Wicked¶

Introduction¶

Wicked is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, based on the 1995 novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire. It premiered on Broadway in 2003 and was later adapted into two movies (2015 and 2022). The musical tells the story of Elphaba, a smart and independent girl with emerald green skin who becomes friends with Glinda the Good Witch, while Elphaba ultimately turns out to be the Wicked Witch of the West. Wicked has become one of the most successful musicals in history.

Key Facts¶

Premiere: April 30, 2003 (Broadway)
Original Cast: Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda
Tone: Fantasy, drama, music
Style: Musical theatre, pop rock, classical music

Historical Context¶

Wicked premiered on Broadway in the same year that Les Misérables opened. However, Wicked was initially met with controversy due to its portrayal of Elphaba as a villain and Glinda as an anti-hero.

Controversy: Critics argued that the musical reinforced negative stereotypes about people with disabilities.
Censorship: The show's depiction of Elphaba's character sparked protests from disability rights groups, who criticized it for perpetuating negative attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.

Significant Contributions¶

Wicked has made significant contributions to the world of musical theatre and popular culture. Some notable achievements include:

Innovative Storytelling: Wicked is credited with pushing the boundaries of storytelling in musical theatre.
Diverse Casting: The show's groundbreaking casting choices, including Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, helped to challenge traditional casting norms.

Notable Attractions¶

Wicked has attracted numerous notable attractions on its tour. Some highlights include:

Acclaimed Performances: Wicked has been praised by critics for its outstanding performances from the cast.
Technical Expertise: The show features impressive technical effects, including pyrotechnics and aerial stunts.

Wicked¶

Introduction¶

Key Facts¶

Historical Context¶

Significant Contributions¶

Notable Attractions¶

Production Details¶

Cast Members¶

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