As a kid, "The Wizard of Oz" was always a favorite. I was Dorothy one year for Halloween, I collected many little figurines of the characters, I watched the movie more times than I could count, and I still dream of having a Scottish Terrier named Toto. When I was in junior high, my mom took me to see the musical "Wicked" for the first time, and just like the movie its based on, I fell in love. Now, a couple of years later, I've seen the musical three times, and I listen to the songs on Spotify multiple times a week. You could say I'm a little obsessed. In my opinion, "Wicked" is one of the best musicals out there, and here's why:
1. It takes a classic movie and gives it a cool twist.
Growing up I was always terrified of the Wicked Witch of the West. Her green skin freaked me out, and the scratchy voice gave me nightmares for days. Yet, after watching "Wicked," I began to appreciate this character in new ways. She became the heroine. Not only did I grow to appreciate the witch more, but the audience was also given a deeper look into life in Oz.
2. We're taught not to judge someone by what they look like, or by first impressions.
Elphaba is presented as the villain in the original movie because of her green skin and her desire for her sister's shoes. In similar fashion, Glenda is presented as the good witch who could do no wrong. However, after watching "Wicked," you're taught that both first assumptions are wrong. Elphaba just wanted to be loved and appreciated in spite of her green skin, and she found that in the least likely person -- Glenda. Glenda who was Miss Popular, shallow, and selfish became a true friend of Elphaba's. Though they both messed up and ended up betraying each other, ultimately they always had each other's best interests in mind. They managed to look past the surface and see what was underneath, and create a beautiful friendship.
3. The music is BOMB.
"Defying Gravity," "Popular," and "For Good" are some of my favorite songs. They're entertaining and incredibly catchy. Every time they play in my car, I have a mini-jam sesh to my steering wheel. It's great.
4. Sometimes it's better to go out alone and do what's right than to follow the crowd and do what you know is wrong.
Easier said than done, right? But Elphaba, who all her life only wanted approval and acceptance, goes against the people who are finally approving and accepting her because she doesn't agree with what they're doing. She would rather "defy gravity" alone and stand up for what's right than stick around and be a follower, doing only what everyone else is doing.
5. True friendship can withstand all obstacles.
To the unknown eye, it doesn't look like Elphaba and Glenda could ever become friends, let alone best friends. Yet that is what they accomplish. The musical is all about two unlikely girls forming an equally unlikely friendship. Even after they had chosen opposing sides, they still cared for one another. They still wished for the other to be happy even if it meant they would no long be in each other's lives.
