All You Need to Know About Wicked If You Haven't Seen the Musical
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VOICE OVER: Emily Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Taryn Crankshaw
Prepare to be spellbound! Join us as we unveil the enchanting secrets of "Wicked: Part 1" for those who haven't seen the Broadway sensation. From confusifying language to CGI animals, we're diving into the magical world of Oz like never before. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the Emerald City, this guide will have you defying gravity in no time! Discover the differences between the stage and screen versions, learn about new characters like Pfannee and ShenShen, and explore the surprising Tony Award history. We'll also reveal exciting additions like the "Wizomania" song and the extended runtime. Get ready for a wickedly good time as we count down everything you need to know about this magical adaptation!
All You Need to Know About Wicked If You Haven’t Seen the Musical
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for everything one should know about “Wicked: Part 1” if you have yet to see the Broadway megamusical. Before we get started, consider this your official spoiler warning if you haven’t seen either version!
Long before “Wicked” the musical was lighting up Broadway, it was a page turner. Written by Gregory Maguire, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West”, was published in 1995. The novel is the first in Maguire’s “The Wicked Years” series which follows the characters of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. Unlike the family friendly musical adaptation, Maguire’s novel is actually quite bleak. Described by some as “graphic”, the book is filled with dark subject matter and adult content. Let it be known that little Ozians may want to steer clear of the source material!
“Encouragerise”, “disgusticified”, “hideodious”: These are just a few of the tongue twisting words that make up the wonderful world of “Wicked”. While watching the film or listening to the soundtrack, one may find themselves wondering if they heard right when it comes to the unique Ozian lingo. Rest assured, they’re not mistakes! The mythical Land of Oz has its own distinct lore and culture, and thus, its citizens have their own heightened and “fancified” vernacular! It just might take a second to decipher what they’re saying…or singing!
Like many other stage-to-screen adaptations, the movie version of “Wicked” takes the opportunity to flesh out the story. One way it does this is by flashing back to Elphaba’s childhood, which does not happen to this extent in the musical. While audiences do get to see her birth onstage, the story then moves forward to when she arrives at Shiz University. However, in the movie, we’re treated to the sight of Elphie and her sister, Nessarose, as children. Played by emerging actors, Karis Musongole and Cesily Collette Taylor, the scene is sweet and heartfelt, and helps provide additional context to Elphaba’s backstory.
One of the biggest visual changes between the film and stage version of “Wicked” are the special effects. Case in point: the portrayal of Doctor Dillamond. Onstage, Glinda and Elphaba’s wise professor is played by an actor who walks upright, wearing prosthetics, hooves, and a furry coat. The film, however, aims to make him look closer to a real goat thanks to computer generated imagery. In fact, the film features many more animal characters than the musical. Additions include Elphaba’s dear and sweet nanny, Dulcibear, as well as Dillamond’s peers and the band that plays at the Ozdust Ballroom. Sugar glider stans unite!
Being the most popular student at Shiz University means Galinda has amassed quite an entourage. Right by her side are her two closest so-called besties, Pfannee and ShenShen. Played by Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James, these two are the Karen Smith and Gretchen Wieners to Galinda’s nowhere-near-as-mean, Regina George. Gossipy, snooty and snobby, they are given more fleshed-out roles than they ever had in the musical. Interestingly, the role of Pfannee was gender-swapped in the film. In terms of new characters, Miss Cottle, played by theater powerhouse Keala Settle, is also a new face at Dear Old Shiz!
When Fiyero and Elphaba meet, it’s hardly love at first sight. In both the musical and film versions of “Wicked”, these two don’t get off on the right foot. But, each adaptation has a different way of introducing them. In the movie, Prince Fiyero arrives at Shiz late at night on horseback, running into Elphie after she visits Doctor Dillamond. Onstage, Elphaba is similarly almost run over by Fiyero’s carriage, but it happens at the university and quickly leads into his song, “Dancing Through Life”. No matter how they meet, she is less than impressed...at least for now.
As one of the most thrilling first act closers in musical theatre, “Defying Gravity” is the definition of a crowd pleaser. Elphaba soars over Oz, declaring her newfound fearlessness. Thanks to some theatre magic, a lift, and fabric, the actress is lifted above the stage, creating the illusion that she is flying. Director Jon M. Chu pays homage to the iconic moment by framing Cynthia Erivo in a similar position with her long black cape flowing behind her. Whether one is experiencing the scene onstage or onscreen, it is heart pounding and exciting, reminding us all that “everyone deserves a chance to fly”.
As the fourth longest running Broadway musical to date, “Wicked” has been a part of the theatrical zeitgeist since 2003. The megamusical has spawned international productions, tours, shattered box office records and captured the hearts of audiences for over 20 years. So, it may come as a shock to learn that, with respect to the Tonys, “Wicked” was hardly “Popular”. Despite earning ten nominations in 2004, the musical only walked away with three awards, including one for OG Elphaba, Idina Menzel. However, its most surprising loss came at the end of the 58th annual ceremony. The biggest award of the night, Best Musical, went to “Avenue Q”, an outcome many “Wicked” fans still find “confusifying”.
Moviegoers who have already seen “Wicked” know that the film has a lengthy runtime of two hours and forty minutes. The stage version clocks in at two hours and forty-five minutes, which also includes a fifteen minute intermission. Not only that, but the movie adaptation is split into two parts, clearly indicating that both films are packed with extra material. In fact, director Jon M. Chu has stated that “Part 2” will feature two brand new songs. Although the runtime of “Part 2” has yet to be revealed, it wouldn’t be surprising if, like the first movie, it’s also close to the three-hour mark.
The “Wizomania” sequence in “Wicked: Part 1” is every musical theatre fan’s dream. A song within a song, the scene takes place during “One Short Day”, where Glinda and Elphaba visit the Emerald City. During their adventure, they take in a stage show that tells the story of the “Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. Not only are we treated to new lyrics, we also get cameos from Broadway’s OG Elphaba and Glinda, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. It’s a sweet homage to the iconic duo, igniting overwhelming nostalgia for grown-up theatre kids everywhere.
What are you most looking forward to seeing in “Wicked: Part 2”? Let us know in the comment section!
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for everything one should know about “Wicked: Part 1” if you have yet to see the Broadway megamusical. Before we get started, consider this your official spoiler warning if you haven’t seen either version!
#10: This Is Not a Wizard of Oz Prequel
Long before “Wicked” the musical was lighting up Broadway, it was a page turner. Written by Gregory Maguire, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West”, was published in 1995. The novel is the first in Maguire’s “The Wicked Years” series which follows the characters of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. Unlike the family friendly musical adaptation, Maguire’s novel is actually quite bleak. Described by some as “graphic”, the book is filled with dark subject matter and adult content. Let it be known that little Ozians may want to steer clear of the source material!
#9: Yes, the Language Is Confusifying!
“Encouragerise”, “disgusticified”, “hideodious”: These are just a few of the tongue twisting words that make up the wonderful world of “Wicked”. While watching the film or listening to the soundtrack, one may find themselves wondering if they heard right when it comes to the unique Ozian lingo. Rest assured, they’re not mistakes! The mythical Land of Oz has its own distinct lore and culture, and thus, its citizens have their own heightened and “fancified” vernacular! It just might take a second to decipher what they’re saying…or singing!
#8: The Flashback to Elphaba’s Childhood
Like many other stage-to-screen adaptations, the movie version of “Wicked” takes the opportunity to flesh out the story. One way it does this is by flashing back to Elphaba’s childhood, which does not happen to this extent in the musical. While audiences do get to see her birth onstage, the story then moves forward to when she arrives at Shiz University. However, in the movie, we’re treated to the sight of Elphie and her sister, Nessarose, as children. Played by emerging actors, Karis Musongole and Cesily Collette Taylor, the scene is sweet and heartfelt, and helps provide additional context to Elphaba’s backstory.
#7: CGI Animals
One of the biggest visual changes between the film and stage version of “Wicked” are the special effects. Case in point: the portrayal of Doctor Dillamond. Onstage, Glinda and Elphaba’s wise professor is played by an actor who walks upright, wearing prosthetics, hooves, and a furry coat. The film, however, aims to make him look closer to a real goat thanks to computer generated imagery. In fact, the film features many more animal characters than the musical. Additions include Elphaba’s dear and sweet nanny, Dulcibear, as well as Dillamond’s peers and the band that plays at the Ozdust Ballroom. Sugar glider stans unite!
#6: Pfannee & ShenShen
Being the most popular student at Shiz University means Galinda has amassed quite an entourage. Right by her side are her two closest so-called besties, Pfannee and ShenShen. Played by Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James, these two are the Karen Smith and Gretchen Wieners to Galinda’s nowhere-near-as-mean, Regina George. Gossipy, snooty and snobby, they are given more fleshed-out roles than they ever had in the musical. Interestingly, the role of Pfannee was gender-swapped in the film. In terms of new characters, Miss Cottle, played by theater powerhouse Keala Settle, is also a new face at Dear Old Shiz!
#5: Fiyero & Elphaba Get a Different First Scene
When Fiyero and Elphaba meet, it’s hardly love at first sight. In both the musical and film versions of “Wicked”, these two don’t get off on the right foot. But, each adaptation has a different way of introducing them. In the movie, Prince Fiyero arrives at Shiz late at night on horseback, running into Elphie after she visits Doctor Dillamond. Onstage, Elphaba is similarly almost run over by Fiyero’s carriage, but it happens at the university and quickly leads into his song, “Dancing Through Life”. No matter how they meet, she is less than impressed...at least for now.
#4: "Defying Gravity" Homage
As one of the most thrilling first act closers in musical theatre, “Defying Gravity” is the definition of a crowd pleaser. Elphaba soars over Oz, declaring her newfound fearlessness. Thanks to some theatre magic, a lift, and fabric, the actress is lifted above the stage, creating the illusion that she is flying. Director Jon M. Chu pays homage to the iconic moment by framing Cynthia Erivo in a similar position with her long black cape flowing behind her. Whether one is experiencing the scene onstage or onscreen, it is heart pounding and exciting, reminding us all that “everyone deserves a chance to fly”.
#3: “Wicked” Didn’t Win the Tony for Best Musical
As the fourth longest running Broadway musical to date, “Wicked” has been a part of the theatrical zeitgeist since 2003. The megamusical has spawned international productions, tours, shattered box office records and captured the hearts of audiences for over 20 years. So, it may come as a shock to learn that, with respect to the Tonys, “Wicked” was hardly “Popular”. Despite earning ten nominations in 2004, the musical only walked away with three awards, including one for OG Elphaba, Idina Menzel. However, its most surprising loss came at the end of the 58th annual ceremony. The biggest award of the night, Best Musical, went to “Avenue Q”, an outcome many “Wicked” fans still find “confusifying”.
#2: The Run Time
Moviegoers who have already seen “Wicked” know that the film has a lengthy runtime of two hours and forty minutes. The stage version clocks in at two hours and forty-five minutes, which also includes a fifteen minute intermission. Not only that, but the movie adaptation is split into two parts, clearly indicating that both films are packed with extra material. In fact, director Jon M. Chu has stated that “Part 2” will feature two brand new songs. Although the runtime of “Part 2” has yet to be revealed, it wouldn’t be surprising if, like the first movie, it’s also close to the three-hour mark.
#1: “Wizomania” Song
The “Wizomania” sequence in “Wicked: Part 1” is every musical theatre fan’s dream. A song within a song, the scene takes place during “One Short Day”, where Glinda and Elphaba visit the Emerald City. During their adventure, they take in a stage show that tells the story of the “Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. Not only are we treated to new lyrics, we also get cameos from Broadway’s OG Elphaba and Glinda, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. It’s a sweet homage to the iconic duo, igniting overwhelming nostalgia for grown-up theatre kids everywhere.
What are you most looking forward to seeing in “Wicked: Part 2”? Let us know in the comment section!
