Entertainment

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Way back when I was in middle school, there was a concert when my school’s 7th/8th grade band played a medley of songs from the still-recent “Wicked” Broadway musical and fast-forward to October 2013, I finally got the chance to see the show onstage in Kansas City.

Fast-forwarding even more to Thanksgiving weekend 2024, I finally got the chance to see the first part of the show become adapted for the big screen, and the end result was everything I wanted and more. For those who are unaware, “Wicked” explores the friendship between Elphaba (who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz”) and Galinda (who becomes Glinda the Good). Their friendship is tested by contrasting personalities and conflicting viewpoints (to somewhat comedic effect), reactions to the corrupt rule of the Wizard of Oz, and ultimately, Elphaba's tragic fall.

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Rock group Linkin Park came onto the music scene back in 1996 and is among the best-selling bands of the 21st century, as well as one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Sadly, in 2017, the group’s lead singer Chester Bennington died, and many were left wondering whether or not there would ever be more Linkin Park music.

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

“E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” the Olympic Games, “Home Alone,” the “Harry Potter” series, and the “Star Wars” saga.

At face value, these titles seemingly have absolutely nothing to do with each other. However, if you’re a music nerd like myself, you know all of these titles have musical contributions from the one and only John Williams.

ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and for many families, that includes taking in a special show or two, which the American Theatre Guild will soon be providing.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze will be performing at Century II in Wichita Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Wednesday, Nov. 27, and both performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Cirque Dreams Holidaze Artistic Director Rebecca Shubart said the cast and crew are excited to take the show to Wichita.