I actually think Wicked is a must-read then a must-see, but it’s a close call. Both the novel and the Broadway musical are brilliant remixes of the classic Wizard of Oz. And although the story inspired the show, the result is two entirely different experiences.
Let’s start with the book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. (Click on the image to buy it on Amazon.)
It’s a politically charged retelling of the fairytale that started long before Dorothy arrived on the scene. The Wizard is the seemingly benign dictator of Oz. The Good Witch of the North is his popular puppet. The Wicked Witch of the West is a lone revolutionary. And Dorothy is just a pawn in the Wizard’s scheme. Oppression, the fight for equal rights, government propaganda, secret police, and underground rebel meetings are just some of the story’s complex elements.
But don’t be scared off. There’s a healthy dose of sentimentality, which, combined with excellent character development, endears each personality to the reader. Predictably, Maguire focuses on the Wicked Witch of the West, humanizing her as the oft-misunderstood Elphaba Thropp. From the beginning to the end, she’s an intriguing combination of charm and prickliness. The reader sways between sympathy and frustration toward Elphaba, even as she becomes the villainized Witch.
It’s a rewarding read, especially if you know the Wonderful Wizard of Oz fairytale or the 1939 MGM classic film. Then you can better appreciate the clever bits.
The musical presents a much lighter version of Maguire’s story. Some characters are lost as are many of the heavier, more adult twists. But the Broadway adaptation does not stray too much and manages to retain that wonderful Wicked essence.
The soundtrack, written by Stephen Schwartz, is lovely, singsongy, and touching but also moves the plot and the characters along. Perfect for musical theatre. And some songs are laugh-out-loud funny. ‘Popular’ and ‘Loathing’ were big hits with the crowd at the Pantages in Los Angeles when I watched it. Listen here.
And one quick word about the sets: breathtaking. Who designed these intricate, moving visual delights? They deserve awards galore.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing this musical, you can still catch it in New York, San Francisco, London, Osaka, Oberhausen, Sydney, and a slew of smaller cities (like the tour’s current stop: Durham, North Carolina). Go on!
Fluffy Culture Junkie 