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Overview
Synopsis
Stephen Schwartz’s Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz takes place before L. Frank Baum’s classic Wizard of Oz story ever began. Before Dorothy was even alive, two young girls met in the Land of Oz, became rivals, and then friends. One was born with emerald green skin, with a brilliant mind and a fiery spirit. The other was classically beautiful, with great ambition and incredible drive. The green-skinned Elphaba was ostracized by her family and by everyone at school. The beautiful Galinda was destined to be forever popular. Over the course of Wicked, we discover how these two young women became rivals and then the closest of friends – and how they ended up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Originally starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, Wicked is an amazing vehicle for two powerhouse actresses, and also features a large, strong ensemble.
Show Information
Context
Origins
Stephen Schwartz’s musical, Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz, is based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Stephen Schwartz worked with Emmy Award-winning writer Winnie Holzman to develop an outline for a plot that was condensed enough to be suitable for a musical, as the original novel is rather epic and sprawling. While the musical takes Maguire’s central idea of a retelling of the 1939 musical movie _The
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Act One
Wicked opens with a celebration of the death of the Wicked Witch of the West. The citizens of Oz are elated, and dance joyously through the streets. They welcome Glinda the Good Witch of the North, who descends amongst them in a magic bubble to announce the official time of the Wicked Witch of the West’s death. As Ozians rail about the wickedness of the deceased witch, Glinda calls upon them to empathize with the young green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who was not always known as
to read the plot for Wicked and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
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Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
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Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
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Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
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Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
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Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
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Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
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Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
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Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Female |
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Ensemble |
Either Gender |
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Songs
Act One
Act Two
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
An 11 o’clock number is a show-stopping song that appears late in a musical, usually near the climax. It is often performed by the lead character and delivers a surge of emotional or dramatic power. The number reenergizes the audience and sets up the finale.
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A strong feeling of hostility between characters that drives dramatic tension and conflict.
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
A powerful, resonant singing technique used in musical theatre to project high notes with chest voice.
In musical theatre, the script or spoken text of the show, not including the music or lyrics.
A magical or healing potion used symbolically or literally in theatre, especially in fantasy or mythic stories.
A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.
A dramatic device that transports the narrative to an earlier time to provide background or context.
A sense of seriousness and importance in a character's presence, often demanded in tragic or leadership roles.
The complete text of an opera, musical, or other extended vocal work, including all spoken dialogue and lyrics. The libretto provides the dramatic structure and narrative arc, serving as a guide for both performers and directors to align story and music.
A large-scale musical with elaborate staging, global appeal, and strong branding, such as *Les Misérables* or *Phantom*.
The use of performance or storytelling to promote political or ideological messages, especially in epic theatre.
A character who takes the blame for others, often central to tragic or moral narratives in drama.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
THEMES
Looks & Appearance
The value attached
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“Unlimited,
My future is unlimited”
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