The story of Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, offers a fresh, imaginative take on the classic Wizard of Oz tale by L. Frank Baum. Told from the perspective of Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, the musical dives into themes of friendship, prejudice, power, and the blurry line between good and evil. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, Wicked has captivated audiences worldwide with its emotional depth, sharp humor, and unforgettable songs.
The World of Oz Reimagined
The story begins long before Dorothy Gale arrives in Oz. The land is divided into factions and ruled by the powerful Wizard, whose seemingly benevolent rule hides a darker agenda. The story centers on two unlikely friends: Elphaba, born with green skin and shunned by society, and Glinda, a popular and ambitious young woman. Their intertwined destinies unfold against the backdrop of Oz’s political struggles.
Act I: The Origins of a Witch
The narrative opens with a celebration in the Emerald City, where citizens rejoice over the death of the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda, now the Good Witch, reflects on her relationship with the “Wicked” Witch and flashes back to their days at Shiz University, where they first met.
Elphaba arrives at Shiz with her younger sister Nessarose, who is wheelchair-bound due to a birth defect. The sisters’ father, ashamed of Elphaba’s green skin, dotes on Nessarose, creating a strained sibling relationship. At Shiz, Elphaba displays incredible magical potential, catching the attention of Madame Morrible, a powerful sorceress and headmistress, who promises to teach her the ways of magic and arrange a meeting with the Wizard.
Elphaba’s intelligence and unique appearance set her apart, and she becomes an object of ridicule among her peers, particularly Glinda, who revels in her popularity. Despite their initial animosity, the two young women are forced to share a dorm room. Over time, they form an unlikely bond, discovering each other’s vulnerabilities and aspirations.
One of the key turning points occurs at a party, where Glinda, attempting to humiliate Elphaba, gives her a black, pointed hat to wear. Instead of retreating, Elphaba embraces the moment, dancing freely and earning Glinda’s respect. The two become friends, and Glinda gives Elphaba a makeover, cementing their bond through the iconic song “Popular.”
The idyllic college life takes a darker turn when Elphaba and Glinda travel to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard. Elphaba, full of hope and eager to prove herself, is devastated to learn that the Wizard is not the benevolent figure she imagined. She discovers that he and Madame Morrible are oppressing the Animals of Oz, stripping them of their ability to speak and forcing them into submission.
Enraged and betrayed, Elphaba refuses to support the Wizard and flees, becoming an outlaw. In a dramatic moment, she declares her independence and vows to fight for justice, singing the powerful anthem “Defying Gravity.” Meanwhile, Glinda chooses to remain with the Wizard, setting the stage for their eventual conflict.
Act II: The Fall of the Witch
The second act delves deeper into Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West and the growing tensions between her and Glinda. Branded as a villain by the Wizard’s propaganda machine, Elphaba becomes a fugitive, dedicating herself to helping the oppressed.
Elphaba’s relationship with Fiyero, a charming prince and Glinda’s fiancé, complicates matters. Initially shallow and indifferent, Fiyero grows to admire Elphaba’s courage and selflessness. The two fall in love, straining Elphaba’s friendship with Glinda.
Meanwhile, Nessarose, now the Governor of Munchkinland, becomes increasingly tyrannical in her pursuit of control. She uses magic to make her unrequited love interest, Boq, stay with her, inadvertently causing harm. Nessarose’s actions contribute to Elphaba’s growing isolation, and their strained relationship ends tragically when Nessarose is killed.
Elphaba’s defiance leads to a confrontation with the Wizard, where she learns a shocking truth: he is her biological father, and her green skin is a result of a magical potion consumed by her mother. This revelation only deepens her resolve to resist his rule.
Glinda, who has grown increasingly complicit in the Wizard’s regime, struggles with guilt and doubt. Despite their differences, Glinda and Elphaba share a heartfelt reconciliation in the poignant song “For Good,” acknowledging the impact they’ve had on each other’s lives.
The story reaches its climax when Elphaba retreats to the castle in the West. Dorothy Gale, drawn into the conflict, unwittingly becomes a pawn in the Wizard’s schemes. The iconic events from The Wizard of Oz play out, culminating in the supposed death of the Wicked Witch.
A Subversive Ending
Wicked concludes with a surprising twist: Elphaba survives her apparent death and escapes with Fiyero, who has been transformed into the Scarecrow. Glinda, unaware of Elphaba’s fate, takes over as the leader of Oz, determined to guide the land with wisdom and compassion.
The musical leaves audiences questioning the nature of good and evil. Elphaba, once seen as a villain, emerges as a tragic hero who fought for justice in a corrupt world. Glinda, despite her flaws, evolves into a figure of strength and grace. Their journey challenges simplistic notions of morality, emphasizing the complexities of human relationships and the power of perspective.
Themes and Legacy
At its heart, Wicked is a story about acceptance, identity, and the power of friendship. It explores how societal prejudice and propaganda can distort the truth, turning heroes into villains and vice versa. The musical’s nuanced characters and emotional depth resonate with audiences, making it one of the most celebrated productions in Broadway history.
From the unforgettable songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” to its rich storytelling and thought-provoking themes, Wicked continues to captivate audiences, offering a poignant reminder that even the most misunderstood individuals have a story worth telling.
