping her discover her true talents and personality, allowing her to fully display her singing chops. However, she won't be able to see the show this time around due to her commitments to "Legally Blonde". In contrast, Steve Quinn, the company manager for the touring show, has been with "Wicked" for 21 years and is excited to be back in Kansas City. He describes the city's anticipation for the show's opening in 2008 and the impact it had on the local community. "Wicked" has become a beloved part of Broadway history, running for 23 years and drawing huge crowds. It's the fourth-longest-running show in Broadway history, behind "Phantom of the Opera", "Chicago", and "The Lion King". The musical tells the backstory of the witches from "The Wizard of Oz" and has been a sensation on Broadway and the big screen. As "Wicked" returns to Kansas City, it's a reminder of the show's enduring popularity and the impact it has had on the lives of those involved, including Hayley Podschun and Steve Quinn.
