Get ready for a 'wicked' night at the symphony

When two unsuspecting witches, and best friends, discover that they're on different paths in life, it makes for one of musical theater's most wonderfully diva-esque moments.

"Defying Gravity," a number from "Wicked," is the current hallmark of all things diva in the theater world, and two of the powerhouse women who played Elphaba on Broadway are in Salt Lake City to go toe to toe — or broom stick to broom stick — in "Bravo Broadway: The Wicked Divas," with the Utah Symphony, Jerry Steichen conducting.

"The concept behind the show is that it's diva-licious songs, or songs that are tributes to the diva; diva in the best sense of the word, either the women who sang them, or the songs themselves," said Julia Murney, who will perform with fellow Wicked Witch Stephanie J. Block.

Murney noted that the evening is not all show tunes. "It's a lot of showtunes, but there is a wide range," she said, mentioning some songs by the ultimate divas, Celine Dion and Liza Minnelli.

Murney played the green-skinned gal on Broadway after starring in the national tour. She and Block have both received critical acclaim for their performances.

"I think Stephanie's talent was very evident immediately," Murney said. "She's so well-trained and (has) just amazing vocal chops. I got mine a little later in life."

Murney's love of performing began at a high school theater summer camp.

"It really changed my life," she said. "I was with kids who were very passionate about a specific thing.

"I'd never done a show prior to that. That's when I discovered I could be loud," she joked.

Being "loud," otherwise known vocally as "belting," is something many of these diva songs require … and certainly those sung by Elphaba.

"I'm blown away by the appeal of 'Wicked,' but in the best way," she said. "It's remarkable to have been part of something that's so huge and takes on a meaning for so many people."

"It is nice not to be green, but actually the green skin and the wigs in that show help so much with the character. It was actually strange to sing it out of context, at first."

Murney has been to Salt Lake City before. "I did (Pioneer Theatre Company's) 'Into The Woods,' and I had a great time," she said. "It's so beautiful there; that mountain range is the most glorious thing."

Longtime pals Murney and Block are excited to bring all their dresses and take the stage. But, with both women having played Elphaba before, there may be a bit of a struggle to decide who gets to sing "Defying Gravity," during the show.

"I don't want to give anything away," Murney said laughing. "But it's going to be so much fun and I can't wait to share the stage with a friend. It'll be really playful and fun."

If you go...

What: "Bravo Broadway: The Wicked Divas," with the Utah Symphony

When: Feb. 18-19, 8 p.m.

Where: Abravanel Hall

How much: $38 - $85

Phone: 801-355-2787

Web: www.utahsymphony.org or www.arttix.org

e-mail: ehansen@desnews.com