Wicked

"Wicked" is a Broadway musical telling the dramatic tale of Elphaba, also known as the Wicked Witch of the West. When I first heard about the play, I was skeptical; what could be so great about hearing the Wizard of Oz from the Wicked Witch's side? But as her story unfolded before my eyes, I found myself moved to sympathy, and finally cheering her on.

The play opens with a scene that shows us why Elphaba was born green. Right from the start, she is shunned by all of those around her. Next, we see her entering her new school Shiz for the first time, along with her crippled younger sister Nessarose. Though Nessa is accepted with kindness and sympathy, Elphaba is scorned. It is obvious from her reaction that she has lived with this kind of treatment all of her life. Galinda, the most popular girl in school, is particularly disdainful of Elphaba. Elphaba gets so angry that she performs magic- something that she has been trying to hide for her entire life. However, to her surprise the headmistress of the school commends her for it and says that if she cultivates her gift, she might be able to see the wizard. Elphaba is amazed and excited, for this is something she has wished for her entire life: she hopes that the wizard can change her into a normal color. As she practices her magic, Elphaba makes new friends: Boq the Munchkin, the handsome prince Fiyero, Doctor Dillamond, and eventually even Galinda herself. Terrible things start to happen in Oz, such as the animals losing their voices, so Elphaba decides to go to the wizard and ask for his help. What she discovers, however, is not at all what she expected, and Elphaba is forced to flee from the Emerald City. This sad point in the play completed the first act, and made this viewer wish with all her heart that she did not know what would eventually happen: Dorothy melting the misunderstood Wicked Witch. However, several stunning twists to the story, completely unexpected, occur in the second act. Though at first the actions of all of the characters seem to be leading them into downward spirals, everything eventually draws together to make a beautiful ending to a beautiful tale.

This musical has it all: Danger, mystery, humor, romance, and terrific songs. "Defying Gravity," the easygoing "Dancing Through Life," and the heartbreaking "No One Mourns the Wicked" are especially powerful. The ending leaves one breathless, with plenty of thoughts on how the lessons learned in the play can be applied to one's own life. I highly recommend this play for the young, old, and anyone in between. It is a brilliant story with much to teach.