You know the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, right? Green skin, pointy hat, melts when you throw water on her? Yeah, that one. But what if I told you there's a whole other side to that story? That's exactly what Wicked: The Musical explores. If you're scratching your head wondering "what is the story of Wicked really about?" – buckle up. We're diving deep into Oz today.
Frankly, I used to think it was just another Broadway show until my sister dragged me to see it in London. I expected singing and dancing, sure, but not this emotional gut-punch. The way it flips the classic tale on its head? Genius. Makes you question everything you thought you knew about "good" and "wicked."
The Genesis: From Book to Broadway
It all started with Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Now, full disclosure – that book gets DENSE. Political allegories, philosophical tangents... it's heavy stuff. When composer Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin) decided to adapt it into a musical, he wisely focused on the heart: Elphaba and Glinda's friendship.
The Broadway premiere was October 30, 2003, starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. Fun fact: they almost didn't cast Chenoweth because she's tiny and Glinda was written tall. Thank goodness they ignored that!
The Core Characters: More Than Just Witches
| Character | Who They Are | Key Motivations | Classic Oz Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elphaba | Green-skinned outcast turned "Wicked Witch" | Fighting injustice, protecting Animals (sentient creatures) | Wicked Witch of the West |
| Glinda | Popular blonde initially obsessed with status | Desire for popularity, evolves into genuine care | Glinda the Good Witch |
| Fiyero | Prince turned Captain of the Guard | Escaping shallow existence, finding purpose | The Scarecrow |
| The Wizard | Ruler of Oz presenting a false image | Maintaining power through deception | The Wizard |
| Madame Morrible | Shiz University headmistress | Political ambition, manipulation | Spinster in Kansas (implied) |
What struck me during the show was how nuanced everyone is. The Wizard isn't some all-powerful figure – he's a con man terrified of being exposed. And Madame Morrible? Pure political schemer hiding behind a grandmotherly smile. Chilling.
Elphaba's Journey: Born Different
Her green skin isn't makeup – she's literally born that way. Her father can't stand the sight of her, ships her off to school with her wheelchair-bound sister Nessarose. Watching Elphaba constantly get rejected despite her brilliant mind? Ouch. Felt personal. We've all had moments where we didn't fit in, right?
Glinda's Transformation: Bubble Girl to Leader
Initially insufferable with her "Popular" anthem (catchy as heck though). But her growth feels earned. The moment she gives Elphaba her trademark hat? Chills. Not sure I'd be that selfless.
Honestly, the animal rights angle hit me hardest. The Wizard is silencing talking Animals (capital A intentional in Oz) – making them mute creatures. Elphaba's goat professor losing his voice? More devastating than I expected.
Unpacking the Plot: What Happens in Wicked?
Understanding what is the story of Wicked requires breaking down its two acts. Forget flying monkeys – this is about friendship, betrayal, and propaganda.
Act 1: Shiz University Days
- Unlikely Roommates: Green Elphaba and bubbly Glinda get paired at university. Instant loathing.
- "The Wizard and I": Elphaba dreams of working with the Wizard after showing magical talent.
- Animal Rights Crisis: Doctor Dillamond (goat professor) reveals Animals are being silenced.
- Emerald City Trip: The Wizard recruits Elphaba but wants her to enforce animal suppression. She rebels.
- "Defying Gravity": Iconic finale where Elphaba embraces her "wicked" label and literally flies.
That first act finale? When Elphaba rises in defiance with green fire blazing? Saw grown men wiping their eyes. Pure theatrical magic.
Act 2: The Wicked Witch Era
- Propaganda War: The Wizard frames Elphaba for terrorizing Oz.
- Glinda's Dilemma: Now working with the Wizard, she secretly aids Elphaba.
- Tragic Losses: Nessarose (later Wicked Witch of the East) and Fiyero apparently die.
- Dorothy's Cameo: Yes, she drops a house and takes slippers – but it's background!
- "For Good": Heartbreaking farewell duet as Elphaba fakes her death.
Fiyero's transformation into the Scarecrow made me gasp. Total "aha!" moment connecting to the 1939 film. Schwartz is a master of musical callbacks.
Hidden Connections to The Wizard of Oz
Wicked meticulously plants Easter eggs:
- Elphaba melting? A setup by Glinda to fake her death using a water bucket illusion.
- Flying monkeys? Victims of Madame Morrible's cruel experiments.
- Ruby slippers? Stolen by the Wizard from Nessarose (silver in the book).
- Yellow Brick Road? Created as a publicity stunt to celebrate Elphaba's "demise."
Re-watching the movie after seeing Wicked feels like unlocking secret levels.
Why This Story Resonates So Deeply
Beyond spectacle, Wicked tackles heavy themes most musicals avoid:
| Theme | How It's Explored | Real-World Parallel |
|---|---|---|
| Otherness & Prejudice | Elphaba's green skin defines how others treat her | Racism, disability discrimination |
| Political Corruption | Wizard scapegoats Elphaba to maintain power | Government propaganda tactics |
| Ethical Compromise | Glinda chooses influence over truth initially | Corporate/political moral gray areas |
| Redemptive Friendship | Elphaba/Glinda transcend rivalry through sacrifice | Healing fractured relationships |
I'll admit – on my first viewing, the political stuff went over my head. Second time? Terrifyingly relevant. The way the Wizard spins narratives feels ripped from modern headlines.
Personal Hot Take: Madame Morrible is the real villain. The Wizard's a coward, but she's the mastermind. That "Dear Sweet Ozians!" speech praising the Wizard while knowing it's all lies? Peak manipulator.
Critical Reception & Controversy
Broadway critics were mixed initially. Some found it too flashy compared to Maguire's novel. Ben Brantley of the NY Times called it "overproduced" but praised Menzel’s performance.
Audiences disagreed. Massively. It became a word-of-mouth phenomenon. Why? Because it makes you FEEL. That bittersweet ending where Glinda carries Elphaba's legacy? Gets me every time.
Controversies exist. Purists hate deviations from the book. Others find the romance underdeveloped. Personally? Fiyero and Elphaba’s connection felt rushed. More tension-building would've helped.
Must-Know Wicked Songs Explained
The soundtrack drives the story. Key moments:
- "Defying Gravity": Elphaba's declaration of independence. Broadway's ultimate power anthem.
- "Popular": Glinda's hilarious guide to shallow charm (Chenoweth’s comic masterpiece).
- "For Good": Friendship elegy. Often performed at graduations/funerals.
- "No Good Deed": Elphaba's breakdown after believing Fiyero died.
- "I'm Not That Girl": Heartbreaking solo about unrequited love.
Fun fact: "Defying Gravity" almost got cut! Schwartz thought it was too rock-operatic. Thank goodness they kept it – it’s the show's signature.
Your Top Wicked Questions Answered
Is Wicked suitable for kids?
Mostly. Dark themes (animal cruelty, political murder) might scare under-10s. Language is clean. I'd say age 8+ depending on sensitivity. Saw families with kids loving it.
How long is the show?
Approx 2 hours 45 minutes with intermission. Pace is brisk though – doesn't feel that long.
Are there differences between the book and musical?
Massive differences! The book is darker, more political, with adult themes cut from the family-friendly musical. Elphaba's backstory is more complex (born with sharp teeth).
Why is the show called Wicked?
It questions what "wicked" means. Elphaba is labeled wicked for challenging corrupt power – making us rethink who the real villain is.
Does Dorothy appear?
Briefly! She's a silent figure glimpsed during Nessarose's death and the melting scene. Focus stays on the witches.
What is the story of Wicked trying to teach us?
That "evil" is often a label applied to misunderstood people fighting injustice. Plus, how friendships evolve through hardship.
Is Wicked historically accurate to Oz lore?
It builds on L. Frank Baum's books and the 1939 film but creates its own continuity. More reimagining than prequel.
Experiencing Wicked Live: Practical Tips
From my three viewings (NYC, London, tour)
- Best Seats: Front mezzanine center. You see choreography patterns and avoid neck strain from balcony.
- When to Buy: Weeknights or Wednesday matinees for cheapest tickets. Avoid holidays.
- Dress Code: Business casual common but jeans fine. Saw someone in Elphaba cosplay – respect!
- Pre-Show Prep: Familiarize yourself with the soundtrack. Enhances lyrical catchphrases.
- Post-Show Feels: You’ll want to discuss it immediately. Budget time for coffee debriefs!
Pro tip: Arrive 45 mins early. The Gershwin Theatre (NYC) has incredible Oz-themed displays in the lobby. London's Apollo Victoria has a stunning emerald art deco interior.
The Cultural Footprint: Beyond Broadway
Wicked's influence is wild. You've heard "Defying Gravity" covered everywhere – from Glee to talent shows. Terms like "Glinda-fied" entered lexicon for superficial makeovers. Academic conferences dissect its politics. Its merchandise? Obsessive. My niece owns three Elphaba hats.
Notable productions exist in Japan, Germany, Australia – often adapting lyrics culturally. The German Glinda sings "Popular" with hilarious Teutonic precision I witnessed in Hamburg.
Criticisms: Where Wicked Falls Short
Let's be fair. Not perfect:
- Pacing Issues: Act 2 drags slightly between "Defying Gravity" and the finale.
- Simplified Politics: Book's complex critique of fascism gets softened for mass appeal.
- Fiyero's Underdevelopment: His radical shift from playboy to revolutionary needed more stage time.
- Predictable Twists: If you know Oz lore, some "reveals" (Scarecrow identity) aren't shocking.
Still, these are nitpicks. The emotional core holds strong.
Final Thoughts: Why This Story Endures
Ultimately, exploring what is the story of Wicked reveals a tale about labels versus truth. Elphaba isn't wicked – she's principled in a corrupt system. Glinda isn't purely good – she struggles with vanity and compromise. Their journey teaches empathy. Maybe that’s why it connects globally: we’ve all been misunderstood or misjudged.
After seeing it, I re-evaluated how quickly I label people. Powerful stuff for a show with flying monkeys and bubble dresses. If you haven’t experienced it yet? Go. Take tissues. And question what “wicked” really means.
Leave a Message