The Dark Side of Wicked?

4 Responses to “The Dark Side of Wicked?”

1. Sam. says:

   November 28, 2007 at 2:56 am

   We loved this show! We actually got to see it opening night previews in the West End when Idina Menzel was playing the wicked witch.

   It is a fascinating story too. Thanks for these though provoking comments.
2. Larry Shallenberger says:

   November 30, 2007 at 8:08 pm

   Haven’t seen the musical, but read the book. You’re correct, it’s a postmodern tale, and those who are theologically “certain” are dismissed with a jaundiced eye.

   It’s a well written work. I’ll read it again. But there’s a moral pessimism/skepticism throughout.
3. debbie bryant says:

   December 2, 2007 at 9:12 pm

   Wicked was wonderful. You are insightful. I’d love to hear more of your thoughts. Maybe tonight.
4. Noah says:

   December 29, 2008 at 12:08 pm

   Elphaba really is a fascinating character, and, I think, the best character in the story. Best in the sense that she (and Fiyero) were the only uncorrupted characters.

   In the scene you describe with the Wizard, it’s like he’s telling her how the world is, but she knows that it’s wrong and refuses to accept it. It sort of reminds me of how the world is a much nicer place when you’re young because you’re naïve, then you find out all the nasty stuff that goes on behind the scenes (i.e., behind the curtain).

   Everyone else submitted to the Wizard’s very fascist agenda (all-powerful leader, discrimination against an innocent segment of the population as a scapegoat, a literal witch hunt, etc.). Elphaba saw through it all, and made it about the truth and common good rather than about herself. As she says to Glinda, “I hope you’re proud how you would grovel in submission to feed your own ambition.” That’s not what “Elphie” was about.

   Glinda, of course, was all about pleasing others; that made her happy. Even at the beginning of Act II, when it becomes clear that Fiyero doesn’t love her, by the end of Thank Goodness she is apparently happy again because she is basking in the praise of the Ozians.

   Elphaba does have two lines that have me stumped, though: at the very end of As Long As You’re Mine when she says that “for the first time [she] feels wicked”; and during No Good Deed, when she asks, “Was I really seeking good, or just seeking attention?”

   Personally, I think the latter question was a moment of self-doubt brought on by her awareness of her friend Glinda’s personality, but I’m not sure.

   I should probably expand on this comment and post it to my own blog at some point…. Thanks for starting this discussion!