Most of you have seen the Wizard of Oz many times throughout your life. You may even be able to recite the lines word for word. But what if I told you the story you have known for many, many years wasn't the whole story?
Last week, my son and I went to New York City and met with other Macaroni Kid publishers and their kids to see Wicked the Musical on Broadway. Wicked tells the captivating story of Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, before Dorothy ever made it to Oz. Elphaba, who was born with green skin, was ridiculed and bullied throughout her entire life. Even her own father didn't like her. Her classmates were afraid and make fun of her constantly. Her roommate, Galinda, was a ditzy, rich blonde that was very popular. The two become fast friends despite all of their differences. Elphaba has her heart set on meeting the Great Wizard of Oz but soon finds out he is mistreating the animals of Oz and she tries to help them. He, in turn, spreads rumors and lies that tarnish Elphaba's already horrible reputation even more with the munchkins of Oz. Throughout it all, Elphaba manages to keep her head held high, stays true to herself, and even manages to fall in love. It's a heartwarming tale, that often leaves you in tears of laughter, with a plot that keeps all ages engaged.
The choreography with the music is amazing. I was not familiar with the songs at all and found myself humming them after the show. The extremely talented actors and actresses have powerful, outstanding vocals that leave you speechless. The set and costumes are gorgeous and really help you feel like you stepped on stage and are a part of it all. Though the story is unfair, it's kind of magical to see Elphaba rise above it all, continue to do in her heart what must be done, and overcome the obstacles that stand in her way. I love the way the plot ties in every aspect of the original movie and explains how the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion fit into the story. It was refreshing to hear the other side of the story and to realize that things aren't always what they seem.
I would go see Wicked again tomorrow if I had the opportunity to do so. It was phenomenal. It was cruel, funny, and magical all at the same time, and the final scene brought tears to my eyes. It's a must-see for all ages and all walks of life.
I wasn't sure if my 13-year-old son would enjoy the show. He was one of only two boys in our group of publishers. Everyone else brought their daughters. But he talked about it with excitement for days afterward and even mentioned going to a few of his teachers. Here is what he had to say about the show in his own words:
Wicked was an amazing show. It tied in with the Wizard of Oz and explained a lot. It showed how the Tinman, the Scarecrow, and the Lion came to be. It also showed how the good and wicked witch were friends. It showed the wicked witch wasn't wicked and the Wizard of Oz was wicked.
I would recommend going to see Wicked and I would go see it again. The music was amazing. The actors were so good at acting it was like they weren't acting at all. The sets were so good I thought I was actually in Emerald City going to see The Wizard. The story was great how it explains the other side of the Wizard of Oz. - Chance, 13
Wicked hosted a small group of Macaroni Kid publishers and their kids for the purpose of this review. Tickets were complimentary. No other compensation was received in consideration of this article and all opinions are that of the author and her son.
