Photo by Joan MarcusMost people are familiar with the classic movie, “The Wizard of Oz.” Not many are familiar with the tale of “Wicked.” Wicked is a Broadway musical. The play opened its curtains for the first time on Halloween of 2001.Today “Wicked” is perfomed across the country.
“Wicked” picked up right where the “Wizard of Oz” left off. “Good news, she’s dead!” All the citizens of Emeral City are ecstatic and proud of Dorothy.
The story takes an unexpected turn when Glinda, the good witch of the east announces that Elphaba, the wicked witch of the west were indeed friends back in the day. The story then shifts to the time “before Dorothy dropped in.”
Elphaba was born with green skin and her parents rejected her right from birth. They later had another daughter, Nessarose. Due to complications at birth, Nessarose was born paralyzed from the waist down. Elphaba was appointed by her father to always look after Nessarose. Considering this circumstance, Elphaba had to go along with her sister to boarding school.
After much confusion with the living conditions, Elphaba and Glinda, although complete opposites, become roommates.
Unlike in “The Wizard of Oz,” Glinda is a ditzy, high-class, stuck up but charming teenager, while Elphaba, who was deprived her whole life, is timid.
Through their differences, Elphaba and Glinda begin to become close friends. Glinda gives Elphaba tips on how to be more confident and of course, popular. Even though their attitudes are complete opposites, they complement each other.
Soon Elphaba finds herself in a lot of trouble with the wizard and looks to her two friends for help, one of them being Glinda. Boy problems occur and Elphaba stabs Glinda in the back unintentionally, leaving Glinda hurt. Elphaba struggles to stay alive, not harm anyone and to try and keep the one true friend that she has, Glinda.
The play was a success. The characters, music and sets were all extraordinary.
The ending is too good to ruin but let’s just say “The Wizard of Oz” will never be the same.
