5 Wizard of Oz things to look out for in Wicked

As a devoted fan of musical theatre and all things Oz, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming premiere of “Wicked” in 2024! This prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” is a treasure trove of clever references that any true fan will appreciate.

One wonderful aspect of movies is how filmmakers frequently insert subtle nods to their personal passions. For instance, the end theme for Darth Vader in Star Wars might echo John Williams’ iconic march for a young boy from Tatooine. In Star Trek: Into Darkness, Benedict Cumberbatch’s character displays peculiar behavior over an hour before his true name, Khan, is revealed. Even in The Avengers, there’s a humorous scene where Captain America shows excitement upon recognizing a reference to The Wizard of Oz. As a prequel, Wicked abounds with hints that offer tantalizing glimpses into future events. Here are five such clues without any major spoilers.

1. “If she’d let him fight his own battles”

As a devoted fan, I find myself longing to become a student at Shiz University, where the wisdom of figures like Madam Morrible and Dr. Dillamond resonates deeply. While studying under Madam Morrible would be an exceptional experience, simply learning from Dr. Dillamond, who advocates for the rights of Oz’s extraordinary animals, would be more than enough for me.

In this musical, Elphaba takes an interest in uncovering the reasons behind these occurrences, while simultaneously rescuing a captive creature. She frees a young lion from one of her school lessons. However, others later criticize her for the outcome of that tale since the freed lion eventually grows up to be quite timid and fearful, famously known as the Cowardly Lion. This character is indeed an ally of Dorothy’s that we encounter in the story.

2. “This hat and you, you’re both so smart.”

Before heading out for an evening socializing, students at Shiz rummage through their wardrobes seeking something attention-grabbing. Glinda discovers a rather unattractive hat that her grandmother had sent her and is goaded by her friends to give it to someone she deeply dislikes.

Her roommate enters, finding herself handed a dramatic black witch’s hat as a kind gesture. Instead of perceiving it as a mean prank, Elphaba decides to sport the hat at the Ozdust Ballroom and manages to embrace the unusual accessory. It is this hat that she continues to wear until the end of her life in The Wizard of Oz.

3. “How can I ever express my gratitution?”

In the tale of Dorothy Gale, Glinda seems to exert her magical powers through a simple wave of her wand and some insightful counsel. Naturally, one might wonder about the origins of these abilities, which is explored in the story titled “Wicked“.

A significant moment in Glinda’s journey occurs when she receives a training wand. Originally, she had applied for a seminar, but was denied participation until Elphaba intervened with the professor on her behalf, expressing gratitude for Glinda’s kindness towards Elphaba’s sister Nessarose. This selfless act by Glinda initially served to dissuade an unwanted admirer, yet from this point onwards, her perspective towards Elphie undergoes a transformation.

4. “My monkey servant, Chistery.”

Upon their arrival at the Emerald City and meeting the wizard, he immediately tests Elphaba’s magical abilities. Given the Grimmerie, a book containing various spells and charms, she is tasked with assisting Chistery in casting a levitation spell. To her dismay, after an agonizing period, wings grow from his back. The wizard then exploits Elphaba’s powers to create spies for his purposes.

Elphaba is recognized for her faithful companions, the flying monkeys, and the narrative unfolds when she uncovers the truth about her role model, who is not as potent as the general belief in the land of Oz suggests.

5. “I’ll stand there with the Wizard.”

In simpler terms, the play “The Wizard of Oz” can be summarized as “The Wizard and I”. Not long after a young girl with green skin enters the scene, she is admired for her natural magical skills. The headmistress predicts that she could become the wizard’s powerful assistant or right-hand person.

Elphaba, feeling inundated by the admiration for her uniqueness within her own family, envisions a life beside the marvelous Wizard of Oz. This vision seems almost prophetic to her. It includes a grand celebration across Oz that centers around her, a concept we’ve previously witnessed in “No One Mourns the Wicked” at the start of the play. She eagerly anticipates the day when people will recognize her and react with excitement. What excites her most is the thought that she’ll be so content, she’ll dissolve into happiness – much like Dorothy’s portrayal by Judy Garland in those iconic ruby slippers.

Wicked comes to theaters on November 22, 2024.

2024-11-20 18:32