Composed by Stephen Schwartz
ISBN: B0000TB01Y
Publisher: Decca Broadway (2003)
Approximately 67 minutes
Publisher: Decca Broadway (2003)
Approximately 67 minutes
Reading Level: 9th and up.
Summary:
This musical deals with the witches of Oz before Dorothy happened upon the Emerald City. The play details the relationship between the future Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and Galinda, who becomes Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. They struggle with different opinions as well as a rivalry for the same man, Fiyero. They go through many struggles and are constantly at odds with each other. For example, Elphaba’s favorite teacher, Dr. Dillamond, tells his class that he is no longer permitted to instruct them because of his animal qualities. When the students are shown the technology by which such animals are kept in cages, confined, and not allowed to learn English (which they do and makes them like humans), Elphaba cannot contain her rage, and she and Fiyero grab the animal in the cage, a lion cub, and run. Eventually, Elphaba and Galinda end up meeting the Wizard. Elphaba attempts to get him to help her save the animals, but instead he tricks her and has her enchant monkeys so they can fly and be used as spies. After realizing that the Wizard is the one behind the animal cruelty, she flees. A rumor is spread that Elphaba is wicked and evil. Galinda goes along with the rumors, but her fiancé, Fiyero, can’t believe them. Although Elphaba attempts to find help through her sister, it fails. Through a series of actions, Galinda helps to capture Elphaba by placing her sister in danger and ultimately killing her. Galinda and Elphaba have a heated argument because of what has been happening, but Fiyero helps by constraining Galinda so Elphaba can flee. The end, though, is uplifting because Galinda learns the true meaning of friendship and love through her actions. I won’t spoil the ending, but suffice it to say that the viewer will not be let down in terms of the tale of Elphaba and Galinda.
Critical Evaluation:
This musical, which gives a viewer the point of view of Elphaba, a character long seen as evil, is a refreshing take on a classic story. Through breath-taking imagery, which can be seen looking at pictures on the Internet or in person if one is lucky enough, the story comes to life for children and adults of all ages. The themes fit in well with adolescents, for many of the ideas have to do with the trials and tribulations of friendship, the cost of popularity, and the courage it takes to stand up against an oppressive system, i.e., the government. On a darker note, this show can be construed as an analogue for slavery and the Civil War. Thomas Jefferson, like the Wizard, opposed integration and freedom for those considered to be different, yet also like the Wizard he had offspring who crossed over into the same minority he deemed he could not free. The fight against oppression and tales of bravery have taken many forms, and this musical is now one of them.
Reader’s Annotation:
The tale of two girls who battle with each other,
deciding if they should be friends or enemies.
“Just you and I, defying gravity
With you and I defying gravity” (from the song Defying Gravity)
deciding if they should be friends or enemies.
“Just you and I, defying gravity
With you and I defying gravity” (from the song Defying Gravity)
Author Biography:
The show’s music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz who has an impressive background and has provided both music and/or lyrics for Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, and Working, to name only a few. He has also collaborated with Alan Menken on such Disney classics as Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Prince of Egypt. He has won three Academy Awards and four Grammy Awards, among many others.
Winnie Holzman wrote the book for this show and received both a Tony nomination
and a Drama Desk award. She’s also worked on Birds of Paradise. In television, Holzman was the creator of the popular teen show, My So-Called Life, and has also written for Thirtysomething and executive produced Once and Again.
and a Drama Desk award. She’s also worked on Birds of Paradise. In television, Holzman was the creator of the popular teen show, My So-Called Life, and has also written for Thirtysomething and executive produced Once and Again.
The original novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, was written by Gregory Maguire who received his Ph.D. in English and American Literature from Tufts University. He is also the founder and co-director of the Children’s Literature New England Incorporated which is a non-profit charity started in 1987. He has written both adult and children’s novels, as well as having contributed to Am I Blue? Coming Out From the Silence, a short story collection for gay and lesbian teens.
Genre: Musical, Drama.
Curriculum Ties:
Sections of this musical could be used in a choir class, or a variation of the entire show could be put on by the Drama class or club. Many of this show’s themes—such as popularity, class division, and self-worth—are perfect for high school students who are learning to navigate to adulthood.
Booktalking Ideas:
-How does this musical differ in tone and mood from the original film,
Wizard of Oz, filmed in 1939?
Wizard of Oz, filmed in 1939?
-Talk about how this musical answers questions and sheds back-story on the above film.
-This musical spins the original by positioning the antagonist, Elphaba,
as one of the protagonists. How is her characterization different in Wicked?
as one of the protagonists. How is her characterization different in Wicked?
-To what do you attribute Wicked’s endurance on the stage? This show has yet to become
a film or a television entity, but remains as a popular theatrical staple.
a film or a television entity, but remains as a popular theatrical staple.
Read-Alikes:
If you enjoyed Wicked, you may also enjoy the following musicals:
Hairspray, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, and Rent.
Hairspray, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, and Rent.
Challenge Issue:
According to Broadway.com, a site that reviews theatre shows and offers answers
to such questions as “Is the experience suitable for children.” The play
to such questions as “Is the experience suitable for children.” The play
Steers clear of bad language and adult or sexual situations. A few creepy encounters with flying monkeys, allusions to offstage violence and the death of
a character may be a bit too much for your youngest viewers, but the show
has broken ticket selling records by offering fun generally fit for the whole family.
a character may be a bit too much for your youngest viewers, but the show
has broken ticket selling records by offering fun generally fit for the whole family.
(Retrieved from http://www.broadway.com/shows/wicked/story/).
In reading audience reviews, I have not come across anything negative, and the fact that the two lead characters deal with popularity, peer pressure, and uncertainty in life during their teen years makes this a welcome addition to the teen genre.
Reason to include in blog:
Although I am not necessarily a fan of musicals, I listened to this record and found it perfect for this blog. The themes of strength, being true and standing up for oneself, as well as the ties of friendship, make this a perfect fit for this young adult blog list.
References:
Broadway.com. (2011). Wicked. Retrieved from
http://www.broadway.com/shows/wicked/story/
Maguire, G. (2005). About Gregory. Retrieved from
Schwartz, S., Menzel, I., Chenoweth, K., Shelley, C., Butz, N. L., Federer, M., Fitzgerald, C.,
Youmans, W., Grey, J., & Oremus, S. (2003). Wicked: a new musical :
Original Broadway cast recording. New York, NY: Decca Broadway.
Wicked (2006). Creative Team. Retrieved from
http://www.wickedthemusical.com/page.php#CreativeTeam
Civil War!
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