Wicked on Broadway: A Review of One of Broadway's Hottest Show

New York City's Gershwin Theatre on Broadway is home to Wicked. The winner of three Tony Awards, Wicked is based on Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name. Wicked asks a fundamental question of the nature versus nurture debate: "Are people born wicked or is wickedness thrust upon them?"

Wicked is a pre-quil to the classic children's novel, The Wizard of Oz. Beginning in the land of Oz long before Dorothy arrived, Wicked creates a realistic history of the events leading to the cyclone and Dorothy's arrival. In meeting Elphaba, Galinda and Nessa, the audience is introduced to the characters in Oz from a different perspective. The play outlines the girl's relationships with a realistic love/hate circle. Later, events in the musical run parallel to the book as the audience sees where the stories intersect.

Nessa is the Wicked Witch of the East that readers do not really meet in the original Wizard of Oz. Nessa brings the formerly unknown character to life. Her presence explains sisters rivalries as well as the significance of the coveted ruby slippers.

Originally played by Idina Menzel, Elphaba is also known as the Wicked Witch of the West. During the course of the musical, the audience watches her transition into the "witch," and understands her reasons for the transformation. Menzel won the Best Actress in a Musical Tony for her performance. She was previously nominated for the award for her performance in RENT.

Galinda is slightly snooty, but likable. The popular princess later becomes known to all in Oz as Glinda the Good Witch. Originally performed by Kristen Chenoweth, the audience sees Galinda's mean ways soften into a loving friendship with Elphaba, despite her green skin and odd choice of clothing.

Elphaba and Galinda always receive a rousing applause when they perform the number, "For Good," which highlights the maturation of their friendship.

Wicked, the musical, focuses on the relationships between the characters. The audience sees Elphaba start out alone, ostracized even from her sister. She finds a friend in Galinda and later, she even finds love. The musical touches on the political issues and history of the book, but does not delve into the rich political world that Macguire creates in Wicked, the book.

Several other minor references in the musical remind the audience of the Oz remembered from childhood. The cowardly lion who befriends Dorothy was an "Animal" that Elphaba saved as a cub. Galinda rejects a long time admirer, and his heart disappears as he is cursed into the form of a Tin Man.

Wicked is loved by audiences for its nostalgic appeal as the fictitious world begins to make perfect sense. Wicked is a fun performance where adults can escape without being too silly. As for Wicked's central question- "Are people born wicked or is wickedness thrust upon them?" Elphaba fans will come to the conclusion that wickedness is thrust upon them.

Audience members who have read the book may have issues with the many exclusions from the musical. However, it is unrealistic to expect all elements of such a complicated work to be displayed on stage in a short time span. When evaluated for theater performance alone, without being compared to Macguire's masterpiece, Wicked is one of the best musicals on Broadway.