Hi, it's me again. Two or three days ago, I've posted my first blog about Wicked. I talked about the major characters of the musical. I also promised you guys that I'm going to post all about the songs and the summary of Wicked.
Compared to Phantom or Les Mis, Wicked doesn't have a lot of songs but it's the main highlight of the musical. When I first watched the musiscal, the thing that really got into me was the songs. It's really catchy, it's beautifully written and it's amazing. Stephen Schwartz is such a good composer.
So, how about we start from the very beginning?
1.) No One Mourns The Wicked
In the very start of the musical, the citizens of Oz were celebrating with the death of the Wicked Witch of the West. They sang about this good news when Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, arrived with her signature bubble. Because of the questions thrown to her, Glinda told them about Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and her family. Elphaba's mother had an affair with someone and her father had hated her from the very beginning. Glinda wanted the people to feel sorry for her, that it was not her fault why she turned out to be like that. Glinda then recalled the day she met Elphaba and the flashback begins.
Citizens of Oz celebrating
Glinda appears with her signature bubble
2.) Dear Old Shiz
The flashback started with Elphaba and the other students singing this song. Then Glinda (still a spoiled shallow brat before), who was called "Galinda" before, arrived. The others went to her side and stared at Elphaba since everyone's freaked out of her skin color.
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The flashback started with Elphaba and the other students singing this song. Then Glinda (still a spoiled shallow brat before), who was called "Galinda" before, arrived. The others went to her side and stared at Elphaba since everyone's freaked out of her skin color.
Everyone staring at Elphaba
Elphaba's father arrived and told her not to cause any troubles. He also said that he only made her go to Shiz to take care of Nessarose, her younger sister who couldn't walk. Before he left, he gave Nessarose a pair of slippers but didn't gave Elphaba anything. Madame Morrible, Shiz's Headmistress, arrived and told Nessarose what a tragically beautiful face she has. She turned to Elphaba and screamed. Elphaba told her that she's beautifully tragic. Haha one of my favorite lines in the musical.
Elphaba and her sister, Nessarose
Because of some technicalities, Madame Morrible assigned Galinda as Elphaba's roommate. This made Elphaba get mad and she started some magical talent of hers. Madame Morrible was amazed by this and told her that she will tutor her privately. And if she could, she will let her meet The Wizard. Galinda got angry since she didn't have her way, fainted, and was carried by her friends out.
Madame Morrible assigns Elphaba and Galinda to be roommates
3.) The Wizard and I
Elphaba's first song! In this part, Elphaba wondered about meeting her greatest idol, The Wizard. She wanted to meet him ever since she was a kid, and she looked up to him. She also said that her future is unlimited, and that she could do everything.
Elphaba looking forward to meet The Wizard
4.) What Is This Feeling?
Galinda returned in this part. Here, they wrote to their families about their unfortunate roommate assignments. They also expressed loathing in this song, saying that they will hate each other forever. Oh, how wrong they are!
Elphaba and Galinda fights, and the others are siding with Galinda
5.) Something Bad
The scene changed and this time, Elphaba, Galinda and some of their classmates were in History class. Their teacher, Doctor Dillamond, is an Animal with a capital - meaning animals who could talk and walk and do stuff like humans. He kept mispronouncing Galinda's name, pronouncing it as "Glinda." The class was suddenly interrupted when Doctor Dillamond turned over the chalkboard where somebody vandalized it, writing some mean things about him. He dismissed the class out of frustration, but Elphaba was left behind. Doctor Dillamond confided in Elphaba saying that there's some power is causing the Animals to stay dumb. Elphaba suggested to tell The Wizard because only he could help.
Doctor Dillamond finding out about the vandals
Doctor Dillamond confides in Elphaba
6.) Dancing Through Life
A new student arrived in school. His name is Fiyero, a Winkie prince. Galinda had fallen for his looks but Boq, a Munchkin boy, adores Galinda. Fiyero, who was really influential, told his students to stop studying and just enjoy life.
Fiyero influencing his fellow classmates
Fiyero planned a party in the Ozdust Ballroom that night. Boq asked Galinda if she would like to come with him. But Galinda said she couldn't, because she felt sorry for Nessarose. She asked Boq if he could be her hero and invite Nessarose. Blinded by love, Boq agreed and asked Nessarose. Fiyero invited Galinda to the party and she immediately agreed.
Fiyero invites Galinda to the party
Later, Elphaba complained about the new student when Nessarose informed her that she will go to the party with this adorable Munchkin boy she met with Galinda's help. Elphaba, who doesn't trust Galinda at all, tried to tell Nessarose about this but Nessarose won't believe her. Meanwhile, while Galinda and her friends were preparing for the party, she found a hideous looking hat. Her friends urged her to give it to Elphaba. As if on cue, Elphaba arrived and was about to talk to Galinda. Galinda gave Elphaba the hideous hat and urged her to wear it to the party tonight. Not knowing her ulterior motive, she accepted the hat. She also remembered the favor she did for her sister and considered telling Madame Morrible to also train Galinda in her Sorcery Seminar.
Galinda urges Elphaba to wear the hat
In the party, Boq saw Galinda kissing Fiyero. Nessarose noticed that Boq seemed a little distant from her, and she guessed that he only asked her out because of her disability and he felt sorry for her. Boq, who doesn't want to hurt Nessarose's feelings, told her that's a lie and called her beautiful. Nessarose happily told him that they deserve each other. She and Boq danced with the others, with Boq holding her wheelchair.
Nessarose and Boq
Galinda was approached by Madame Morrible and gave her a wand of her own. Surprised, she asked why she's giving it to her. Madame Morrible told her it's because of Elphaba. Shamed of what she did, Galinda felt guilty tricking Elphaba. Just as she was talking to Fiyero, Elphaba arrived wearing the hideous hat. Everybody gaped at her and laughed behind her back. Elphaba, who doesn't want to look weak, went to the center of the dance floor and made some awkward moves. Galinda felt sorry for her and she joined her, copying her moves. Everybody joined them and copied Galinda's moves and at the end of the party, Elphaba and Galinda were friends.
End scene of Dancing Through Life
7.) Popular
Back in their room, Elphaba and Galinda shared some of their secrets, commencing the beginning of their friendship. Galinda told her that she and Fiyero will get married, and asked Elphaba about the funny little green bottle she's always carrying. Elphaba explained that it was her mother's and that her father hates her. She said when her mother was pregnant of Nessarose, her father made their mother drink milkflowers so that their next baby won't end up green. But it only made Nessa to come early with all her legs tangled up and their mother died in the process. Galinda assured Elphaba it wasn't her fault. She then decided to call her "Elphie" for short. She also gave her a makeover to be popular, like her. She taught her how to toss her hair and some moves.
Galinda giving Elphaba a makeover
7.) I'm Not That Girl
Before classes were to start, Elphaba practiced how to toss her hair while Fiyero watched her, amused. He told her he was "Galinda-fied" and she doesn't have to do that. Madame Morrible and some other people arrived, along with Doctor Dillamond. He said he's going to leave the school because he's arrested. Elphaba tried to help him, but Doctor Dillamond said no. Madame Morrible introduced the new replacement, where he presented a lion cub in a cage. This will cause the cub to lose its power of speech. Elphaba, disgusted with how barbaric it was, made some magic move again. She and Fiyero set the cub free. While on the process, Elphaba began to develop some romantic feelings toward Fiyero, but said she's not supposed to feel that way, that she wasn't born for "love."
Elphaba realizing she's not meant for Fiyero
Madame Morrible found her and told her the exciting news: The Wizard wants to see her. Galinda, Nessarose and Boq were sending Elphaba off when Boq suddenly walked out because of Galinda's ignorance towards her feelings. Nessarose went after him, and Galinda told her that maybe he's not the right person. Nessarose said he's right, it's her who is wrong for him. Galinda shared to Elphaba about Fiyero's love waving and Elphaba assured her that it's going to be all right. Fiyero arrived and told Elphaba that he kept remembering about that day they set the cub free. Galinda, who was trying to impress Fiyero, announced that she's going to change her name to "Glinda" because she thought Doctor Dillamond was very important to Fiyero. When it didn't work, Elphaba convinced her to accompany her to Emerald City.
8.) One Short Day
In this part, Elphaba and Glinda were bonding in Emerald City, visiting different places. They felt that they belong for the first time in their lives. And with a city called "Emerald", everything's green so Elphaba completely belonged in that city.
Glinda and Elphaba in Emerald City
9.) A Sentimental Man
They finally met The Wizard, and he expressed that he was always a sentimental man. He wanted to be a father, and he takes care of the people of Emerald City very dearly. Madame Morrible was also there, announcing that The Wizard promoted her. The Wizard asked Elphaba to read some spell in The Grimmerie, some book of spells, to make his monkey servant, Chistery, to fly.
The Wizard watches as Elphaba reads from The Grimmerie
The spell worked, but Chistery seemed to be in pain. Alarmed, Elphaba asked how to reverse the spell. Madame Morrible said that you can't reverse a spell. The Wizard revealed monkeys with wings inside a cage, proving that Elphaba is really powerful. Suddenly, Elphaba realized who was behind the Animals losing their power of speech and locking them up in cages. The Wizard asked her to be on his side, but Elphaba ran away with The Grimmerie.
10.) Defying Gravity
Glinda ran after her, promising The Wizard and Madame Morrible that she will try to talk sense to her. The Wizard told Madame Morrible that Elphaba knows too much and they send the guards to go get her. Elphaba locked herself and Glinda inside an empty room and placed a broom on the door. Glinda tried to tell Elphaba not to throw her life away, but she insisted that she will follow her own decisions now.
Glinda tries to convince Elphaba
Elphaba then tried to say another spell to make herself fly. Glinda screamed her to stop and asked her where were her wings. Elphaba saw the broom from earlier to float and she said the spell worked. She told Glinda to come with her, and at first, Glinda wanted to. But then she decided to stay.
Elphaba and Glinda
Glinda wished her the best when suddenly the guards arrived. Glinda promised her that she will hold them off. Elphaba ran away and the guards grabbed Glinda. Elphaba shouted to let her go and it's her who they want. With this, Elphaba defied gravity with her broom as the guards watched her, astonished. She then flew outside and the citizens saw her, saying her public act of defiance is truly making her wicked. Act 1 ends.
Elphaba defies gravity
11.) No One Mourns The Wicked (Reprise)
A few months later, Elphaba was already known throughout Oz as "The Wicked Witch of the West." People are scared of her, and people wanted to see her go down.
12.) Thank Goodness
While Elphaba was the enemy of all Oz, Glinda was the exact opposite. Everybody loved her and they trust her to lift their spirits. She is now called "Glinda, The Good Witch of the North." She announced her engagement with Fiyero, who was the General now and was in charge of looking for Elphaba. Glinda felt as if Fiyero's feelings for her are waning and she still tried to look happy for other people's sake.
Glinda putting a happy smile for the people
13.) The Wicked Witch of the East
Boq, who was now living with Nessarose even though he doesn't want to, heard about Fiyero and Glinda's engagement and felt sad. Elphaba, meanwhile, went back to her old home where she found Nessarose, already the Governess. Elphaba asked for their father but Nessarose told her bitterly that their father's already dead. Nessarose complained that she left her all alone and did not use her power to help her. Guilty, Elphaba read from The Grimmerie to make her sister walk. And it worked.
Elphaba visiting Nessarose
Boq suddenly appeared and felt afraid with Elphaba since he believed that she was wicked. Nessarose showed him that she could walk and Boq expressed that he's finally free from his responsibility of her. He explained that Nessarose took every rights of the Munchkins to leave Munchkinland. He also said he wanted to stop Glinda from marrying Fiyero because he still loved her. Nessa, hurt and angry, grabbed The Grimmerie to make him fall in love with her. But then it backfired, causing Boq to lose his heart.
Elphaba and Nessarose realizing the spell backfired
While Elphaba tried another spell to save Boq, Nessarose accepted the title "Wicked Witch of the East" because she's alone and loveless. Elphaba returned and said she saved Boq, but said that nothing will ever be enough for Nessa. Elphaba left her and when Boq woke up, Nessarose was horrified to learn that Elphaba changed him into the Tin Man. Boq blamed Nessa but she told him that it was all Elphaba's fault.
14.) Wonderful
Elphaba went to The Wizard to free the winged monkeys. She felt responsible for them, since she was the one who turned them into like that. The Wizard tried to win her feelings, and promised her that she will free the monkeys if she joins him. At first, she said yes but when she discovered Doctor Dillamond, unable to speak anymore, she got angry and refused.
Doctor Dillamond tries to convince Elphaba
15.) I'm Not That Girl (Reprise)
While attempting to escape, Elphaba bumped into Fiyero. Glinda came after him and hugged Elphaba, saying she missed her so much. Fiyero said he's coming with Elphaba, and they left Glinda. Shocked, Glinda thought they have done this behind her back and felt betrayed by the two most important people in her life.
Glinda reconciling with her friend
Madame Morrible and The Wizard thought of ways how to lure Elphaba into a trap. Glinda, who was still quite hurt by their betrayal, told them that they should do something about Nessarose because Elphaba will truly come to her sister's aid. The Wizard, noticing that she's quite lonely, offered her a drink from a green bottle but Glinda refused. She then sang the reprise of Elphaba's song earlier.
Glinda singing I'm Not That Girl (Reprise)
16.) As Long As You're Mine
Meanwhile, Elphaba and Fiyero were left alone to express their love for each other. Elphaba wished to be pretty for Fiyero, but Fiyero said she's beautiful on her own. One of my favorite scenes in the musical!
Fiyero and Elphaba professing their love for each other
Suddenly, Elphaba heard Nessarose's cries. Fiyero told her that his family has a castle where they both could hide. Elphaba left to save her sister, but it was all too late. She was flattened by a house. Seems familiar? Yep, that was Dorothy's house. Glinda gave her the slippers and she left with Toto. Elphaba and Glinda fought because of the slippers and Fiyero.
Glinda and Elphaba fights
17.) No Good Deed
The palace guards arrived and arrested Elphaba but Fiyero came to the scene and saved her. He tried to hold them back while Elphaba ran away. Fiyero was then taken away to the cornfield where he was tortured so he could say where Elphaba is hiding.
Back in the castle, Elphaba tried spells to save Fiyero. She eventually turned him into a Scarecrow. She then remembered the failed times she tried to save people, like Nessarose, Doctor Dillamond and now Fiyero. She finally accepted that she truly is "wicked."
Elphaba trying to save Fiyero
18.) March of the Witch Hunters
Dorothy, Toto, The Scarecrow (okay, people don't know it's Fiyero, it's supposed to be a big secret), Tin Man (Boq!) and the Cowardly Lion were sent to kill Elphaba. Boq explained that Elphaba turned him into a Tin Man, while she didn't let the Cowardly Lion to fight his own battles. He was the cub from Doctor Dillamond's class years ago.
Witch hunters
19.) For Good
Elphaba captured Dorothy and her friends. She forced her to give her the slippers but Dorothy won't give it to her, or rather she can't took them off. Glinda arrived in Elphaba's castle and told her it was not Dorothy's fault. Although she said no, Glinda and Elphaba forgave each other. Elphaba gave Glinda The Grimmerie saying it was up to her now.
Glinda holding The Grimmerie; she and Elphaba forgiving each other
Glinda left but stayed to see Dorothy throwing a bucket of water on Elphaba. She melted and when it was over, Glinda went over to see that the only things left from her friend was her hat and the green bottle that she was always carrying.
Glinda holding the green bottle with Elphaba's hat on the floor
Back in Emerald City, Glinda gave the green bottle to The Wizard. She reminded him that she once offered her a drink from a bottle identical to this when Fiyero left her. She said that this bottle she was holding was from Elphaba's mother. The Wizard realized it was his and he gave that bottle for Elphaba's mother drinking. He turned out to be Elphaba's father. Madame Morrible finally realized why Elphaba was so powerful - she was a child from both worlds.
Glinda then ordered The Wizard to go to his hot air balloon and leave Oz. She also arrested Madame Morrible for murdering Nessarose, since she was the one who caused the tornado in the first place.
20.) For Good (Reprise)
Back in the castle, Fiyero (the Scarecrow) revealed that Elphaba was still alive who hid under the trap door where she was melted. She faked her death so that her enemies won't bother her anymore and to ensure her future with Fiyero. Before they left, Elphaba wished she could tell Glinda she's still alive but Fiyero said nobody must know.
Fiyero and Elphaba looking back for the last time
Just as they were both leaving, Glinda sadly told the people that the Wicked Witch was dead.
Glinda in her bubble while holding The Grimmerie
And the musical ends as Fiyero and Elphaba leave to find a better future.
So there you go! The whole summary and songs of the musical, Wicked. This was truly fun and if you want to know some major differences from the book, here it is:
- Fiyero didn't really become a scarecrow in the book, so did Boq - he's not supposed to be the Tin Man
- Elphaba died in the book, but it was quite uncertain because she might be alive again
- Nessarose could walk in the book, but she doesn't have any arms in the novel
- Boq was in love with Glinda, yes, but it didn't continue throughout the years
- Glinda doesn't like Fiyero in THAT way
- Doctor Dillamond was murdered in the novel
I guess that's all. Next musical would be Miss Saigon or Legally Blonde: The Musical. I'm not yet sure which! Just stay tuned!
Would it be Miss Saigon or...
Legally Blonde: The Musical?
