Wicked Original Broadway Cast

Wicked Original Cast - Unpacking The Characters

Wicked Original Broadway Cast

By  Mr. Ike Berge

For anyone who has ever wondered about the true story behind the green-skinned woman from Oz, the tale of Wicked offers a truly different look. It takes those well-known figures and, so, gives them a whole new history, making us reconsider everything we thought we understood about good and bad. This story, in its various forms, tries to show us the people behind the labels, especially when we talk about the wicked original cast members who bring it to life, whether on the page or the stage.

The musical, you know, has charmed so many people around the globe, giving a voice to characters who were once just, well, villains in a classic children's book. It pulls back the curtain, as it were, on the lives of these powerful women, showing their beginnings and the events that shaped them. We get to see them not as simple figures of evil, but as individuals with their own hopes, their own struggles, and their own, perhaps, quite surprising reasons for acting the way they do.

So, the story of Wicked and its original cast, even if we are thinking of the characters themselves, offers a really fresh perspective on a familiar place. It asks us to look beyond the surface, to consider what might be hidden underneath the green skin or the pointy hat. It's a way of exploring how circumstances and, in some respects, misunderstandings can change how people are seen, and how they see themselves, too it's almost.

Table of Contents

The Green-Skinned Girl and Her Story - wicked original cast

When you think about the story of Oz, the figure of the Wicked Witch of the West looms quite large, doesn't she? Yet, in Gregory Maguire's book, the one that gave rise to the musical, her story takes on a much more detailed shape. He gives her a proper name, Elphaba, which is, as a matter of fact, a clever nod to the original author of The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum, using his initials, L.F.B. This naming choice itself sort of hints at the depth Maguire adds to a character many only knew as a cackling villain.

Not only does the Wicked Witch of the West get a name, but her sister, the Wicked Witch of the East, also receives one: Nessarose. So, these two figures, who were more or less just titles before, become people with distinct identities. The book, and by extension the musical, really tries to flesh out their backgrounds, making them more than just symbols of evil. They are given personal histories, family connections, and, you know, circumstances that shaped their lives in Oz.

Elphaba, for instance, is presented as a college student, which is a detail that completely changes our initial impression of her. She was born with green skin, a physical trait that, apparently, set her apart from everyone else right from the start. This distinctive appearance meant that she was, basically, not loved by anyone around her. This lack of affection, this constant feeling of being an outsider, is a very important part of her character's beginnings and helps us understand, perhaps, why she might have developed certain ways of being in the world. It is a fundamental aspect of her early life, shaping her interactions and her perceptions, too it's almost.

Who is Elphaba in the wicked original cast?

Elphaba, as a central figure in the tale of Wicked, represents a profound shift in how we perceive the classic Oz story. She is not just a character; she is, in a way, the very heart of the re-imagining. Her life, as presented in Gregory Maguire's book, begins with a striking difference: she enters the world with green skin. This physical trait, quite unusual, immediately sets her apart from others. It means that, from her earliest moments, she faces a complete absence of affection from those around her. She is, simply put, unloved.

This early experience of being an outsider, of not receiving the warmth and acceptance that most people long for, shapes much of her personality and her journey. When we consider her as part of the wicked original cast, we are looking at a character who is, in some respects, defined by this initial isolation. She arrives at Shiz University as a young woman, a college student, carrying the weight of this unique appearance and the emotional distance it has created between her and the world. This is her starting point, the foundation upon which her later actions and reputation are built, and it’s a pretty compelling one, you know.

Her story is one of a person trying to make sense of her place in a world that seems to reject her from the outset. She possesses magical powers, which, combined with her green skin, further separate her from the common folk. So, when people talk about the "Wicked Witch of the West," they are, perhaps, not seeing the full picture of Elphaba, the young woman who was, basically, just trying to find her way and understand her own abilities in a world that had, in fact, already judged her before she even had a chance to truly show who she was. This initial portrayal of her is, arguably, quite sad.

Elphaba - Character Profile
NameElphaba
Original IdentityWicked Witch of the West
Distinguishing FeatureBorn with green skin
Early LifeUnloved by others
Initial SettingCollege student at Shiz University
PowersMagical abilities
AppearanceTall, long black dress, pointy hat, long black hair in a bun
Fate (Book Version)Dies from water thrown by Dorothy

What is the true nature of 'wicked' in the original cast's world?

The very title of the story, Wicked, might lead you to believe it's about truly evil figures, but the book offers a really different idea. It suggests that, in this particular world, there are, actually, not any truly wicked witches at all. Instead, it presents us with girls who are, in a way, simply misunderstood, yet they possess extraordinary magical powers. This is a pretty significant shift from the traditional narrative, where witches are almost always portrayed as purely malicious beings. The story invites us to reconsider what "wicked" truly means.

This perspective is, you know, central to understanding the motivations and actions of the characters, especially Elphaba and Nessarose, who are, after all, part of the wicked original cast. Their actions, which might seem cruel or misguided on the surface, are often shown to stem from circumstances, from their unique births, or from the ways others react to them. It's about looking beyond the surface-level judgments and trying to see the person underneath the reputation. This approach adds so much depth to the story.

The idea of a "wicked sense of humor" is, as a matter of fact, also touched upon, referring to a sharp, clever, or sometimes dark way of making jokes or comments that might be considered a bit edgy or even provocative. This sort of humor, like the witches themselves, often challenges expectations and can be seen as unconventional. It's not about being truly evil, but rather about having a perspective that deviates from the norm, which, basically, ties back to the idea of misunderstanding. It suggests that what one person calls "wicked," another might call "insightful" or "bold," you know, or just a little bit different.

The Unforgettable Duo - wicked original cast

The story of Wicked truly begins to unfold when two very different individuals come together, changing each other's paths forever. These two are, of course, the Wicked Witch of the West, known as Elphaba, and Glinda, who is also sometimes called Galinda, the Good Witch of the North. Their first encounter is a pretty pivotal moment in the narrative, setting the stage for much of what follows. It's where their individual stories start to intertwine, forming a bond that is, in some respects, quite complex and full of unexpected turns.

Their meeting place is, you know, not some grand magical arena or a hidden enchanted forest, but a rather ordinary setting for young people: Shiz University. This choice of location immediately grounds their fantastical story in something relatable, making them feel more like regular students, despite their extraordinary destinies. It's a place of learning and growth, where, as a matter of fact, many young people first encounter others who are very different from themselves. This is where the initial spark of their relationship, for better or worse, is ignited, which is pretty interesting.

The fact that they end up rooming together at the university is, basically, another crucial detail. Sharing a living space forces them to confront their differences, to learn about each other's habits, quirks, and perspectives. This close proximity, this shared experience of college life, is what truly begins to shape their relationship, moving it beyond a simple acquaintance. It's in these shared moments, the everyday interactions within their dorm room, that the foundation of their future connection, which will, in fact, influence the entire land of Oz, is laid. It’s a very important part of the wicked original cast's early days.

How did the wicked original cast's Elphaba and Glinda first meet?

The initial encounter between Elphaba, who would become known as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, is a truly memorable part of their story. They came face to face for the first time not in some grand, magical confrontation, but in the rather academic setting of Shiz University. This institution serves as the backdrop for their formative years and, you know, the beginning of their complicated friendship. It's where two seemingly opposite individuals are brought together by circumstance, which is pretty compelling.

Their meeting at Shiz was, in some respects, just like any other college roommate assignment. They were placed in the same room, sharing a space that would soon become the crucible for their evolving relationship. This close living situation meant that they couldn't avoid each other; they had to interact, to learn about each other's habits, and to, basically, navigate their differences. It was in this shared environment that the groundwork for their future roles in Oz was, in fact, unknowingly laid. This initial proximity is, arguably, what makes their later dynamic so rich.

So, the university setting is more than just a place; it's a catalyst. It's where Elphaba, with her green skin and her feelings of being unloved, first truly encounters someone who is, perhaps, her complete opposite in Glinda, who is, you know, typically seen as graceful and popular. Their shared room at Shiz is where the first seeds of understanding, and sometimes misunderstanding, were sown, shaping the very essence of the wicked original cast's key relationship. It's a rather humble beginning for such impactful figures, you know, but it's very effective.

The Book's Vision Versus the Stage's Art - wicked original cast

When we think about the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, most people immediately picture the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. However, the musical Wicked, while inspired by the same source material, draws its narrative much more directly from Gregory Maguire's book, The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. This is a pretty important distinction because the book offers a far more detailed and nuanced exploration of the characters and their world than the classic movie ever could. It's a deeper dive into the origins and motivations of the wicked original cast, if you will.

The book, as a matter of fact, goes into great detail about Elphaba's life before Dorothy ever arrives in Oz, giving her a rich background and a complex personality. It explores the political landscape of Oz, the nature of magic, and the societal attitudes that shape the characters' experiences. The film, on the other hand, is a much simpler, more straightforward tale of good versus evil. So, the musical's creators had a much more extensive foundation to build upon when adapting Maguire's prose literature for the stage, allowing for a much more intricate story to be told.

It's worth noting that the musical, while faithful to the spirit of Maguire's book, also takes its own creative liberties to fit the demands of a stage production. However, the core idea of exploring the "wicked" characters as misunderstood individuals with complex backstories remains central, distinguishing it significantly from the beloved film. This commitment to the book's vision is what gives the musical its unique appeal and, you know, its ability to surprise audiences who thought they knew the story of Oz. It's a rather clever way to revisit a classic tale, actually.

What makes the wicked original cast's story different from the film?

The story presented in Gregory Maguire's book, The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, is, in some respects, far more closely aligned with the original movie The Wizard of Oz than the musical adaptation is. This might seem a bit counterintuitive at first, given that the musical is based on the book, but it points to the different ways stories can be told and retold. The book, you know, provides a detailed, often darker, backstory that explains the complexities of the characters, especially those who become part of the wicked original cast.

The musical, while drawing heavily from Maguire's narrative, also has its own distinct identity and creative choices, tailored for the stage experience. The book, for instance, delves into the political and social issues of Oz, offering a more adult and, perhaps, cynical view of the world. It explores the nuances of power and corruption in a way that a classic family film simply couldn't. This depth of character and societal exploration is, basically, what sets the book apart, making it a different kind of narrative from the more straightforward film version. It's a pretty interesting contrast.

So, when you consider the story of the wicked original cast, whether you're thinking of the characters in the book or the musical, you're getting a much richer tapestry of events and motivations than the film provides. The film is a classic, to be sure, but it simplifies many elements for its audience. The book, on the other hand, offers a detailed exploration of Elphaba's life, her relationships, and the circumstances that lead to her eventual fate, providing a much fuller picture of who she is and why she acts the way she does. It's a very different kind of storytelling, you know, with more layers.

The Dance and Demise of a Legend - wicked original cast

The musical Wicked, as a theatrical experience, is categorized as musical drama, which means it uses song and dance to tell a compelling story. The dance styles within the musical are, actually, quite varied, drawing from modern dance, ballroom, ballet, and acrobatics. These different forms come together to create a visually rich and dynamic performance, which is, in some respects, quite important for bringing the world of Oz to life on stage. The movements of the wicked original cast members are, therefore, a crucial part of the storytelling, conveying emotion and action without words.

Specifically, modern dance and acrobatics play a very significant role in characterizing the movements of the flying sequences. Imagine the performers, portraying figures like the flying monkeys, using these styles to create the illusion of flight and movement through the air. This combination of athletic ability and artistic expression helps to transport the audience into the fantastical elements of the story, making the magical moments feel, you know, truly spectacular. It's a pretty clever way to use physical performance to tell a story.

Now, turning to the fate of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, her demise is a moment that everyone who knows the Oz story remembers. According to the original 1900 book edition and the 1939 film version, she simply melts into nothingness when Dorothy Gale throws a bucketful of water over her. This is, basically, the iconic scene that seals her fate in the popular imagination, and it's a very dramatic end for such a powerful figure. It's a moment that has resonated with audiences for generations, you know, and it's quite memorable.

However, the book version of Wicked by Gregory Maguire, published in 1995, offers a slightly different take on Elphaba Thropp's death. Yes, she does pass away in that original book version. She dies from having a bucket of water thrown on her by Dorothy, which is, of course, consistent with the classic tale. So, while the musical is a musical drama and the book is prose literature in the form of a novel, both ultimately arrive at this very famous conclusion for the character. It shows how different forms of storytelling can still share key plot points, even while exploring the nuances of the wicked original cast's journey in their own unique ways.

Wicked Original Broadway Cast
Wicked Original Broadway Cast

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See the original Broadway cast of 'Wicked,' then and now
See the original Broadway cast of 'Wicked,' then and now

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I'm Beautifully Tragic — Original Pictures from the Wicked Original Cast...
I'm Beautifully Tragic — Original Pictures from the Wicked Original Cast...

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