Wicked: from caterpillar to butterfly
Wicked:
How it went from flop to fabulous
The Flop: Wicked began as a potential cinematic adaptation before transitioning into a Broadway musical. Following a poorly received 2003 tryout in San Francisco, the show was brutally panned by major critics upon opening on Broadway. However, defying expectations, massive public support transformed it into a multibillion-dollar global phenomenon. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The Inspiration: Composer Stephen Schwartz and writer Winnie Holzman adapted Gregory Maguire's dense, politically charged 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. They softened the adult themes and shifted the focus to the powerful friendship between Glinda and Elphaba. [1]
The Rocky Tryouts (Spring 2003): During its initial out-of-town tryout in San Francisco, the show was considered overstuffed and disjointed. Critics were harsh, the plot was convoluted, and major cuts were necessary. [1, 2, 3]
The Crucial Rework: Producer Marc Platt and the creators took three crucial months between the San Francisco closing and the Broadway rehearsals to heavily rewrite scenes and streamline the narrative. [1]
The Broadway Opening (Fall 2003): When it debuted at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway, mainstream critics panned it—calling it "boring," "overblown," and a bloated family confection. Despite missing out on the Best Musical Tony Award to Avenue Q, audiences ignored the reviews. Word-of-mouth propelled the show to sold-out houses, and it is now the second-highest-grossing musical in Broadway history. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Lesser-Known Verified Facts
The Name Origin(verified): The protagonist's name, "Elphaba," is a direct phonetic tribute to the author of the original Oz books, L. Frank Baum, coming from his initials: L. Frank Baum. [1]
A Different Witch(verified): Idina Menzel, who originated the role of Elphaba, was not the first choice for early workshops. Actress Stephanie J. Block played the green witch in developmental workshops before being replaced for the Broadway run. [1, 2]
The Stolen High Note(verified): Menzel famously cracked on a high note during an early callback for "Defying Gravity," swore, and yelled in frustration. However, the creative team loved this raw passion, and she got the role anyway. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The Melting Hat(verified): In the early San Francisco and Broadway runs, the show opened with a 12-foot-tall witch's hat literally melting into the stage floor. [1]
The Fabric of the Witch(verified): Elphaba's iconic black gown isn't just black fabric. The costume department meticulously stitched together dozens of different colors and textures so that the dress vibrated with depth when hit by stage lights. [1]
Here's My Thoughts:
I can totally chime in on this one 'cause I've actually seen the Broadway show recently. It was amazing! The talent was seriously top-notch, and there weren't even any big-name stars in it. I think that actually made it even better because everyone could just focus on the show itself and not get distracted by a star's solo performance.
I also think part of it is just the vibe of not just the theater district, but the whole city. There's just this unique energy to the entire experience. I know, the smell is pretty unique too! 😂 But you gotta hand it to New Yorkers. They really know how to create a diverse community that's so colorful and creative.
I went to NYC to see Wicked about a year or two ago. It was just before my cataracts surgery and dialysis started. It was the best time for me to go, even though my eyesight wasn't great.
I remember it being freezing cold and having to stand in line for over an hour. I even made some new friends with a couple of ladies right in front of me. One woman had an emotional support dog named Oz. It was cool talking to them about the show.
When I got inside, I realized my seats were both good and bad. Good because we could see the whole stage, free and clear. Bad because we were in the mezzanine (which the ticket website said was the best area to sit) and it was high up, but not too close.
The actors, from the ensemble to the character roles to the leads, were phenomenal! One of the best parts was when the audience cheered for their favorite characters and gave standing ovations. But I also appreciated the special effects that were used and the wonderful set design.
I mean that clock was so intricate as were the sides of the stage where actors climbed and entered. And the "Defying Gravity" numbers special effect was a real treat.
Now I'll be honest here. I saw the first half of the movie with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande before I went to the Broadway show, so I was half familiar with the storyline. It actually helped me to stay connected throughout the show.
I liked both the live Broadway show and the movie (even though we had to wait forever for Wicked: For Good to come out!).
So that's what I think about this whole "Wicked" thing. I'd totally go see it again. Maybe once I get a new kidney. I hope your week is full of good decisions and clear thinking.
Tina
My quote for you:
"Some things I cannot change, but till I try, I'll never know." — Defying Gravity(Stephen Schwartz)
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