Wicked
Plot
In the vibrant land of Oz, where magical beings and wondrous creatures roam free, a tale of love, friendship, and the complexities of morality unfolds in the hit musical, Wicked. Written by Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman, and based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, this spellbinding story delves into the untold history of two of Oz's most iconic witches: Elphaba Thropp, the misunderstood and ostracized green-skinned outcast, and Glinda Upland, the beautiful, popular, and seemingly lovely aristocrat. The narrative of Wicked masterfully reimagines the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz from the perspectives of these two fascinating characters. The story begins in the early 20th century Oz, at Shiz University, the prestigious institution where talented young witches and wizards from across the land gather to hone their magical skills. It is here that we meet Elphaba Thropp, a clever, compassionate, and fiercely intelligent young woman with an unprecedented green complexion. Abandoned as a baby, Elphaba has spent her childhood being educated and cared for by her family's servants, Nick Chopper and Madame Morrible, at the Thropp estate. As fate would have it, Elphaba is unexpectedly assigned to share a room with the radiant and enchanting Glinda Upland, a stunning young aristocrat from a wealthy and influential family. The dynamic between these two differing students is instantly evident as they grudgingly begin living together under the watchful gaze of Madame Morrible, Shiz University's tough-minded dean of students. The intriguing contrast between Elphaba and Glinda spark a reluctant friendship that simultaneously challenges and intrigues them both. Elphaba, exasperated by the narrow-minded prejudice of the Oz community and struggling to navigate her adopted world, finds solace in her irrepressible relationship with Glinda. As they spend more time together, Elphaba and Glinda expose each other's insecurities, their humor and humanity intertwining in a lifelong bond of loyalty and devotion. Despite the adversity they face, their camaraderie serves as a balm to their tender souls. The pairing of these disparate souls, Elphaba and Glinda, couldn't be more poignant. As the misinterpretations surrounding Elphaba's distinct appearance make her a target for hatred and ridicule, Glinda stands by her loyal friend, providing an unconditional shelter for Elphaba's insecurities and fears. As Elphaba and Glinda mature into young adults, they must confront the intense pressure exerted by Oz's upper class, to which Glinda belongs. This illuminating look at the world of Oz and its upper-class citizens highlights the cold apathy of societal expectations. Throughout the narrative, Elphaba is a guiding force, driven by her deep empathy and urge to protect the vulnerable. Her profound connection with animals sparks her innate capacity to learn the virtues of kindness and responsibility, propelling her to defend the innocent, such as Fiyero Tigelaar, a kind-hearted prince from the kingdom of Vinkus, whom Elphaba encounters during her time at Shiz University. Meanwhile, Glinda takes on the guise of the 'good' and 'beautiful' role allocated to her by Oz's influential society. As their friend Emory takes a part in Elphaba being called a 'Wicked Witch of the West' ultimately reflects Oz society assumptions and reputation. Tragically, the chasm of misunderstanding, jealousy, and hate that slowly builds between Elphaba and the people of Oz serve to reinforce the treacherous cycle of prejudice, hurt, and disillusion, driving the otherwise complex bond between Elphaba and Glinda to a painful end. Amidst the perils that unfold in the narrative, their enduring friendship gives sustenance to their fragile hopes, each evoking an unbreakable trust. In its epic exploration of the characters, their personas and tragic evolution, Wicked shows that the lines between 'good' and 'evil' are not as concrete as they seem. Beneath the deceptions and external judgments, genuine truth and profound wisdom reveal themselves.