Review: Felicia Ricci's Unnaturally Green

Felicia Ricci's amazing memoir reveals some of the workings of the Broadway musical Wicked.  She allows the reader to see the audition process for the show, experiences with behind-the-scenes work of the show (i.e. costume, hair, make-up), and her personal life throughout her time with the show.  

Now, if you are wondering exactly who she is...that's okay.  Unfortunately, I had never heard of her until I got the book.  However, I have to say that I'm glad I discovered her!  If you have time, check out these youtube videos I found of her performing numbers from Wicked.  

Felicia Ricci graduated with a BA in English from Yale University, but her passion was performing.  She had had very little professional experience, only having really performed in some non-professional stuff.  She even notes in the book that she got her agent by sending emails to different possible agents (with a compilation video of some of her performances at Yale), and only two responded.  She proceeded to do regional work until she got her break as the Elphaba stand-by in the San-Francisco company of Wicked.  

One thing that I love about this book is that there are no boundaries within the writing.  Felicia does not restrict herself as she tells the story.  She was already the understudy for Elphaba in San Francisco when she auditioned for the stand-by role.  She tells that after her stand-by audition, the week-long wait also took a strain on her physical health...I won't disgust you with the details, but she will.  

I love how she discusses her experiences with the songs of the show.  One chapter is titled, "Songs of Death, or, Meet Eden Espinosa."  If you know Eden's works and have heard her sing, then you know that is the truth!  

As I said, this book is perfect for any Broadway or Wicked lover! So, go take a peek into the magical world of Wicked with Felicia Ricci.


Felicia's Youtube Channel
Felicia Ricci
Wicked's Official Website