Wicked

  

No One Mourns the Wicked!

    Time to review an incredibly popular and iconic show: Wicked. The classic story of The Wizard of Oz, told not through Dorothy's view, but through the views of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good Witch. We learn more about their backstories and how certain events led to the story we thought we knew. This review will be based on the performance featuring Jessica Vosk as Elphaba and Amanda Jane Cooper as Glinda. Let's get right into this critique!

 

My Wicked playbill!

Joan Marcus, 2016

History

    Wicked premiered at the Gershwin Theatre in October of 2003. As of October 2019, it is the 5th-longest running show on Broadway. There have been two US National Tours since the release of Wicked, titled the Emerald City tour and Munchkinland Tour, respectively. Wicked opened on the West End in 2006, and introduced several UK/Ireland tours as well. Other international productions include performances in Australia, Japan, Germany, and Mexico, as well as many others. 

Who's in the Cast?

    Idina Menzel originated the role of Elphaba, while Kristen Chenoweth starred as Galinda/Glinda. Norbert Leo Butz played the role of Fiyero, Christopher Fitzgerald originated Boq, and Michelle Federer played Nessarose. Other characters of significance include Carole Shelley as Madame Morrible, William Youmans as Dr. Dillamond, and Joel Gray as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 

    Since the creation of Wicked in 2003, there have been several replacements for all of the roles, and many productions all around the globe. This review will focus on the talents of Jessica Vosk as Elphaba, Amanda Jane Cooper as Glinda, and Curt Hansen as Fiyero. 

Overview

    Our show begins with the citizens of Oz celebrating the supposed death of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Galinda the Good Witch greets them all as their gracious leader, and confirms that Elphaba has indeed died, as the result of a child throwing a bucket of water onto her. Galinda then wonders: how did The Wicked Witch become wicked in the first place? It all started before her birth: it is shown that her mother had an affair with a mysterious man who gave her a "green elixir." When Elphaba is born with green skin, it is meant to be assumed that it is the direct result of the elixir. From that moment on, her life was difficult: shunned aside and pushed away for being different (No One Mourns the Wicked). An Ozian citizen asks Galinda if the rumors that she used to be friends with Elphaba are true, and she vaguely admits that they knew each other school, leading us into a flashback. An eager Elphaba enters, ready for school with her handicapped sister, Nessarose, when suddenly all of the other students shy away from her and her green skin (Dear Old Shiz). Elphaba and Nessarose's father gifts Nessarose a "parting gift" of silver slippers, then commands Elphaba to watch over her before departing. Madame Morrible greets the new students to announce their rooming assignments. Galinda accidentally agrees to dorm-live with Elphaba. In a panic, Elphaba accidentally uses magic to bring Nessarose's wheelchair back to her. The students are scared, but Madame Morrible is thrilled, promising to privately tutor Elphaba in magic, with the hope that she will be able to work with the Wizard of Oz. The idea thrills Elphaba, who feels as though she'll finally be appreciated if she has the Wizard on her side (The Wizard and I). In their dorm room, Galinda and Elphaba are writing to their parents about their hatred for each other: their strange roommate whom they'll never understand, and they promise to loathe each other forever (What Is This Feeling?) Their bickering transfers to the classroom, where Dr. Dillamond, a goat, is the teacher. Dr. Dillamond finds a threat to animals on the board in his class, and confides in Elphaba that strange things are happening to the animals in Oz, causing them to lose the ability to speak; Elphaba believes the Wizard will be able to help save the animals (Something Bad). 

    A new student, Fiyero, arrives at school. He is a prince who has lead a privileged and charming life like Galinda. He tends to go with the flow, wherever life leads him, and doesn't care too much about anything. He organizes a ball that night, where he dances and bonds with Galinda. As a prank, Galinda gifts a black pointy hat to Elphaba, who takes it as a sign of lessening hatred instead. Boq, a munchkin in love with Galinda, tries to invite Galinda to dance with him, but she encourages him to court Nessarose as a favor, because Nessa has a crush on him. Boq dances with Nessa in her chair, and though he tries to tell her the real reason he invited her, he is too embarrassed and instead compliments her (Dancing Through Life). Elphaba has Madame Morrible give Galinda a training wand, as a thank you for the hat and Nessa's invitation to the dance. Elphaba attends the party, wearing the hat, which scares the other students, but Galinda intervenes to help Elphaba feel more comfortable, in gratitutde for the wand. They start to bond.

    In their dorm later that night, Galinda tells Elphaba that she plans to marry Fiyero, although she hasn't told him yet. Elphaba confides in her about keeping a green bottle under her pillow, all that she has to remind her of her mother who died giving birth to Nessa. Galinda is thrilled that they are bonding, and decides to give Elphaba a makeover to make her popular and help her make friends (Popular). The next day, Dr. Dillamond announces that he is leaving Shiz University because animals are no longer permitted to teach. He is taken away, and Elphaba protests in outrage, but none of her fellow students stand up to fight with her. The new teacher shows the students a cage with a lion in it, claiming it is good for the animals, but Elphaba doesn't believe it. In her anger, she accidentally casts a spell on many of her classmates, causing them to move uncontrollably. During the chaos, Fiyero grabs the cage with the lion cub and he and Elphaba dash out. While they look for a safe place to take the cub, the two of them share a moment as it starts to rain, and Elphaba is forced to remind herself that he loves Galinda, and nothing could ever take place between them (I'm Not That Girl). Madame Morrible enters and stops the rain, telling Elphaba that weather is her specialty. She also tells Elphaba that the Wizard has agreed to meet her. 

    Elphaba prepares to say goodbye to Nessa and Boq, and Boq leaves, upset at himself for faking his feelings for Nessa. Nessa believes he is "the one" and blames herself. Elphaba is worried, but Nessa assures her she'll be fine. Galinda confides to Elphaba that Fiyero is changing, which worries her. Fiyero arrives bringing flowers for Elphaba, and admits he has been thinking about their time together a lot. Galinda misinterprets their meaning, thinking they are expressing sadness over Dr. Dillamond. In tribute to the Dr., Galinda announces she is changing her name from Galinda to Glinda. Fiyero says goodbye to Elphaba and leaves, and Glinda is upset about the differences she sees in Fiyero. Elphaba invites her to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard to cheer her up, and the girls explore the city together (One Short Day). They meet the Wizard, and he is not the impressive man they thought he was (A Sentimental Man). Madame Morrible is revealed to be the Wizard's new apprentice, and the Wizard promises to grant her request if she can prove herself. Madame Morrible presents Elphaba with a book of spells, asking her to levitate a monkey servent of the Wizard, Chistery. The spell goes wrong, the monkey sprouts wings, and Elphaba realizes the Wizard is behind the problems with the animals, as well as the fact that he is a fraud. Elphaba runs out, and to prevent her from telling the truth to the public, Madame Morrible spreads a rumor that she is a wicked witch. Glinda, not wanting to ruin her public image, stays behind and keeps the secret. Elphaba swears she will get revenge, enchants a broomstick, and flies away (Defying Gravity). 

    Act II begins with the Ozians, who are fearful of Elphaba, thanks to Madame Morrible's lie. Glinda offers them comfort, telling them it's a time to celebrate instead, because she is engaged to Fiyero. Madame Morrible tells the Ozians that Elphaba, the newly proclaimed Wicked Witch of the West, was jealous that the Wizard officially named Glinda "Glinda the Good," which caused her to become Wicked. Fiyero runs off, distressed about the surprise engagement and lies and looks for Elphaba, while Glinda shields her hurt and humiliation from the public (Thank Goodness). 

    Elphaba returns to her home to find Nessarose has taken over the position as governor; their father has died. Nessa says he was too ashamed of Elphaba. Boq is now working for Nessa, as she is desperate for him to stay close to her. Nessa is furious that Elphaba has never used her magic to give her a cure for her inability to walk. Elphaba changes the silver slippers her father gave Nessa into Ruby slippers, and Nessa is finally able to walk. Boq sees this as a sign that she no longer needs him, and runs to profess his love to Glinda. Nessa, enraged and desperate, tries to cast a spell to force him to love her, but messes up the spell and shrinks his heart. She becomes the Wicked Witch of the East thanks to her actions. Elphaba tries to cast a spell to save Boq's life by transforming him, then leaves to release the flying monkeys from the Wizard (The Wicked Witch of the East). Boq awakens to discover that he has been turned into a tin man, and Nessa blames Elphaba.    

    Elphaba frees the flying monkeys, and the Wizard attempts to convince her to work with him once again, telling her that he's not a bad man, and that he can help Elphaba redeem her reputation (Wonderful). Elphaba is almost convinced, when she finds Dr. Dillamond, who is now speechless. Elphaba threatens the Wizard, who calls the guards on her. Fiyero is leading them, and changes sides, giving Elphaba the opportunity to escape and threatening the Wizard. Glinda runs in to smooth things over with the Wizard, and Fiyero announces he is going to escape with Elphaba. Glinda is heartbroken that she is losing her lover and best friend, and tells the Wizard and Madame Morrible that the way to capture Elphaba is to threaten to hurt Nessa. Madame Morrible creates a storm to put their plan in motion. Glinda laments her loss and realization that Fiyero and Elphaba love each other (I'm Not That Girl (Reprise)). 

    On the run, Elphaba and Fiyero admit their feelings, knowing there is no realistic hope for the pair of them, and share an intense moment together (As Long As You're Mine). Elphaba has a vision that Nessa is in pain and danger, and sees a house flying through the air. She goes to leave, and Fiyero tells her that if she needs a place to go, she can use one of his family's empty castles. Fiyero promises to be together with her always.

    Elphaba finds Glinda in a cornfield. Having discovered that Nessa was crushed and Glinda gave her magic slippers away to a farm girl, Elphaba is furious, and they fight over their choices and Fiyero. While distracted, guards rush in and seize Elphaba, who realizes Glinda used Nessa's death as a trap. Fiyero enters, and threatens to kill Glinda unless they let Elphaba go. Elphaba is able to escape, but the guards take Fiyero into custody instead, torturing him for information on Elphaba's new location. Elphaba casts a spell to safe Fiyero's life, but, frustrated by her own limitations, she vows to truly become a Wicked Witch in retailation for the loss of those she's loved (No Good Deed).

    The Ozians have banded together and are now on a hunt to find and kill Elphaba, with Boq leading them, angry at Elphaba for turning him into tin. The lion that Elphaba saved as a cub is grown, and Boq credits his fear to Elphaba's coddling (March of the Witch Hunters). Glinda realizes that Madame Morrible caused the storm that killed Nessa. At Elphaba's new castle, Elphaba has taken Dorothy and Toto as prisoner until she gives up Nessa's shoes. Glinda arrives to convince Elphaba to let Dorothy go, and warn her that she is in danger. Elphaba refuses to listen, but a letter arrives informing her of Fiyero's death. Elphaba decides to surrender, having nothing else to fight for. Elphaba tries to force Glinda away, asking her to not try and clear Elphaba's name. The two reminisce about their differences, and how they still and always will have a bond, as well as how they have changed each other (For Good). The Ozians and guards enter, and a hidden Glinda watches Elphaba fight them. Dorothy manages to escape, and throws a bucket of water onto Elphaba, who collapses and melts. The mob leaves and a sobbing Glinda runs to where Elphaba was standing, and finds her pointy hat on the ground, as well as the green vial of elixir. 

    In the Emerald City, Madame Morrible is conversing with the Wizard about their success. Glinda confronts the Wizard, saying the only other time she has seen a vial similar to it was the one the Wizard offered her. She discovers that the Wizard is Elphaba's biological father, and the elixir was the cause of her green skin. Parentage from both worlds was the reason for her strong power. With this information, Glinda banishes the Wizard from Oz, and has the guards put Madame Morrible in prison. 

    Back to the present, the Ozians are still celebrating the death of Elphaba. Fiyero is alive after all, having been turned into a scarecrow by Elphaba's spell, and he travels to the castle. There he finds Elphaba, alive and well, hidden under a trapdoor, having faked her death, and the two embrace before running away together. Glinda promises to be a good leader to the Ozians (Finale). 

Thoughts

    Wicked is a fantastic musical not only for fans of the classic Wizard of Oz story but for those who are looking for something with more depth. At the surface level, Wicked is a tale of two enemies-turned-friends, but in reality it is so much more. Wicked is a tale of love, hate, betrayal, and loss. 

    An underrated theme, yet so powerful and relevant to current events, is that of race. The Ozians are so blatantly opposed to Elphaba because of her "bizzare" skin tone. However, as the show progresses, those who grow closer to Elphaba come to realize her skin doesn't matter. Those who don't know her, such as many of the Munchkins, still hold a hatred for Elphaba, heightened by their belief that she is wicked. As an audience member, you can see that Elphaba is not wicked at heart and that she is just trying to do the right thing. However, a potentially dangerous yet necessary message comes from the Ozians, who associate danger and wickedness with the "unusual" skin color. I urge you to think about how this is a powerful message that needs to be talked about with regards to modern situations and current events. 

    Another talking point is the idea that appearances can be deceiving. In the classic Wizard of Oz story, Glinda the Good Witch is beautiful and kind, while the Wicked Witch of the West is green, ugly, and mean. Wicked, however provides the audience with a different point of view. We discover that Elphaba is the one with a good heart, despite her "ugly" skin, and Glinda has hatred in her heart, despite her good looks and popularity. An important take-away is to understand that beauty goes deeper than the surface, and it is necessary to look farther than appearances to discover who a person truly is.

    Is this cat so bold as to say Jessica Vosk is vocally unmatched? I think he is. I'm not one to compare actresses, because I believe each performer is able to put their own unique spin on the character, but Vosk's portrayal of Elphaba was both emotionally and vocally unrivaled. She truly felt like she was one with Elphaba, that she was not only telling Elphaba's story but she was speaking through her. I do not have enough good things to say about Vosk, and my only complaint is that her time in the show on Broadway has ended. 

    Two underrated characters that I would like to give more attention to are Nessarose and Boq. Kristen Martin's performance as Nessa was incredible. Her progression from innocent sister to cruel governor was astounding, and she showed true power as an actress with her unbelievable strength in character. And Jye Frasca as Boq deserves much more credit as well. At the surface level, he is simply a Munchkin in love, but Frasca gives a little more confidence to Boq when necessary. He too, has a great character development, from love-sick, to stony, to out-for-revenge. These are certainly not easy roles, and Martin and Frasca truly give their all for a memorable and impactful performance. 

    And the set. Wow. From the paw-some backdrop at the beginning of the show, to the Wizard's mechanical head, to Elphaba flying through the air, and to the house that crushed Nessa, the scenery is absolutely phenomenal. Even the dorm room of Elphaba and Glinda, with very few set pieces, still provides a remarkable stage for a remarkable performance. 

    Overall, the show is fantastic. I would recommend this show to literally anybody. Grace told me that she saw Wicked when she was 12, and she was still able to fully enjoy the show, despite her young age. The themes discussed, including friendship, racism, hatred, and love, are relevant for all age groups and demographics. If you come across the opportunity to see Wicked, I urge you to see it, if not only for the incredible acting and singing but for the underlying messages this show illustrates.

    I'm upping the cat rating on this review, thanks to the lion and Elphaba fighting for its rights. It would be a higher rating, but Boq abused the lion's story, and the lion was never shown gaining courage, so there wasn't real development for the lion as a character. Still, it was nice to see some representation, as well has having actual relevance to the story instead of just being an extra. 

Ratings

Find the rating scale here.

Soundtrack          ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Acting                  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lighting               ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Set                        ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall                 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cat rating             ⭐⭐⭐

Best song: No Good Deed

Best actor: Jessica Vosk

Best set: The Wizard's mechanical head

Fun Facts!

• A movie adaptation of Wicked is currently in the works, and has been for awhile, although no cast has been announced and the released date has been pushed back numerous times. 
• Idina Menzel, the original Elphaba on Broadway, missed her last performance as Elphaba due to a stage injury the day before, where she was rushed to the hospital still in full costume. She made an appearance during curtain call the following day nonetheless. 
• The song "Defying Gravity" has been played in space by NASA as a wake-up call to astronauts upon request. 

Works Cited

Limited, London Theatre Direct. “Our Top 10 Facts About Wicked.” RSS News, 13 Aug. 2018, www.londontheatredirect.com/news/our-top-10-facts-about-wicked.

“Wicked (Musical).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Oct. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked_(musical).