Wicked (musical)

Wicked (musical)
Name	Wicked
Music	Stephen Schwartz
Lyrics	Stephen Schwartz
Book	Winnie Holzman
Basis	''Wicked'' novel by Gregory Maguire
Productions	2003 San Francisco tryout, 2003 Broadway, 2006 West End, Numerous international productions and tours
Awards	Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical (Idina Menzel), Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Idina Menzel), Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album

Wicked (musical). *Wicked* is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. It is based on the 1995 novel *Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West* by Gregory Maguire, which reimagines the characters and world of L. Frank Baum's *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz* and its iconic 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film adaptation. The story centers on the unlikely friendship between two young women at Shiz University in the Land of Oz—the green-skinned, misunderstood Elphaba and the popular, ambitious Glinda—and explores the events that shape their destinies as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Plot

The narrative begins with the citizens of Oz celebrating the death of the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda descends in her bubble and recounts the story of her complex friendship with Elphaba. The plot flashes back to their first meeting at Shiz University, where the headmistress Madame Morrible pairs them as roommates. Their initial rivalry evolves into a deep bond as they navigate academic life, romantic entanglements with the charming Fiyero, and the political machinations of the Wizard of Oz, who is revealed to be a fraudulent ruler from Omaha. Elphaba’s discovery of her magical powers and her moral outrage at the Wizard’s persecution of talking Animals leads her to become an outlaw, while Glinda is seduced by public adoration. The story intertwines with familiar events from *The Wizard of Oz*, culminating in Elphaba’s apparent melting and her secret escape with Fiyero, leaving Glinda to govern a changed Oz.

Characters

The principal characters include Elphaba, a passionate, intelligent, and socially outcast young woman who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda (originally Galinda) is a popular, status-seeking student who evolves into the celebrated Glinda the Good. Fiyero is a carefree prince who becomes the central romantic figure for both women. The Wizard of Oz is the seemingly benevolent but manipulative ruler of Oz. Madame Morrible is the duplicitous headmistress of Shiz University who becomes the Wizard’s propagandist. Nessarose is Elphaba’s disabled sister who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the East. Boq is a Munchkin student infatuated with Glinda, whose life is tragically altered by magic. Doctor Dillamond is a kindly talking Goat and professor who is a victim of the Wizard’s bigotry.

Musical numbers

The score by Stephen Schwartz features songs that have become contemporary standards. Act I includes “No One Mourns the Wicked,” “Dear Old Shiz,” “The Wizard and I,” “What Is This Feeling?,” “Something Bad,” “Dancing Through Life,” “Popular,” “I’m Not That Girl,” and the act-closing anthem “Defying Gravity.” Act II features “Thank Goodness,” “The Wicked Witch of the East,” “Wonderful,” “I’m Not That Girl (Reprise),” “As Long as You’re Mine,” “No Good Deed,” and the finale “For Good.” The song “Defying Gravity” has achieved particular cultural prominence, often performed on shows like *American Idol* and at events like the Tony Awards.

Productions

The musical premiered in a pre-Broadway tryout at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco in 2003. Its Broadway debut was on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre, directed by Joe Mantello with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. The original cast featured Idina Menzel as Elphaba, Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, and Joel Grey as the Wizard. A West End production opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in 2006 starring Idina Menzel and Helen Dallimore. Major international productions have opened in cities including Tokyo, Sydney, Stuttgart, and São Paulo. Several North American touring companies have been mounted, and the show has been performed in Mexico City, Seoul, and Manila.

Critical reception

Initial reviews on Broadway were mixed, with some critics like Ben Brantley of *The New York Times* finding it overblown but praising its leads. However, the performances of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth were widely acclaimed for their vocal prowess and chemistry. The production values, including the scenic design by Eugene Lee and costumes by Susan Hilferty, received consistent praise. Over time, the musical has transcended its initial critical divide to be recognized as a defining blockbuster of modern Broadway, with its themes and score resonating deeply with global audiences.

Awards and nominations

For its original Broadway run, *Wicked* received ten Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, winning three: Best Actress in a Musical for Idina Menzel, Best Scenic Design for Eugene Lee, and Best Costume Design for Susan Hilferty. It won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical for Idina Menzel and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. The West End production won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2007. Despite not winning the top Best Musical prize, its commercial success and fan base are unparalleled.

Cultural impact

*Wicked* has become a global cultural phenomenon, one of the highest-grossing musicals in history. Its exploration of themes like friendship, morality, and the nature of evil has inspired academic analysis and fan communities. Songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” are staples in auditions and performances worldwide. The musical has significantly boosted tourism in New York’s Theater District and London’s West End. Its success has spurred merchandise, a novelization of the libretto, and plans for a two-part film adaptation from Universal Pictures. The show’s enduring popularity has solidified its status as a landmark of 21st-century American theatre.