Brief Summary
This video explores the lore of "Wicked," tracing its origins from Gregory Maguire's novel, a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, to its blockbuster Broadway musical adaptation. It discusses the key changes made in the musical, the behind-the-scenes creative decisions, and the lasting impact of the show on pop culture and musical theater.
- The video covers the initial mixed reviews and the eventual success and legacy of "Wicked," highlighting its influence on Broadway and its devoted fan base.
- It also touches on the upcoming movie adaptation and the anticipation surrounding it.
- The video provides a detailed look at the characters, plot, and music of "Wicked," making it a comprehensive guide for fans and newcomers alike.
Intro
The video introduces "Wicked" as a smash-hit Broadway musical that has captivated audiences for over 20 years. It aims to explore the lore behind the musical, examining how a retelling of The Wizard of Oz was transformed into a beloved stage production. The video acknowledges the strong feelings musical theater fans have about "Wicked," noting its iconic characters like Glinda and Elphaba, and its influential songs such as "Popular" and "Defying Gravity." The video also mentions the impact of the original Broadway cast, including Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, who have become Broadway legends.
The Wizard of Oz
After the success of The Wizard of Oz movie, the original series entered the public domain in 1956, allowing for various interpretations. However, elements unique to the 1939 film remained copyright protected. One author, Gregory Maguire, reimagined the story in his 1995 novel, "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," which became the basis for the 2003 Broadway musical. The book portrays Oz as a greedy society with racial issues, political upheaval, and a dictator, contrasting with the happy fairy tale image.
Book Summary
The book "Wicked" begins in the middle of The Wizard of Oz story, viewed from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West, named Elphaba. Elphaba's name is a nod to L. Frank Baum, the original author of the Oz books. The story follows Elphaba's life from birth to her demise in The Wizard of Oz. The Land of Oz is divided into four regions: Gillikin, Winkie, Quadling, and Munchkin Country, with the Emerald City at the center. Elphaba is born green in Munchkinland to her mother, Melena, and father, Frex, a unionist minister. The birth is marked by strange events involving a clock dragon, and Elphaba's unusual appearance leads to questions about her gender and identity. Melena becomes an alcoholic and has affairs, resulting in a second daughter, Nessarose, who is born without arms.
As Elphaba grows, she attends Shiz University, where she is paired with Galinda as a roommate. Galinda is selfish and focused on social advancement. They eventually bond and discuss religion and morality. At school, they meet Dr. Dillamond, a goat professor who discusses the oppression of animals. Elphaba forms a research group to investigate animal rights. Dr. Dillamond is later murdered, and Alma Clutch, a chaperone, witnesses the event but is unable to communicate it clearly. New students, including Nessarose and Fiero, join Shiz, and a charmed circle of friends forms. Elphaba sings a song reminiscent of "Over the Rainbow," expressing longing and otherness. Madam Morrible proposes that the students become government adepts, but Elphaba and Glinda visit the Emerald City and realize the Wizard and Madam Morrible are working together. Elphaba leaves Shiz, and three years later, Fiero finds her living at a convent. They begin a love affair.
Seven years later, Elphaba travels with a mysterious child named Liir and encounters Fiero's widow, Sereah. She learns about Fiero's disappearance and receives a magical book called the Grimmerie. Elphaba visits Nessarose, who rules Munchkinland, and witnesses her use magic. Years later, Dorothy arrives in Munchkinland, and Elphaba confronts Glinda about the Fiero affair. The Wizard confronts Elphaba, revealing that he killed Sereah's family and imprisoned her daughter, Nor. Elphaba learns that the Wizard is her father. She sends bees to attack Dorothy's group, mistakenly believing the Scarecrow is Fiero in disguise. Dorothy arrives at Elphaba's house, and during a confrontation, Elphaba is accidentally killed by a bucket of water. Dorothy returns to the Wizard, who flees Oz. Liir travels to the Emerald City to find Nor. Glinda is left with a strange feeling.
Making the Musical
Stephen Schwartz, a respected lyricist and composer, acquired the rights to "Wicked" and partnered with Winnie Holzman, a TV writer, to adapt it into a musical. They simplified the darker themes from the novel, focusing on the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda. Kristin Chenoweth joined the cast, and her character, Glinda, became central to the show. Early songs included "One Short Day," "As Long as You're Mine," and "Making Good," which was reworked into "The Wizard and I." Stephanie J. Block played Elphaba in workshops. Director Joe Mantello joined the project, and Idina Menzel was cast as Elphaba. The show underwent extensive workshopping, and Gregory Maguire, the author of "Wicked," attended one of the workshops.
Several changes were made during the workshop process. The character of Fiero was reimagined, and songs were cut or replaced. The animal oppression subplot caused friction among the creative team. Copyright issues prevented the use of red shoes, so silver slippers were used instead. In 2003, the show was previewed off-Broadway in San Francisco, where it received mixed reviews. Problems arose during the previews, including accidents and creative disagreements. Kristin Chenoweth's portrayal of Glinda received positive feedback. The creative team planned to make changes before the Broadway premiere, including rewriting Fiero's introductory song, which became "Dancing Through Life." Despite the challenges, "Wicked" began previews on Broadway in October 2003.
Broadway Musical Summary
The Broadway musical begins with the Munchkins celebrating the death of the Wicked Witch of the West in "No One Mourns the Wicked." Glinda reflects on Elphaba's past, leading to a flashback to their first meeting at Shiz University. Galinda is portrayed as a wealthy and entitled student, while Nessarose is in a wheelchair and favored by their father. Elphaba and Galinda are forced to room together, and Elphaba displays magical abilities, attracting the attention of Madam Morrible. Elphaba sings "The Wizard and I," expressing her desire to meet the Wizard and change her skin color. Glinda and Elphaba initially dislike each other, leading to the song "What Is This Feeling?"
The students attend Dr. Dillamond's class, where the oppression of animals is discussed. Fiero arrives and sings "Dancing Through Life," expressing his carefree attitude. Glinda manipulates Boq into taking Nessarose to the Ozdust Ballroom. Glinda gives Elphaba the iconic black witch hat as a joke, but later regrets her actions. Elphaba arrives at the party, and Glinda joins her in a dance, starting their friendship. Glinda tries to give Elphaba a makeover in "Popular." Dr. Dillamond is forcibly removed from the school, and a new teacher, Dr. Nikidik, arrives with a caged lion cub. Elphaba and Fiero rescue the cub, and Elphaba sings "I'm Not That Girl," suppressing her feelings for Fiero. Madam Morrible invites Elphaba to the Emerald City. Glinda changes her name to Glinda.
In the Emerald City, Elphaba and Glinda have a fun time. They visit the Wizard, who sings "A Sentimental Man." He asks Elphaba to read a spell from the Grimmerie, which gives wings to a monkey named Chistery. Elphaba realizes the Wizard is a fraud and is behind the animal oppression. Madam Morrible announces that Elphaba is a wicked witch. Elphaba and Glinda sing "Defying Gravity," where Elphaba embraces her power and decides to fight against the Wizard. In Act Two, the Ozians spread rumors about Elphaba. Glinda tries to focus on the positives, but feels hollow. Fiero becomes captain of the guard and searches for Elphaba. Elphaba visits Nessarose in Munchkinland, who has been stripping Munchkins of their rights. Elphaba casts a spell on Nessarose's shoes, allowing her to walk. Boq wants to leave Nessarose to stop Glinda and Fiero's engagement. Nessarose uses the Grimmerie and shrinks Boq's heart. Elphaba turns him into the Tin Man to save his life.
Elphaba searches for a way to free the monkeys and runs into the Wizard, who sings "Wonderful." He tries to get Elphaba on his side, but she refuses. Glinda arrives and realizes Fiero intends to leave with Elphaba. She sings a reprise of "I'm Not That Girl." Glinda suggests spreading a rumor about Nessarose being in trouble to trap Elphaba. Elphaba and Fiero meet and sing "As Long as You're Mine." Elphaba has a vision of a house flying through the sky and rushes to Munchkinland. Glinda sends Dorothy down the yellow brick road. Elphaba arrives in Munchkinland and finds that Nessarose has been killed by a house. Glinda and Elphaba fight, and Fiero sacrifices himself to allow Elphaba to escape. Elphaba sings "No Good Deed," realizing that everything she has tried to do has backfired. The Ozians, led by Boq, march to kill Elphaba.
Elphaba tries to get the diamond slippers off Dorothy. Glinda arrives. Elphaba receives a note that Fiero has been seen for the last time. Elphaba asks Glinda to carry on her work and never try to clear her name. They sing "For Good," forgiving each other and thanking each other for their friendship. Dorothy throws a bucket of water on Elphaba, who melts, leaving behind her black hat and a small green bottle. Glinda confronts the Wizard, who admits he is Elphaba's father. Glinda threatens him and calls the guards to arrest Madam Morrible. Glinda becomes the ruler of Oz. In the finale, it is revealed that Elphaba and Fiero are still alive and planning to leave Oz. Fiero is now the Scarecrow.
Reception & Legacy
Despite its popularity, "Wicked" received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the book but criticized the score. The musical was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and won three: Best Actress in a Musical (Idina Menzel), Best Scenic Design, and Best Costume Design. The relevance of The Wizard of Oz contributed to "Wicked's" success and international appeal. The show won several Drama Desk Awards. At the Tony Awards, "Wicked" did not win Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, or Best Original Score, which all went to Avenue Q.
"Wicked" opened on Broadway in October 2003 and is still running. It is the second-highest-grossing musical, behind The Lion King, and the fourth-longest-running musical of all time on Broadway. The show has had countless productions in the West End, national tours, and international translations. Many Tony-winning and Tony-nominated actors have played roles in "Wicked." The musical has had a significant influence on the Broadway community and is referenced in other musicals and TV shows. The show has a large online recording community, and many cast members have vlogged their experiences. Several actresses have risen to prominence for portraying Elphaba.
Outro
The video concludes by summarizing the journey of the "Wicked" musical to Broadway. It emphasizes the show's special connection with the Broadway community and its lasting legacy. The video acknowledges that "Wicked" would not have achieved its success without the backdrop of The Wizard of Oz. The video expresses hope that the upcoming movie adaptation will address some of the problems with Act Two of the musical.
