Top 10 Things That Will Get Answered in Wicked Part 2

The short answer is yes. While the show doesn’t specify a time frame, Gregory Maguire’s novel suggests it’s been about five years. By now, Glinda is widely known as Glinda the Good, leaving her Shiz days far behind. There’s no reason the musical shouldn’t follow this timeline, too; in fact, “March of the Witch Hunters” hints at a time shift! So, where’s Elphaba been all this time? Well, as we know, she’s a fervent Animal activist who had just learned that the Wizard was behind their oppression. So, after she flies away, she fully commits to her role as their defender. Act Two’s opening number, “Thank Goodness,” catches us up on what’s happened—well, at least one version of the story!

In the opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked,” Glinda tries to garner some compassion for Elphaba. In a flashback to before she was born, we learn that her mother wasn’t entirely faithful to her father. Both on stage and in the movie, the identity of this mystery lover remains a secret, though his “green elixir” likely explains why Elphaba was born green. If you haven’t yet figured out who he is, all will be revealed near the end of Part Two—if the movie stays true to the show. We won’t give it away, but if you’ve been paying attention, much like the Yellow Brick Road, all the clues will lead you to the answer.

The last time we saw Shiz’s history professor, he was warning his students while being dragged from his classroom. Before that, we saw his efforts to raise awareness about the plight of Animals and meeting with colleagues to discuss the “Something Bad” happening across Oz. After he’s replaced, the students are shown how the regime plans to use cages to strip Animals of their equality. In Act Two, Elphaba returns to the Emerald City to free the flying monkeys, but the Wizard intervenes and tries to convince her they’d still make a “Wonderful” team. She’s almost swayed until she finds her old professor, whose condition makes her even more adamant to take down the Wizard.

Part One featured some lyric changes and a new section in “One Short Day,” but the soundtrack largely remained the same as fans know it. Composer Stephen Schwartz wrote new songs for Part One, but they were ultimately deemed unnecessary. However, he confirmed that Part Two will include two new songs, which he felt were “dramatically necessary.” Director Jon M. Chu clarified that these songs will likely be added to the existing soundtrack, as he doesn’t plan to cut any of the original score. That said, he noted the importance of pacing and staying true to “the sanctity of the show,” meaning some songs might have updated lyrics or be rearranged to better fit the story.

If, before watching Part One, all you knew of these characters was from “The Wizard of Oz,” you might be thinking, “Oh no! I don’t want Elphaba to melt!” But yes, that iconic moment had to make its way into the show—only this time, it’s more bittersweet. Before that, Elphaba has Dorothy captive. Glinda shows up to warn her of trouble ahead and tries to convince her to free the girl. After Elphaba gets a mysterious letter, she urges Glinda to back off to protect herself. They say goodbye “For Good,” and Glinda watches her friend melt. As for the Wizard? Elphaba might not be the one who stops him, but let’s just say it’s no coincidence he’s so eager to escort Dorothy home.

In Part One, Galinda dreams of becoming a sorceress, but Madame Morrible has little faith in her and doesn’t seem to like her much either. She only agrees to mentor Galinda at Elphaba’s request. By the end of Part One, though, she seemingly changes her tune, comforting Glinda as Elphaba flies away. In Act Two, we discover this was all part of her plan to win Glinda over. During “Thank Goodness,” she fabricates a story about how Glinda reached her position. Glinda knows she doesn’t deserve it but remains silent in the face of injustice and lies. While she starts Part Two as Glinda the Good, her story is about truly earning that title.

When Fiyero first shows up at Shiz, he and Galinda seem like the perfect couple. But as he gets to know Elphaba, he starts seeing the world differently and is straw-struck by her. Oh, did we say straw? Can’t imagine why! Anyway, Elphaba feels the spark, too, but he’s dating her bestie, so you know, awkward. When he comes to see Elphaba off to the Emerald City, even Galinda senses their chemistry. Act Two opens with a surprise engagement party, where Fiyero refuses to let lies about Elphaba slide and makes it his mission to find her. Our hearts soared when they reunited, but we ached for Glinda as she realizes she’s “Not that girl.”

How does sweet, unassuming Nessarose become the tyrannical leader of Munchkinland? Much of this is explored in the song “Wicked Witch of the East,” which was omitted from the soundtrack for being too content-heavy. We learn that Nessa is resentful of Elphaba for not using her magic to help her. Elphaba does find a way; enchanting her shoes, which explains why she’s so obsessed with getting them back from Dorothy later! Meanwhile, Nessa realizes Boq’s heart isn’t tin in their relationship. So, she abuses her power to force him to stay. Yet, when he decides to pursue Glinda, Nessa tries to cast a love spell, but the results aren’t exactly what she had in mind.

Yes, they do—but not under the best circumstances. Glinda’s fiancé leaves her for Elphaba, and her retaliation is (unintentionally) crushing. Then Glinda gives away Nessa’s shoes! This scene sets Elphaba on her path to fully embrace the title of Wicked Witch. But don’t worry, this isn’t the last time they cross paths. When Glinda realizes she’s been manipulated, she rushes to warn Elphaba about the angry mob headed her way. This all ties into “For Good,” which is the emotional heart of their story. The friends say their final goodbyes, acknowledging the profound impact they’ve had on each other. All we’re saying is make sure you’re well stocked on tissues for this moment!

The opening scene of Part One takes us to the aftermath of Elphaba’s melting, with Glinda confirming the events as we know them to her fellow Ozians. In the trailer, you can spot Dorothy and her companions on the Yellow Brick Road, heading toward the Emerald City—pay attention to what Dorothy’s holding. As we saw, in Act Two, Dorothy has crash-landed in Oz and skipped off to see the Wizard in those magical slippers. Another teaser shows Dorothy in her audience with the Wizard as he orders, “bring her to me.” Fans of “The Wizard of Oz” will see the story they know play out in Part Two but from a totally Thrillifying and Scandalacious new perspective.

What else are you hoping to see in “Wicked” Part Two? We’d have the greatest Gratitution if you told us in the comments.