Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz

Introduction

Wicked, the musical, is a captivating and thought-provoking adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. This musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, offers a fresh and complex perspective on the classic characters from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its 1939 film adaptation.

The idea for Wicked was born in 1996 when Stephen Schwartz, on vacation in Hawaii, read Maguire’s novel and immediately saw its potential for a dramatic adaptation. However, the rights to the book had been sold to Universal Pictures for a film adaptation. Schwartz’s persistence paid off in 1998 when he persuaded Maguire to release the rights for a stage production, and Universal producer Marc Platt agreed to support the project^[1][5].

The original production of Wicked premiered on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre in October 2003, following pre-Broadway tryouts at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre in May and June of that year. The production was directed by Joe Mantello, choreographed by Wayne Cilento, and produced by Universal Stage Productions with producers Marc Platt, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone. The original cast included Idina Menzel as Elphaba, Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero, and Joel Grey as the Wizard^[5].

What sets Wicked apart is its deep exploration of themes such as authoritarianism, racism, fascism, and elitism, making it more than just a retelling of a classic story. The musical’s rich thematic and symbolic content, combined with its innovative staging and music, have made it a standout in the world of theater.

Plot Summary

The story of Wicked is told from the perspective of two witches, Elphaba and Glinda, before and after Dorothy Gale’s arrival in Oz. The narrative begins with Glinda the Good Witch reflecting on the past and the life of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.

Elphaba, born with bright green skin, is ostracized at Shiz University, where she meets Glinda, the beautiful and popular blonde witch. Despite their initial dislike for each other, they are forced to room together by the school’s headmistress, Madame Morrible. Elphaba’s magical potential is recognized by Morrible, who decides to tutor her in sorcery, further fueling Glinda’s jealousy^[5].

The story unfolds as Elphaba and Glinda navigate their complex friendship, contrasting personalities, and shared love interest in Fiyero. Dr. Dillamond, an animal professor at Shiz, informs Elphaba of a conspiracy to silence all animals, which deepens her involvement in the political unrest in Oz.

As the narrative progresses, Elphaba discovers the Wizard of Oz’s true nature—a fraud who seeks to exploit and oppress the people of Oz. Her crusade against the Wizard’s regime drives her and Glinda apart, testing their friendship and forcing Glinda to choose between her loyalty to Elphaba and her ascent to power alongside the Wizard^[1][5].

In Act II, the story delves into the consequences of Elphaba’s actions. Glinda announces her plan to marry Fiyero, who is now in charge of the hunt for Elphaba. Elphaba’s attempts to seek aid from her sister Nessarose, now the cruel Governor of Munchkinland, end in conflict. The Wizard’s offer to Elphaba to join him in ruling Oz is rejected, and her vision of a flying house leads her to Munchkinland, where she discovers Nessarose’s tragic fate. The final confrontation between Elphaba and Glinda, along with Fiyero’s intervention, sets the stage for Elphaba’s ultimate fate and the legend of the Wicked Witch of the West^[2][5].

Themes and Symbolism

Wicked is rich in themes and symbolism that critique various societal and political issues. One of the central themes is authoritarianism, represented through the Wizard’s regime. The Wizard uses propaganda, fear, and deception to maintain control, symbolizing how authoritarian leaders manipulate public perception to suppress dissent^[3].

Glinda’s role in the story highlights the complicity of those in power who uphold authoritarian regimes for personal gain or social acceptance. Elphaba’s experiences with layered discrimination for her appearance, unconventional ideas, and alliance with the oppressed underscore the theme of intersectionality and the complexities of social justice^[3].

The musical also explores fascism through the Wizard’s rule, which employs tactics such as fostering fear of outsiders and enforcing strict social hierarchies. The use of flying monkeys and government-backed enforcers illustrates how fascist regimes rely on militarization to maintain power and suppress rebellion^[3].

The theme of form over function is evident in Glinda’s transformation and the glamour of Emerald City, which hides the underlying oppression and corruption. This symbolism critiques a society that prioritizes superficial attributes over substance and genuine competence^[3].

Elitism is another significant theme, with the Wizard’s regime embodying a cult of personality that masks corruption and ineptitude. The musical prompts audiences to reflect on what it truly means to be "wicked" and whether good intentions with bad results are equivalent to bad intentions with bad results^[3][5].

Cultural Impact

Wicked has had a profound cultural impact since its premiere. The musical has resonated with audiences worldwide, attracting a diverse range of viewers who appreciate its complex characters, themes, and music. It has become one of the most successful Broadway shows, with productions in numerous countries and a lasting influence on popular culture.

The musical’s impact extends beyond the theater. It has inspired countless adaptations, references, and parodies in other media, such as films, television shows, and literature. Wicked has also become a cultural touchstone, with its themes and characters often used as metaphors in discussions about social justice, politics, and personal identity.

The musical’s influence on education is also noteworthy. Educational kits and resources have been developed to help students analyze the themes, characters, and historical contexts presented in Wicked, making it a valuable tool for teaching critical thinking and literary analysis^[2][5].

Critical Reception

Wicked received mixed critical reception during its pre-Broadway tryouts in San Francisco but was significantly reworked before its Broadway premiere. The original Broadway production was met with generally positive reviews, with critics praising the performances of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, as well as the musical’s innovative staging and score.

However, some critics noted that the show’s themes and plot were overly complex and that the pacing could be improved. Despite these initial criticisms, Wicked has since become a beloved and critically acclaimed musical, winning numerous awards, including three Tony Awards and a Grammy Award^[5].

The musical has also faced some controversy, particularly regarding its portrayal of certain characters and themes. Some critics have argued that the show’s sympathetic portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West and its critique of authoritarianism are overly simplistic or even misguided. However, these debates have contributed to the musical’s enduring relevance and its ability to spark important discussions about morality, power, and social justice^[3][5].

Legacy

Wicked has left an indelible mark on the world of theater and beyond. It continues to inspire new generations of theatergoers, actors, and musicians. The musical’s innovative use of leitmotifs in its score, for example, has influenced the way composers approach musical theater.

The show’s themes of social justice, personal identity, and the complexities of good and evil remain highly relevant today. Wicked has become a cultural phenomenon, with its influence extending into various aspects of society, from education to popular culture.

As one of the longest-running shows on Broadway, Wicked has solidified its place in theater history. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact that a well-crafted musical can have on audiences worldwide.