Wicked: Broadway Show/Book Appreciation and Comparison Thread

i checked, and nothing about wicked came up so...

i am currently reading the book wicked by gregory maguire and am planning on seeing the show (very excited!!:clap: ) and the book is really very good and i have heard from many, many people that the show is phenominal. so, i just wanted to hear other's opinions on the book, the show, and perhaps a comparison between the two.

I havn't read the book but I'm going to New York in a week and I'm going to see Wicked and Spamalot! I'm so excited!

I really enjoyed the musical AND the book, but as seperate works. The musical is really awesome and intense, but they stray from the book's plot at the end to make it a more happy ending. The book is really good, but much more in depth and a little more cynical. I thought they were both really amazing though. And I <3LOVE<3 the soundtrack! Especially the songs "Popular" and "As Long as You're Mine".

yeah, i really like "popular" too.

Im in love with Wicked the musical. The book was really good, confusing at parts, but good. I listen to the CD constently. My faverate song is Wonderful.

Best musical ever, I swear.

I totally adore Wicked. My soundtrack just plays and plays constantly. Unfortunately it takes musicals a while to come out here, so I probably won't get to see it for years! I did watch a downloaded someone-took-a-camera-to-the-theatre version, but it's just not the same:).

I havn't read the book but I'm going to New York in a week and I'm going to see Wicked and Spamalot! I'm so excited!

I loved both!!
I haven't read Wicked, but the musical was fantastic. My kids and I listen to the CD in the car constantly. They love the music, but haven't seen the production. I plan to take them this summer or fall before it leaves Chicago.

I was hesitant to see Spamalot because I'm not really a Monty Python enthusiast, but I'm glad I did.

I read Wicked and Son of a Witch (all the kids in the class made fun of that book) I've never seen the musical and I only two songs in the play.

I saw wicked the musical a couple of weeks ago and i adore it!!!! when i got home i downloaded the soundtrack of iTunes and i listen to it like ten hours a day! i haven't read the book yet but i'm going to.

G(a)linda was hilarious. my favorite line was when she was talking to Dorothy, "Just keep following [the yellow brick road] until you get there! (to the audience) Gee, i hope she doesn't get lost. I'm not very good at giving directions."

also, one of elphaba's line when talking to Glinda, "Well, we can't all travel by bubble!"

hilarious. i love the songs popular, and defying gravity. the latter was so intense, it was the turning point of the whole play.

I LOVE WICKED!

YAY!! im so glad there is a thread on this! Wicked is my all-time favorite show, EVER. the book was awesome too! I can't pick a fav. song, i love them all. I love G(a)lina's character. My favorite line: "Well, It seems the artichoke is steemed!":lol: so mean but so funny.

the other to quotes mentioned were halarious as well!!

i checked, and nothing about wicked came up so...

i am currently reading the book wicked by gregory maguire and am planning on seeing the show (very excited!!:clap: ) and the book is really very good and i have heard from many, many people that the show is phenominal. so, i just wanted to hear other's opinions on the book, the show, and perhaps a comparison between the two.

Ditto for me. I started my own thread on this because I searched the forums for WICKED and found nothing. This thread didn't pop up :no: , so here I am!:D

I am currently reading the book, which is so crude it's funny. Like Kevin Smith films, they're so vulgar they're funny.

I right away liked Elphaba, right after that line about her choosing her own skin color and her own gender and to heck with her parents! Luv it! :p

I am going to see the musical in Chicago this fall. I wanted to see the London production because Idina Menzel is returning to her role as Elphaba again, but alas, I am going to London in July, not September :grumble: .

I'm not done with the book yet. Dr. Goat just got murdered, that's as far as I am. However, I am hoping Boq comes round and sees the light and likes Elphaba. Maybe that's where SON OF A WITCH came from! :clap: Boq's kid!

Wow... I just finished Wicked earlier this week and now I'm in the middle of Son Of A Witch. What can I say without giving spoilers?

Brilliant stuff. Like one of the written comments about Wicked, I too will never be able to look at Oz or the movie The Wizard of Oz the same way again. Pretty much fell hard for the character Elphaba. I was surprised how the adult view of the world was so different and how it changed my perspective without ruining Oz for me.

I hope one day to see the Wicked musical, but I doubt I'll get the chance. I'd definate;y see it if it were made into a movie.

Another coincidence, perhaps, is that earlier this month "Confessions Of An Ugly Stepsister" was on tv, and it only caught my attention because I remembered the title from the list of MacGuires works. Never read the book, but the film was pretty good. I had to tape the last 20 minutes because I had to go to work.

I didn't know they made a movie of any of his books. Then again, it does sound familiar. Was it a Disney Original Movie thing or something?

I think WICKED ought to have a movie version. They could really go to town with the special effects and vulgarities. It would be a really dark movie but incredibly entertaining. Peter Jackson, I'm pleading, you could do wonders with this book if you wanted!

I loved the book, and I'm seeing the show in 11 days! I'm sooo excited!

I think WICKED ought to have a movie version. They could really go to town with the special effects and vulgarities. It would be a really dark movie but incredibly entertaining. Peter Jackson, I'm pleading, you could do wonders with this book if you wanted!

yeah, that would be great!!

Haven't read the book, but I have listened to the soundtrack over and over in my car. Very cool.

i heard about wicked (the book) very randomly from two unacquainted ppl in the same week. they both loved it so i thought i'd give it a shot.

phenominal. full of irony and wit, and fits in perfectly with the original story, the wizard of oz, just told through a different perspective. it gives you all sorts of background info, and focuses a lot on the politics of oz. it makes you feel true empathy for "the wicked witch of the west" by explaining how that title came to be. she was the victim of bad public opinion.

then i went to see the play, also amazing, but with a totally different storyline. i wont spoil it for you. hopefully you will get to see some ppl from the original cast. the character of glinda is histerical. i guarentee you will be singing "defying gravity" and "popular" for about a week. i know i did.

in my opinion, i enjoyed the book more, just because it was juicier, gave you more characterization and background info. it pulled on your heartstrings and made you think about how your opinons of others may be shaped on what other ppl say.

I just finished Son Of A Witch earlier today. Although I enjoyed it like Wicked, it also left me wanting more because of all the unanswered questions and Liir's long list of unfinished business.

I pray Maguire will write a third book.

This is an exciting thread!!

I saw the musical Wicked back in October in Chicago, and fell in love with the storyline immediately. I had heard of the book before seeing it, and always intended to read it, but didn't have the opportunity to prior to seeing the producion. However, I received Wicked and Son of a Witch for Christmas and immediately delved into it. I believe I read it all, with the exception of about 60 pages (they were just describing the tales behind the famed twister, I believe), but sadly, school returned, and amid all the frenzy of it and other novels I was reading, I sadly put it aside. As it is summer, I will most definetely finish it (perhaps today?).

So far, though, I must say that I prefer the musical to to book. I think, however, that's mostly because I was so entranced and familiar with the musical, that it was almost odd to adjust to a completely new storyline of something which I thought would be only slightly different.

This is not to say that I hated the book, though, especially considering I could barely put it down the day I got it! They are both wonderful behind-the-scenes stories. I appreciate the original book more so for its complexity, while the musical more so for its simple, mostly friendly story. When reading the book, I kept waiting for things that occured in the musical to appear, and once I realized that they were different, I guess I began to appreciate it as the distinct work it is. The book is all so intricate and easy to become immersed in. Sometimes the political and religious undertones became a bit too much, but they made it all the more interesting. The humor was extremely dark at times, as some have said, but I loved that about it. I'll admit at first it was a bit too weird and disturbing for me, but as I read, it just became more and more fitting. Thus, I love the book for what it is, and I consider it separate from the musical.

When I finish it, I'll probably have much more to say! I can't wait! :D

Oh, I also thought it was interesting how when I went to the musical a second time in April, I was finally able to completely understand the huge map of Oz they have on the curtain prior to the show. I thought that was exciting...okay, maybe that was just me...:p

I just finished WICKED last night. The book was "fabulous" as Glinda would say. Honestly, that author has such a way with words, it is astounding! I wish I could write like that! I really liked the last bit as Elphaba spiralled out of her mind. She didn't just see a conspiracy theory, her whole life was one. And I love that ending -- the "not yet" bit. Very brilliant writing. And I liked the Time Dragon Clock when she spoke to the dwarf, even if I don't quite understand after this first read exactly what it all symbolized for her and Oz.

I was disappointed that she went a little bonkers with Dorothy, but if she hadn't caught on fire, I think things would have worked out. And I'm still sad about Fiyero. That was the beginning of the end, his "disappearance."

But otherwise, great read. She wanted those darn shoes. lol

my goal for today is to try to finish it!! i'm almost finished with WICKED and it's really good... *must read wicked!!*

My choir at school took a trip to Chicago for a contest and while we were there we saw Wicked and it rocked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The only thing that was funner the entire trip was Blue Man Group and if it hadn't of been my birthday when we went to Blue Man Group I prob. would have liked wicked better but I was having a great birthday so everything seemed ten times funner...

I just saw Wicked yesterday, and all I can say is WOW. It was absoultley AMAZING! I haven't seen may shows on Broadway, but this one went above every one I have seen, including: Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King. I already knew everything about the show and what was going to happen, but it still suprised me. All I can say is I am VERY glad I went.

I found a Harry Potter video on You Tube to the song of I'm Not That Girl yesterday, I really like the song but have never seen the musical/read the book.
Could someone be kind enough to tell me who the book's by and a little about it? Thanks! :love:

well, KarateGirl, the book is written by gregory maguire and the is pretty much about the wicked witch of the west and her life and parts of the wizard of oz but from her point of view. it's a really, really, really good book and it is also quite funny and entertaining. it's deffinately a book that i advise you to read!!

Wow, sounds good! Thanks Ruthey! *runs off to the library* :lol:

ha ha ha
yay!!
i hope you like wicked & i would love to hear what you think of it!!

I don't know if anyone knew, but Gregory Maguire has written a sequel to WICKED called "Son of the Witch," (catchy, I know). I'm about midway through it and it seems to be about Liir's life after Elphaba dies. Obviously, it's not as good as the first, but check it out if you want to!

I really enjoyed Son of a Witch, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the Wicked book. I don't think it's as good as Wicked, but on the upside there isn't the problem of comparing it to the musical, and constantly thinking, "but that's not supposed to happen!"

has anyone read the book because they saw the show, or vice-versa?

I'm obsessed with Wicked. Best musical ever by far. My favorite songs are The Wizard and I Defying Gravity I'm Not that Girl Popular No Good Deed and As Long As You're Mine.

I've yet to read the book though I really want to!

has anyone read the book because they saw the show, or vice-versa?

I happened to hear a few songs, then downloaded the rest, became obsessed and just had to read the book:). I'd never heard of Wicked the book before the musical came out.

I haven't read the book yet, but I've seen the show in Chicago twice. It's just... amazing. The first time I saw it was in November with Ana Gastayer (formerly of Saturday Night Live) as Elphaba, and she was just great--a lot of moments in the show require great comic timing, which she obviously had. I saw it again just a few weeks ago, and the standby was performing (I don't remember her name), but she had a just phenomenal voice.

I wouldn't mind seeing it again. :P

I read the book before the show came out and I just loved it. I tried to get tickets to the show when it was in St. Louis but they were sold out for any of the nights that I could go :grumble: I guess I'll have to Chicago or something. I've also read Maguire's Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister and Mirror, Mirror, which tell the 'true' stories of Cinderella and Snow White and enjoyed them as well (particularly Mirror, Mirror) Son of a Witch is next on my 'to read list' after I finish Peter and the Shadow Thieves by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

I'd never heard of Wicked the book before the musical came out.

yeah, i know several people who were that way. i'd heard of wicked the book before the play but had never thought of actually reading it untill the show came out.

ok i saw the musical twice, once a year ago and once a few weeks ago. then 2 weeks ago i read the book. i really liked the first time seeing wicked, but the second time elphaba didnt sing right and it was hard to listen to, but she was still a good actress. i love listening to the muscial soundtrack and i love the story, which is a lot simpler and easier to understand than the book. i liked the book but a lot of things went unanswered, and i didn't understand half of it. like it didnt answer what happened to fyero and some stuff didnt fit in, like i didnt like the part with dorothy and elphaba, which didnt fit in the story line of the wizard of oz. what also didnt fit was that the wizard seemed to be a lot crueler and the country of oz seemed to be this evil place to live, which seemed a lot different in the story, and fit in a lot better in the musical. also, it didnt tell us if the three girls were under the spell or not, which is a big part in the story, and they didnt give us an explanation.
i liked the musical, one for the great music, set and costumes, and for the way everything fit in. ALSO, i liked how the wizard was portrayed as a cowardly man with good intentions, instead of an all round evil guy (like voldemmort) i did like better in the book the way they portrayed elphaba in the begnning. she kind of reminded me of luna, saying all the wrong things and stuff and being a loner. also, does anyone have explanations on (in the book):
the clock of t he time dragon
elphabas change in becoming a "witch"
madame morribles spell
thanks!

We're going to see it in London in a few weeks time. Really can't wait! My sister brought the soundtrack when we were in New York last year on a whim and we've been waiting for it to transfer here since. Idina Menzel has been reprising her role as Elphie but there are rumours going around that she's off sick for a while so I don't know if we'll get to see her but I hope so as I loved her in RENT so... Fingers crossed!

Im going 2 London 4 a photography trip for college in a couple of weeks and where going 2 see that as a treat... i cant wait!! :)

yeah, wicked is coming to the pantages theater near where i live some time in the spring of next year. i really want to go, but nearly all the tickets for every showing are sold out...

I loved both of them, but as others have said, as seperate works. Anyone who is going to the play expecting an accurate enactment of the book will be disappointed.
HOWEVER They were both fantastic.
The book is much darker than the musical, much deeper, and more cynical.
I don't think I can really even compare them to say which I liked best.
I recommend trying to read the book before you go to the musical. The book has such a sad ending that it leaves you feeling rather down about the whole deal but if you see the play afterwards you have this renewed energy about both of them.

I have yet to read Son of a Witch. I'm just so attached to Elphaba, I don't know if I can bring myself to ;o;

i saw the show in london 3 weeks ago and am still an a massive high! i love musical theatre and have seen quite alot, but this just whisked me away. i knew practically nothing when we brought the tickets. it is new in town and everyone was telling us to go and see it. our main draw was the cast, and it didn't dissapoint. idina menzel was amazing, i have never brought tickets just to see a certain preformer before but i'm so glad we did.

i have the book (it's signed!!!! gotta love waterstones!) and the soundtrack but my husband has whisked them away for christmas

I've never actually seen the musical, but I love the soundtrack.

I've never read the book, but I might check into it soon. My cousin told me I would like it, and both of us have a lot of the same interests.:agree:

I'm a very huge fan of the musical, saw it in New York last April and thought it was amazing. I've loved the music for years, almost since it came out. I don't even remember the first time I heard it. I actually read the book before I saw the musical, so I knew that the plot was basically the same, but all the details were entirely different. They're both utterly amazing, and if you ever get a chance to see the musical, you'll love it! I'm going to see it again next May when it comes to Denver.

Saw the show on Saturday night in London and oh my!!! Sooooo good. Loved it. Even better was the fact that one of the girls working in the theatre said that it was the best show she'd seen Idina Menzel do (and as you can imagine she'd seen most of her run...) and that she was on fire.

I saw the show on broadway in July and it was amazing. Eden Espinosa is awesome!. I'd love to see it again soon.

I saw the musical in Toronto and LOVED it. I bought the book and read it, and didn't like it as nearly as much! I saw the musical first, because I'm always disappointed after reading the book first (*coughharrypottercough*) so when I read the book, I was disappointed. The musical was BRILLIANT! Shoshanna Bean is a goddess.

Oh I'm reading the book right now! I'm only on page 6 though! :lol: I've never seen the musical, but I really want too!

I tried reading the book but I couldn't get past the first couple of pages. My mom read it and loved it, though. She also read the other Gregory Maguire books. I just saw the musical. It's been almost a year since I've seen it and I still haven't bought the soundtrack. I'm very lazy.

--Mimi

I read the book before seeing the musical, and I really liked them both, but they are really different. The book focuses more on Elphaba's life, and the play focuses on her relationship with G(a)linda.

The musical and book are two entirely different animals. The musical basically uses the idea of the book and reworks it so everything is interrelated and has a very happy ending, whereas the book is more of a character study of Elphaba and her life. I really enjoyed both, though. (I love Stephen Schwartz's music!)

I got a chance to see the stage show in Chicago, and it was wonderful! You just have to remember to seperate the book from the show or you might end up a little disappointed.

I haven't read the book, but I have the soundtrack (i've listened to it a thousand times) and i'm seeing the show in New York over the summer!!!

I don't really have much to compare but I love the soundtrack. The music is brilliant and I'd love to go to New York to see it. I'm on the hold list for Wicked at the library right now, though I've heard from several people that it's hard to get through. Oh well...

I have a few friends that like the soundtrack alot and a few went to see the play(Chicago). Haven't heard the whole soundtrack but I like Defying Gravity.

I just saw the musical tonight. I absolutely loved it! I haven't read the book yet, but my mom couldn't get through it. She said it was too political. I'm still gonna read it though. Eventually.

I have a few friends that like the soundtrack alot and a few went to see the play(Chicago). Haven't heard the whole soundtrack but I like Defying Gravity.
The entire soundtrack is great. It has some really good music and it's all emotionally connecting if you understand what I mean. I think some of my favorites are For Good, As Long as you're Mine, and Defying Gravity.

I just saw the musical tonight. I absolutely loved it! I haven't read the book yet, but my mom couldn't get through it. She said it was too political. I'm still gonna read it though. Eventually.
I'd love to see the musical unfortunately I don't have the funds to travel to a place where it's playing. I've heard both ways on the novel. Some have said it's almost impossible to get through and others have said it's easy to get through.

AHHHHHH, I absolutly LOVE :love: the soundtrack!!! I am actually listening to it this very moment:rockon: . Idina Menzel is the best singer ever!!! In the summer, I'm going to New York to see the show!!! :rockon: :rockon:

Fave songs:
Defying Gravity
For Good
As long as your mine
No good deed
Popular

Like my sig?!:rockon:

I read the book. It was kind of "hard to get through" sometimes, but I thought it was worth it. Overall I liked it.

I saw the musical last summer and it FANTASTIC. But yes, they're very different. The musical has more whimsy and you grow fond of the characters moreso than the book. And the soundtrack is amazing. I love Idina Menzel's voice, it's so powerful. I knew the soundtrack by heart by the time I saw the musical so I wanted to sing along... but I couldn't... :lol:

Buy the soundtrack! :rockon:

I saw Kristin Chenoweth on David Letterman & she is the most adorable little thing ever! Very funny too :) I've seen her in couple movies & fell in love with her spunk. She kinda reminds me of me 'cause she's short & has a high pitched voice haha :lol: Is she still in Wicked?

Oh my goodness, I love both the book and the musical, but I agree with what others have said on this thread, you do have to appreciate them seperately because they are significantly different.

I found the book fairly easy to get through and read it before I saw the musical in NY in June 2005(but I didn't get to see Idina Menzel in it, darnit!). And of course I absolutely adore the soundtrack, it's one of the ones I can always go back to without getting sick of!

And I'm trying to get my mom to come see it in Chicago with me soon, but I've heard that it isn't as good there. Has anyone seen it there to give your opinion?

Oh my goodness, I love both the book and the musical, but I agree with what others have said on this thread, you do have to appreciate them seperately because they are significantly different.

I found the book fairly easy to get through and read it before I saw the musical in NY in June 2005(but I didn't get to see Idina Menzel in it, darnit!). And of course I absolutely adore the soundtrack, it's one of the ones I can always go back to without getting sick of!

And I'm trying to get my mom to come see it in Chicago with me soon, but I've heard that it isn't as good there. Has anyone seen it there to give your opinion?

I've seen Wicked in Chicago twice now, June of 2005 and this past Christmas. I loved it both times. I think the soundtrack is from the NY cast, and the Chicago cast is just as good! I am from Chicago so I may be biased though.:cool:

The book was soooo totally boring and I did not get passed the third chapter... I love the songs on Broadway, though. My friend and I love to sing "loathing" when we want to

A lot of people have said that the book is hard to get through and don't really like it, yet they love the musical. I guess it's just a matter of opinion.

I love Wicked, it has been one of my favorite musicals. The book is awesome too. I have all the charachters on my sims 2 and own the soundrack.:love: :love:

I love Wicked! I read the book which was pretty good and then I saw the musical on Broadway (in NYC) and it was well... even more wicked! I absolutely adore the song "Defying Gravity".

Defying Gravity, Popular, and For Good are probably the ones that most people recognize, and for good reason. My favorite song is probably For Good. It's so... I guess emotionally charged would be the best adjective to put here.

I love your sig Kimmetje. It's perfect for this thread.

I've wanted to see Wicked(musical version) for some time now, but its never come around where I live. I would love to see it on Broadway though. There's just something special about seeing a show on Broadway.

I first heard of the show while watching the Tony Awards in 2004, when Idina won for best actress. They (Menzel and Chenoweth) performed a couple songs, and I absolutely fell in love with "Defying Gravity" and "What Is This Feeling?". I got the book in anticipation of the show coming to my city, and I thought it was one of the most intriguing twists on a classic story I've ever read. Then I went and saw the show.

I was just blown away. I entered the Wicked lottery, where you put your name in two and a half hours before the show, and if yours is called you can buy up to two tickets for $25 each--FRONT ROW! That summer, I visited family in Milwaukee, and we took a day trip down to Chicago, where we entered the lottery there, and won. Both casts were phenomenal.

So it's currently in town again, and I've already seen it twice. Once from the lottery front row, and once in the balcony. I have yet to be disappointed. I still have a couple weeks till it's gone, and I plan to see it as many times as I can.

Side note: last year's tour G(a)linda, Kendra Kassebaum, and Fiyero, Sebastian Arcelus, were both my personal favorites in their respective roles, and they're both reprising their tour roles on Broadway. So if anyone's in New York, I'd definitely recommend checking these two out. She's just about the funniest G(a)linda you'll ever see, and he's the most dashing and vocally gifted Fiyero.

One of my favorite lines: "There's been all sorts of rumor, innuendo...out-uendo...."

Oh! I almost forgot. The last performance I went to (Saturday night), during "Popular," Galinda's heel broke on her shoe. The look on her face was priceless, but she kept right on going. She just pulled the shoes off, plopped them on Elphaba's bed, and continued with her big secret. ;)

I first heard of the show while watching the Tony Awards in 2004, when Idina won for best actress. They (Menzel and Chenoweth) performed a couple songs, and I absolutely fell in love with "Defying Gravity" and "What Is This Feeling?". I got the book in anticipation of the show coming to my city, and I thought it was one of the most intriguing twists on a classic story I've ever read. Then I went and saw the show.

I was just blown away. I entered the Wicked lottery, where you put your name in two and a half hours before the show, and if yours is called you can buy up to two tickets for $25 each--FRONT ROW! That summer, I visited family in Milwaukee, and we took a day trip down to Chicago, where we entered the lottery there, and won. Both casts were phenomenal.

So it's currently in town again, and I've already seen it twice. Once from the lottery front row, and once in the balcony. I have yet to be disappointed. I still have a couple weeks till it's gone, and I plan to see it as many times as I can.

Side note: last year's tour G(a)linda, Kendra Kassebaum, and Fiyero, Sebastian Arcelus, were both my personal favorites in their respective roles, and they're both reprising their tour roles on Broadway. So if anyone's in New York, I'd definitely recommend checking these two out. She's just about the funniest G(a)linda you'll ever see, and he's the most dashing and vocally gifted Fiyero.

One of my favorite lines: "There's been all sorts of rumor, innuendo...out-uendo...."

Oh! I almost forgot. The last performance I went to (Saturday night), during "Popular," Galinda's heel broke on her shoe. The look on her face was priceless, but she kept right on going. She just pulled the shoes off, plopped them on Elphaba's bed, and continued with her big secret. ;)

I'm awed. How many times have you seen this musical?

I heard a lot of people complain that Idina Menzel isn't on the Broadway version anymore, but I Julia Murney is VERY good too! I simply love this musical.

I've seen it four times. It'll be at least five before it leaves town.

My English class went to see the musical a few weeks ago. It was amazing! I couldn't get the songs out of my head and I can still picture most of the scenes in my head. I loved the musical for the music, set, costumes, dialogue, humor, and themes...pretty much everything.

t amazes me how a show can be so funny and yet so deep and thought provoking at the same time. Even the lighthearted songs such as "Popular" hint on deep stuff, "It's not about aptitude, but the way your viewed." In "No good deed" (I think that's the title anyway) Elphaba examines her motives. It goes somethig like (excuse me if the words are slightly off) :"One question haunts and hurts to much to mention. Was I really seeking good or just seeking attention? If that's really all good deeds are, when looked at with an ice cold eye, maybe that's why no good deed goes unpunished." The music really makes you think about a variety of ideas.

Before I saw it I had read the book months before. It confused me in several places and the sexual scenes put me off. However I decided I ought to give the book another try and I enjoyed it more, I just finished reading it today. The story lines are very different and there are some dramatic changes in the characters, especially Fiyero. The book and musical focus on different aspects of the storyline, and while the book is much more cynical both provoke your thoughts on the nature of evil and other themes. One of the main things they accompolish is showing how public opinion doesn't neccisarily hold to reality.

From the opinion of someone who always sides with books, I have to confess I liked the musical better. Perhaps because deep down I want a happy ending? :) I still like the book, though, it gives a more complete picture of Elphaba's life and has stuff in it that would be to difficult to put in a musical. Reading it a second time alowed me to pick up on more details I missed. If I had to guess it would be worse to read the book after seeing the musical, since they are so different and you would constantly be thinking "When is this going to happen?" However seeing the musical after reading the book I was able to appreciate the musical as a seperate work. It's best them to look at them as seperate, but complementary works. Sorry for the rambling...I love Wicked!

I loved the musical, but I think I preferred the book. I also read Son of a Witch and thought it was great. Most people I know couldn't get through the book, either, and I'm not exactly sure why. I thought it was great.
And my favorite song from the musical has to be Defying Gravity. I mean, the whole performance of that song completely overshadowed everything else in the play in my opinion. I thought it was such a good, oh, theme song I guess would fit, for so much in life. It's easy to get pushed down and believe people when they tell you that you can't do something, so I love that song as sort of like a "what do you think of me now?" attitude.

I loved the musical, but I think I preferred the book. I also read Son of a Witch and thought it was great. Most people I know couldn't get through the book, either, and I'm not exactly sure why. I thought it was great.
And my favorite song from the musical has to be Defying Gravity. I mean, the whole performance of that song completely overshadowed everything else in the play in my opinion. I thought it was such a good, oh, theme song I guess would fit, for so much in life. It's easy to get pushed down and believe people when they tell you that you can't do something, so I love that song as sort of like a "what do you think of me now?" attitude.

While I agree that the book was much better than the musical and thoroughly enjoyed it myself, I can see why people might have had a hard time getting through it. It is rather long and can get a little bogged down at points. I am typically a pretty fast reader, and it took me longer than usual to get through Wicked. In general, it's a really good book with a very involved and interesting plot line(s), but if you don't have the time to devote to being a part of the story, it would be quite hard to "get into" the book and enjoy it because it does require a lot of energy to read.

I really want to read the book, but the show was amazing. All my friends were telling me that it was really good before I went, so I was kinda scared that it wouldn't stand up to their high expectations. But by the time the first song was finished, I was hooked. At the one part in the show (near the end) where Glinda and Elfeba have a cat-fight like thing, the audience just kept clapping and cheering. I have a feeling that we kinda stalled the show.

I loved the book! I had never known it was a show until my firend told me when I was reading it. The book is nothing like I would have expected, but it was awesome! :love: Now I want to see the play. :tu:

The Book is SO SO SO different from the musical. I'm usually a books person, but the musical can't even compare to the book.... the musical was INCREDIBLE. It brought me to tears I loved it so much. I thought the book was strange at some parts, and I didn't find the musical strange at all. Elphaba isn't as....hmm... what's a decent word?... emo?... in the musical as she kind of is portrayed in the book. idk. You could have a totally different opinion, but either way you will adore the musical for SURE. =]

I just finished reading Son of a Witch after I had completed Wicked back in August. My favorite of the two books is Wicked but both were excellent. (when is Gregory Maguire's books not excellent?) I haven't seen Wicked on Broadway yet but am anxiously waiting until I get to see it!

I am so jealous. My friend is going to New York in three weeks (it's her fifteenth birthday present) and she's going to see Wicked. I'd love to read the book as well but this term I'm required to be reading non-fiction so it's out of the question until I get through the required reading. I did talk to someone though and she said it was incredibly difficult to get through which makes me kind of worried.

I absolutly adore the music in the production I am absolutly dying to see the show. It sounds awesome I don't have the CD but i really want it I jus listen to sound clips on the internet and jam to it on myspace.

Yeah if you gat an opportunity to buy the CD you should. I've listened to my copy so many times that I'm suprised it hasn't worn out.

One thing you should know is that the book and the musical are very different plot wise. The musical was only based of of the book, not copied from it. Pretty much it is just the same characters, in the same place, ending up in the same situations. However, the ways that the characters reach their goals/destinations vary a lot.

Wicked <3

I have my Wicked tickets out for May darn. But I can't wait to see it now I just need to read the books. :whistle:

Saw the London cast on Wednesday for the 2nd time. How good is Kerry Ellis?! I saw Idina the 1st time I saw it and thought she was excellent but Kerry is even better! She brings a certain vulnerability to Elphie. Loved it.

I started reading the book, but I didn't really get into it. I would like to see the musical, though.

My sig has been Galindafied. :D *tosstoss*

The only thing I know about the show is the song "As Long As You're Mine" because our showchoir (or jazz choir, whatever you want to call it) did it this year. Its a really neat song!

I saw the Broadway Show, and I loved it. I loved Glinda[Galinda] and the person who was Elphaba had an amazing voice. I loved it. My favorite song was "Popular" it was funny and the whole Galinda thing was hilarious as well.

Does anyone know where I can get the soundtrack? I should have gotten it at the show but didn't. Don't know what I was thinking.

you can download it off itunes. i used to listen to the soundtrack about 10 times a day, but then i got bored of it. i still listen to it sometimes, but it's not the only thing i listen to.

Amazon will have it too. In fact you should be able to buy it from most online places and several CD shops...

I read Son of A Witch right after I finished Wicked. It was good. :tu:

I'm currently in love with the song "Popular"

I saw the show on Broadway (:love:) and read the books.

I love these quotes from the musical:

Galinda: It seems the artichoke is steamed
***
Galinda: Okay, stand... I will turn your frock into a beautiful ball gown! Stand up...Ball gown!!! Ball GOWN!!! Is this thing on?
Elphaba: Do you want me to try?
Galinda: No, I've got it! You know what? Just wear the frock-- it's pretty!
***
Galinda: ...Oh I know! lets tell each other something we've never told anyone...I'll go first: Fiyero and I are going to be married! (squeals)
Elphaba: Really? He's asked you already?
Galinda: No, he doesnt know yet.
***
Elphaba: Okay let's get this over with, no I'm not seasick, yes I've always been green, No I didn't eat grass as a child.

I'm currently in love with the song "Popular"

I saw the show on Broadway (:love:) and read the books.

I love these quotes from the musical:

Galinda: It seems the artichoke is steamed
***
Galinda: Okay, stand... I will turn your frock into a beautiful ball gown! Stand up...Ball gown!!! Ball GOWN!!! Is this thing on?
Elphaba: Do you want me to try?
Galinda: No, I've got it! You know what? Just wear the frock-- it's pretty!
***
Galinda: ...Oh I know! lets tell each other something we've never told anyone...I'll go first: Fiyero and I are going to be married! (squeals)
Elphaba: Really? He's asked you already?
Galinda: No, he doesnt know yet.
***
Elphaba: Okay let's get this over with, no I'm not seasick, yes I've always been green, No I didn't eat grass as a child.

Those lines are great. One of my favorites is the "Well, we can't all come and go by bubble" line.

I'm currently in love with the song "Popular"

I saw the show on Broadway (:love:) and read the books.

I love these quotes from the musical:

Galinda: It seems the artichoke is steamed
***
Galinda: Okay, stand... I will turn your frock into a beautiful ball gown! Stand up...Ball gown!!! Ball GOWN!!! Is this thing on?
Elphaba: Do you want me to try?
Galinda: No, I've got it! You know what? Just wear the frock-- it's pretty!
***
Galinda: ...Oh I know! lets tell each other something we've never told anyone...I'll go first: Fiyero and I are going to be married! (squeals)
Elphaba: Really? He's asked you already?
Galinda: No, he doesnt know yet.
***
Elphaba: Okay let's get this over with, no I'm not seasick, yes I've always been green, No I didn't eat grass as a child.

I love it all! My favorite song right now is "Defying Gravity."

Saw the London cast on Wednesday for the 2nd time. How good is Kerry Ellis?! I saw Idina the 1st time I saw it and thought she was excellent but Kerry is even better! She brings a certain vulnerability to Elphie. Loved it.

we saw kerry ellis in both we will rock you and miss saigon she was phenomenal in both and they were very different parts. we are trying to get to london soon to see her in wicked.

we saw idina the first time too and loved her. i'm secretly hoping that kirsten chenoworth could do a stint here!

I've seen the show 2 and half times! Long story but that's a true number. Anyway I think the book and the play should be put as two completely separate things because the book has one story and the play is like a loose watered down version of the story the book tells. Not to make it sound less or worse its a very very powerful play and I love it to death but the book is more detailed and darker and overall more realistic for being a fiction. :p

i'm secretly hoping that kirsten chenoworth could do a stint here!

Now THAT would be cool. I love that women she's just so... ditzy! Saw her in the last part of Ugly Betty and she cracked me up!

I've seen the show 2 and half times! Long story but that's a true number.:p

That's quite random!!! How did you manage that?!?!?!

Yes, Kristin needs to come back to Wicked. She was amazing as Glinda.

Yes, Kristin needs to come back to Wicked. She was amazing as Glinda.

we had only really heard of her from the west wing and were like can she even sing!! then a few days later we were watching series 7 and she starts singing at the point we looked at each and said we have got to see her in something!

love her on the soundtrack. we have in the car at the moment and our 2 year son always screams with her at the end of 'what is this feeling' when elphba says boo. it's very cute!

OMG I can't believe I found this thread, it's amazing!
I saw Wicked, the musical off broadway in Toronto a fwe years ago when I was oh, about thirteen, and I fell in love with it.
I saw it with a school group, and one of my teachers, who had read the book, told us to wait a few years before reading it, because of some of the content.
So, I amused myself by listening to the CD constantly, and got one of my sisters obessed with the songs as much as I am.
Then this year, I got the book for Christmas, finished it that night, and shortly, went out and bought Son of A Witch, which I promptly read in a few hours. Something about the books keeps me drawn in!
It's also interesting to read the book after seeing the musical, and how different, and the same the plots really are!

I absolutely loved both!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the show is great and the actors are amazing. the differnce is really that the book is much sadder than the show, but other than that everything else is mostly the same except for a few changes.

Aw, I love Wicked! :love: Well, I've only heard the soundtrack...but I about know it by heart. I can't wait to see the show, hoping to for my birthday. And the book is awesome from what I've read so far.

Anyone else excited beyond all reason for the movie? :lol:

I have been to the show a few times, it is well worth it! Many great songs, plus the plot is well cool, if you ever the chance to go, you should go, it is an amazing show. :)

Anyone else excited beyond all reason for the movie? :lol:

~Ears perks up~

Movie?!

I don't think there is a movie. There would only be a movie if they needed a major help with sales or if it was losing popularity.

Anywho, i hated the book. Too dark and hard to follow. Bu the musical is one of my passions. I just saw Chris DeCicco and Victoria matlocks u/s (or standby, I don't remember) Coleen Sexton. Both were amazing, and really nice at stagedoor. I'm going to see it again when it comes to Cleveland February/March 2008. Can't waitttt.

I've never read the book, but I saw the show when it came to Detroit, MI and it was absolutely fantastic! I love the soundtrack and listen to it (and sing it with my friend, who plays piano) quite often. If you have a chance to see it, do it. I hope to read the book sometime soon.

I love Wicked! I liked the book - still haven't read Son of a Witch though - and I like the soundtrack. Especially "Loathing," "For Good," and "As Long as You're Mine." Still haven't seen the musical. Do you need to book two years in advance, or is it just really expensive? Even for crappy seats?

I have yet to read the book all the way though, I can never have enough money for it! lol, but the musical is one of my favorites ^_^

I love Wicked! I liked the book - still haven't read Son of a Witch though - and I like the soundtrack. Especially "Loathing," "For Good," and "As Long as You're Mine." Still haven't seen the musical. Do you need to book two years in advance, or is it just really expensive? Even for crappy seats?

I'm not sure where you are, but the cheapest tickets in London are £15, the most expensive are £60.

The first time I saw it we were in the cheapest seats and the view was good.
It helps that the theatre doesn't have restricted viewing anywhere.

My hubby told me yesterday that he's book some more tickets for when we are in London in two weeks (I should think so to as he's dragging me to Joseph and the Technicoloured Dreamcoat!) . I'm so excited to see Kerry Ellis, I think she will be very different from Idina Menzel.

I saw it a few years back, three I think in Toronto as a school thing, and even though we had kind of crapy seats it was still amazing! The music still sticks with me, and I got my youngest sister hooked on it too, even if she hasn't seen the musical.
The book, very different from the musical, but still really good.
Son of the Witch was amazing too! I gobbled them both up, and can't wait for the third part to them!
A movie would be nice, but I think it may ruin something about it for me. -shrugs-

I'm not sure where you are, but the cheapest tickets in London are £15, the most expensive are £60.

The first time I saw it we were in the cheapest seats and the view was good.
It helps that the theatre doesn't have restricted viewing anywhere.

My hubby told me yesterday that he's book some more tickets for when we are in London in two weeks (I should think so to as he's dragging me to Joseph and the Technicoloured Dreamcoat!) . I'm so excited to see Kerry Ellis, I think she will be very different from Idina Menzel.

Unfortunately, I'm not in London. During the school year, I'm a couple hours away from Manhattan, but everytime I've priced it, I haven't had much luck. Instead I see a show I might actually be able to afford. haha

I love Wicked!! I saw the show about six months after it debuted, and I was lucky enough to catch Idina Menzel in it before she ended her run...it was AMAZING. I'm hoping to see it again soon. I read the book before I saw the show, and even though the show changes certain plot points, it is a fantastic production.

They put the whole thing up on YouTube. Rubbish quality but you can still hear it. I'd rather go and see the real thing ;), which I will do, once I hear of it being in London again!

Just out of curiosity - it took me forever to notice this - did anyone else realize that "Unlimited / my future is unlimited " motif quotes "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"? I think I literally smacked myself in the forehead when it hit me.

Love the music, but I haven't had the chance to see the show, yet.

Luckily for me, I saw it on the West End before I read the book, because if I hadn't (knowing me) I would have been really mad about them leaving ANYTHING out. As it stands, I thourghly enjoyed the two , but as two seperate things.

Does anyone know if there is a London soundtrack? I have the Broadway one, but it isn't as good.

Going to see Wicked again tomorrow, CANNOT wait!! I heart Galinda!

I love the musical. I saw it in February at the Apollo Victoria in London and it was amazing. I haven't read the book yet but it's on my list of things to do.:) I really want to see the musical again.

Has anyone seen Wicked? It is the best musical ever!!!!!! I love Idina Menzel. Thoughts?

for those who don't know it, its about how the wicked witch of the west in the movie the wizard of oz becomes wicked, and its really good.

You should try the Wicked thread http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=90205

It refers to the Broadway and London shows plus also the novel.

oh, thanks!

I love this show, particularly Idina Menzel. I love her voice.

Anyone see Ugly Betty yesterday? Wicked was in it! :D I got really excited, haha.

I'd rather go and see the real thing ;), which I will do, once I hear of it being in London again!

Erm... It's still on in London! Has been for over a year now and is taking bookings till at least September next year...

I saw the Ugly Betty episode. Made me very happy! :)

Just out of curiosity - it took me forever to notice this - did anyone else realize that "Unlimited / my future is unlimited " motif quotes "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"? I think I literally smacked myself in the forehead when it hit me.

Love the music, but I haven't had the chance to see the show, yet.

haha i don't see...will you explain it?
thanks!

Anyone see Ugly Betty yesterday? Wicked was in it! :D I got really excited, haha.

I haven't read the book and decided I probably wouldn't go and see the musical in London since tickets are selling for about £60 (for the best seats), whic is pretty expensive. However, once I saw Ugly Betty, I decided I really want to see this show. The fews songs that were shown sounded wonderful.

I've seen Wicked, and have read the novel over 18 times. I have every song on the soundtrack memorized (minus the secret song), and have read the sequel, Son of a Witch, twice (I don't like it as much as I like Wicked). I saw part of the Ugly Betty episode, because it had Wicked in it :D. Its really one of my favorite things in the universe.

I love Wicked! I haven't read the book and don't plan to, but my friend introduced me to the soundtrack; I loved it so much I bought a copy of it and listen to it constantly. My family fell in love with it to and we took a trip last year just to go see it! It's an amazing musical! (Probably my favorite ever - and that's saying a lot!)

Ahhhhh, WiCKED! :) This is one of my favourite musicals, I've been to see it twice at the London Apollo... Kerry Ellis is by far the best singer I've ever heard. Her voice is like BOOM!; so powerful. It makes me laugh, and it makes me sad. I'm constantly singing the soundtrack and I've drawn a scene from it. :D It's love!

I have the book too. :)

I saw Wicked the other night for the first time and loved it. I had the cast recording before that, but this was my first time seeing it done on stage. I had a blast!!

Where did you see it? Who was on?

38 days till I see it in Melbourne!!

It was the touring cast and it had Katie Rose Clarke and Donna Vivino.... Ms. Vivino was an understudy... but she was absolutely stunning and amazint!

I saw it on Broadway on May 7 on a school trip. It was AMAZING! I've read the book, too, and I try to look at them as different things. They are sooo different and contradict each other in so many ways.

They are both phenomenal, though.

I've seen wicked, and IO love it, even if it doesn't follow the book very well, and I love the clock themes and dragon on the clock.

I went to see Wicked in London on the 4th June matinee and I LOVED IT! Everything was wonderful - the actors and actresses, the set, the time dragon, and we had great seats too! I saw Cassidy Janson - who IMO is better than the YouTube vids I've seen of Kerry Ellis - and my two favourites, James Gillan and Katie Rowley Jones. Now that they've left, I want to go and see Alexia Khadime, whom I saw as Nala in the Lion King, alongside Caroline Keiff and Jeremy Legat.

I haven't read the book, but I intend to!

Oooohhhh, but I can say that Kerry Ellis is AMAZING live... I've seen her twice. Although I haven't seen Cassidy Janson... so I can't compare.
I love Wicked. <3

I am usually one to read the books before or shortly after viewing the visual representation of a story. I became a fan of the Wicked soundtrack two summers ago, then read the book, then saw the play in London last summer.

Against my usual opinion, I found the musical much better than the book. The book, to me, was much duller. The musical was phenomonal and my sister and I still sing the songs frequently.

I'm reading the book for the first time now and I love it!! So good. Two of my friends and I are really into Wicked, they've seen the show already (Luckies!!) but I haven't. I'm probably going to see it next March or April and I'm very excited for it!!!:clap::):D

I LOVE Wicked. I haven't read the book yet; my sister has it and it's just sitting on the shelf waiting for me to pick it up, but I have to finish re-reading Deathly Hallows first.

I saw Wicked on Broadway back in March and I fell in love. I've performed some of the songs before and really didn't like the music, but after seeing it live I completely changed my mind!
I saw the Stephanie J. Block and Annaleigh Ashford pairing, and as far as I'm concerned they're the only ones who should ever play Elphaba and Glinda. Everyone goes on about how great Idina and Kristen are, how they were the "originals", well honestly they aren't anything compared to SJB and Annaleigh.
Stephanie has the acting skills and the voice that make up for the complete lack of Idina's, and Annaleigh has the perfect perky rendition of Glinda that Kristen (although I adore her) doesn't get right at all.

Anyway. I'm hoping it comes somewhere near me so I can see it again.

I think Idina and Kristen are the total best!! They are so awesome!
Jezebel, just a warning about the book: There are some...interesting...subjects in certain parts. But because I'm younger, it's probably a bit more gross for me.

Meh, subject matter doesn't tend to bother me. Thanks for the warning though. My sister was halfway through it and then she just kind of stopped reading it. I think she said it got boring.

My room mate and I just saw the Chicago version....We totally loved it.I would see it again, but it will be closing soon...so if we see it again it will be in another city.

Have you guys noticed, that the poster to advertise Wicked, Elphaba has red lipstick on, while in the Broadway show she has green lipstick? It's the last summer for Wicked here. :(

I saw Wicked twice in Chicago while I was living there and loved it both times! I took my 9 year old daughter the second time and she thought it was great. We listen to the cd all the time.

I now live in a suburb of Detroit and Wicked is coming here this winter. We are going again! It is my favorite show.

WIKED IS THE MOST AWESOMEST MUSICAL EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:drool:

Is it good?

I've heard it is, too bad I can't see it though:(

Wicked's really amazing. I saw it a few times several years ago, and again just last month when it was touring in Portland... and it's coming to Seattle in September so I may try to see it once more there.

You could go look up some of the songs, at least. And read the book, which is rather good, despite being sort of depressing at times.

Wicked's really amazing. I saw it a few times several years ago, and again just last month when it was touring in Portland... and it's coming to Seattle in September so I may try to see it once more there.

You could go look up some of the songs, at least. And read the book, which is rather good, despite being sort of depressing at times.

I saw it last month in Portland as well, and it was amazing!:clap: It was my first time seeing it, and I had heard so many good things about it, and it was so good.
It would be cool to see it again in Seattle, but it was hard enough to get my parents to buy these tickets!:lol:

I havn't read the book, but I would like to. Unfortunately I just started school again, so who knows when I'll have time to read anything fun:sigh:

I've read the book,but I haven't seen the musical. I hadn't even heard about the play before I came across the book. I liked the whole idea of filling out the background of the "wicked witch of the west", and I think it was very well done.

WICKED IS THE BEST MUSICAL EVER!!!!!!!!!! SERIOUSLY IT IS. :D
I cried through like the whole second act :) DEFY GRAVITY!!! :D

I just got the original broadway cast recording on Friday, and I have been listening to it constantly ever since!:rockon: Amazing!:tu:

I've only seen two Broadway shows - Wicked and Phantom of the Opera. It's hard to say which one is my favorite, they were both so awesome:love:

I've seen the show on-Broadway and will be seeing it again in June. It's one of my three favorite shows (just below Sweeney Todd and Rent). I haven't read the book though.

The book is good, but it's not exactly a fairy tale though. I've never seen the Broadway production, but I've heard a lot of the songs from it, and it seems that the production is much lighter than the book. I still would like to see it someday.

WICKED IS THE BEST MUSICAL EVER!!!!!!!!!! SERIOUSLY IT IS. :D
I cried through like the whole second act :) DEFY GRAVITY!!! :D

I know exactly how you feel. I was crying soo hard during 'For Good'
I see a lot of Broadway musicals, and I have to say Wicked is the best one. I've seen it three times, and they've all been amazing. I was Glinda for halloween this year and I made a ridiculously over-the-top sparkelly blue dress and when I saw it the third time I convinced my friend to wear a witch costume and paint her face green, and we came in costume. It was pretty amazing. Incidently I've seen three different Elphabas, but only one Glinda.

I didn't like the book much. It's probably because I read it after I saw the musical and I kept saying "No it doesn't happen this way" to the book.

I love the book and enjoyed the show (I've seen it several times), but I think the two are best if not compared. Because the book is so much darker than the twist that Stephen Schwartz put on the musical, the quality of the show is often underrated. I think it's important to separate the two entities: the lighter, happier feel intended for (largely younger) theatrical audiences and the darker, brooding, more mature beauty that is the novel.

I love the book and enjoyed the show (I've seen it several times), but I think the two are best if not compared. Because the book is so much darker than the twist that Stephen Schwartz put on the musical, the quality of the show is often underrated. I think it's important to separate the two entities: the lighter, happier feel intended for (largely younger) theatrical audiences and the darker, brooding, more mature beauty that is the novel.

I like your way ^^ of putting it very much. The only thing I disagree with is that I like the show and the book equally, which is what you may have been saying anyway.

I love the book and enjoyed the show (I've seen it several times), but I think the two are best if not compared. Because the book is so much darker than the twist that Stephen Schwartz put on the musical, the quality of the show is often underrated. I think it's important to separate the two entities: the lighter, happier feel intended for (largely younger) theatrical audiences and the darker, brooding, more mature beauty that is the novel.

I agree that it is difficult to compare the two. I like them both equally but they are kind of two different stories. The book was focused nearly entirely on Elphaba while the musical tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda jointly. The two stories also have different messages and moods conveyed in them. I think it works beast to compare the stories on levels (ie: book incarnation of characters vs. musical incarnation of characters, etc.).

I didn't like the book much. It's probably because I read it after I saw the musical and I kept saying "No it doesn't happen this way" to the book.

Actually, you should be saying, "No, it doesn't happen this way!" to the musical! XD

I agree that it is difficult to compare the two. I like them both equally but they are kind of two different stories. The book was focused nearly entirely on Elphaba while the musical tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda jointly. The two stories also have different messages and moods conveyed in them. I think it works beast to compare the stories on levels (ie: book incarnation of characters vs. musical incarnation of characters, etc.).

I agree with this completely (except that I do prefer the book). I definitely enjoy both of them, though.

I haven't listened to the musical in a LONG time (it can't be less than a year), but I'm enough of a fan to know who my favorite Elphaba and Glinda are -- Idina Menzel (maybe that's the cliche answer, but I definitely believe she's the best Elphaba; followed by Julia Murney and Lisa Brescia, for me) and Jennifer Laura Thompson (followed by Helen Dallimore and Katie Rose Clarke).

My favorite Elphabas are Idina Menzel (and dang proud of it too; I've seen her live in concert and can say she's a truly marvelous performer), Stephanie J. Block, and Nicole Parker (saw both of them in the show). My favorite Glinda is Alli Mauzey (saw her live too).

I agree with this completely (except that I do prefer the book). I definitely enjoy both of them, though.

I haven't listened to the musical in a LONG time (it can't be less than a year), but I'm enough of a fan to know who my favorite Elphaba and Glinda are -- Idina Menzel (maybe that's the cliche answer, but I definitely believe she's the best Elphaba; followed by Julia Murney and Lisa Brescia, for me) and Jennifer Laura Thompson (followed by Helen Dallimore and Katie Rose Clarke).

I also have to give the cliche favorite Elphaba as Idina Menzel (followed by Eden Espinosa and Kerry Ellis) and favorite Glinda is Annaleigh Ashford (followed by Megan Hilty and Kristin Chenoweth).

I actually had the opportunity to see Wicked on Broadway last month. Although my seat was WAAAAAAAAY in the back, I really liked the show. The music is amazing! The acting was FANTASTIC! In other words, Wicked was WICKED! GO SEE IT RIGHT NOW! :)

I heard there might be a movie through the newspaper. I couldn't believe it could be true...so I found this link...

http://broadwayworld.com/article/Baz_Luhrmann_Reported_to_Direct_WICKED_Film_200811 27

That would be amazing!!! It does not say any specifics about the film (it may not be in production yet), but since it was from almost a year ago, I hope they are still going to do it. It is not listed on IMDB as a project for Baz...
Personally, if they would do it, I think the best picks for Glinda and Elphaba are Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel..they started the whole thing as the original two.

I heard there might be a movie through the newspaper. I couldn't believe it could be true...so I found this link...

http://broadwayworld.com/article/Baz_Luhrmann_Reported_to_Direct_WICKED_Film_200811 27

That would be amazing!!! It does not say any specifics about the film (it may not be in production yet), but since it was from almost a year ago, I hope they are still going to do it. It is not listed on IMDB as a project for Baz...
Personally, if they would do it, I think the best picks for Glinda and Elphaba are Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel..they started the whole thing as the original two.

I got an amzing book for my birthday a month ago, it's the official companion to the musical and it's called "The Grimmerie" (after the book of spells in the show!) In it, the creators of the show discuss how the book was originally going to be turned into a film, until Stephen Schwartz got involved and thought it would be better as a musical. This was all back in, like, 1999. So they've already had the idea, I guess not that it's so popular (:p), they would probably want to try it again.

I got an amzing book for my birthday a month ago, it's the official companion to the musical and it's called "The Grimmerie" (after the book of spells in the show!) In it, the creators of the show discuss how the book was originally going to be turned into a film, until Stephen Schwartz got involved and thought it would be better as a musical. This was all back in, like, 1999. So they've already had the idea, I guess not that it's so popular (:p), they would probably want to try it again.

I have that book too. I forgot that was in there though. Thanks for the reminder.

I can't wait! I'm going to see the London show tomorrow night! xx

I'm a huge fan of Wicked! I saw it for the first time in London a few years ago, and fell in love. Now I've seen it 20 times, throughout various productions. My favorite Elphaba is Kerry Ellis, though she's followed very closely by Caissie Levy and Vicki Noon. And I always go back and forth between Kendra Kassebaum and Dianne Pilkington for my favorite Glinda, but Katie Rose Clarke is right behind them.

From what I've heard about the movie, they do plan on making it eventually, but they're not in any hurry. Especially since the musical's still selling so well on it's own, they'll likely wait until the audience starts to dwindle, and then hope the movie boosts ticket sales.

When it is done, I really doubt they'll cast Idina and Kristin, they're both far too old to be playing college students now.

I've seen Wicked (Melbourne cast) ... loved it. Saw it the first time from the back, and kept going back to get better seats. Favourite song is 'Defying Gravity', followed by the opening overture.

After the second time I saw it, I rushed out to grab the book -- read part of it on the train, and put it somewhere... now I can't find it. :S But the book is interesting, it certainly doesn't gloss over any parts of life! It was finding a few explicit words on the second page, and I realised I wasn't in Kansas anymore... (bad pun, sorry).

But I do love that version of the story, it all comes together so brilliantly. The Melbourne cast was amazing too, not a single show was below par. I'm still not over the costumes... I totally want a uniform for Shiz University. So cool, and some of those ball dresses! <3

I love Wicked! I already knew the soundtrack of the musical for a couple of years (and I kind of made up a story line based upon the songs), and I always had wanted to see it. In December I did, in the Victoria Apolla Theatre in London, and oh, did I love it. It was amazing. The performance was great, the musical performances of Alexia Khadime & Dianne Pilkington were simply stunning and I really enjoyed myself. We even got to sit closer to the stage because the lines in front of us were all empty. That was great, too. :3 I really loved it, it was a real experience.

I totally want a uniform for Shiz University. So cool, and some of those ball dresses! <3

Oh, I loved all the costumes they used! They were brilliant.

I'm not sure what I think about a WICKED movie, though. I'm going to think about it. I thought one of the things I enjoyed the most about Wicked that it was pretty exclusive, you don't see a musical every day (and I went with the train from Belgium to England, so that makes it even more exclusive, haha), and that it was one of those things you can do one time but keep remembering your whole life. So I'm not yet convinced for a movie.

When it is done, I really doubt they'll cast Idina and Kristin, they're both far too old to be playing college students now.

I think they can do anything with make-up nowadays. So you'll never know, I guess.

I really thought it was an interesting idea, and I really liked the song defying gravity...
I also thought it was a sad idea... I mean, here's this girl who has been teased all her life... However, as Dumbledore said, it is the choices we make that show who we truly are...
I still thought it was sad, the witch states in defying gravity "Too long I've been afraid of losing love, I guess I've lost, well if that's love it comes at much too high a cost" and I think she feels unloved... It's sad..
However, the original story of Wizard of Oz doesn't match up, Glenda doesn't act like she's ever known the witch in the movie or books... At least not the ones I've read or seen...

Defying Gravity is my favorite song from the musical. Haven't read the book yet.

I love Glinda's line -- "Why can't you just teach us history without all this talk about the past?!":lol::D

Hey. I was looking on the Wicked online store, and I notice that their stuff is outrageously priced. Can anyone tell me if it's less expensive AT the show venues?

http://www.wickedthemusicalstore.com/
for prices. It's in US dollars...

I know for a fact that I can find The Grimmerie for about 25 or 30 dollars less at bookstores.

Hey. I was looking on the Wicked online store, and I notice that their stuff is outrageously priced. Can anyone tell me if it's less expensive AT the show venues? http://www.wickedthemusicalstore.com/ for prices. It's in US dollars... I know for a fact that I can find The Grimmerie for about 25 or 30 dollars less at bookstores. When I went to see Wicked it was like $4 to get a mini water bottle...

I'm going for a second time at the end of the month. SOOOOOO excited.

As an example I think the standard retail price for the Grimmerie is $40.

$28 on the Barnes & Noble website. I believe I've seen it for $20 in an actual B&N store last time I was in there.

But yeah... I just wanna know if I'll get a better deal online or at the venues. Not necessarily for the Grimmerie. Just merchandise in general.

The last time I went to the show, I wanted a t-shirt. There it would have cost me $40. I didn't have that at the time...Back around October of last year, when it was the anniversary of the Wizard of Oz (70 years!) Barnes and Noble had Oz and Wicked items for sale. I was able to get a t-shirt then for about $20. It may not be exactly the same as the ones at the show, but it didn't look much different.
The book is cheaper at the bookstore and same with the CD.
I remember when I went to the show, I got a magnet...I think it was $8...It's not big but I wanted to walk away with something besides my program and the memories. The items are not cheap there...
I can't wait! Going to see the show again soon! :) :)

When I saw the show the first time in NYC the Wicked logo front/Defy Gravity back black tee was $5 cheaper in a street shop than in the Gershwin.

I saw this for the first time on Saturday (but I knew pretty much all the songs) I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BEST PLAY INT HE WORLD!!!

Wicked and Harry Potter are my two passions in life lol

I've been a fan of it for 7 years and it's easily my favourite musical. I've seen it 7 times now, 6 in London, once in New York.

My favourite Elphaba is Idina Menzel (Kerry Ellis second) both of their voices are AMAAAZING live! So powerful! And my favourite song is Defying Gravity (although I love all of them so much), it's stunning live with the flying effect and powerhouse music!

Hope to see it again soon and may it stay at the Apollo Victoria in London and Gershwin Theatre in New York for many, many years to come :)

I saw Wicked on June 5th with my boyfriend, and it was amazing! Our Elphaba was someone named Felicia Ricci (has anyone else seen or heard of her?) and our G(a)linda was Kendra Kasselbaum. I'd love to see it again!

I've seen Wicked an embarrassing amount of times (41) and I'm about to see it again tomorrow in Chicago. But I haven't seen it in over a year and a half, so I don't feel too bad about seeing it again.

And potteraddicted5, I saw Kendra twice in San Francisco and thought she was fantastic! :)

I've seen Wicked an embarrassing amount of times (41) and I'm about to see it again tomorrow in Chicago. But I haven't seen it in over a year and a half, so I don't feel too bad about seeing it again.

And potteraddicted5, I saw Kendra twice in San Francisco and thought she was fantastic! :)

I sadly have never seen the actual show, but love the book. I have read it more times than I care to count and still love it as much as the first time, although I definitely love Son of a Witch just as much. I hope that it will roll around here sometime. . . :sad:

It was even greatest than Last Song movie. I am truly inspired of this.

Matt Willis will join the cast of Wicked in December 2011. It was announced last week that the former Busted star will be joining the rest of the cast at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on 12 December 2011. For More in formation about Matt Willis Joining Wicked The Musical Cast (http://www.wickedlondon.org/matt-willis-joins-wicked-cast/)

Mamie Parris will join the 1st National Tour starting October 7th (Mamie confirmed the date change) as Elphaba!
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/154752-Tour-of-Wicked-Will-Welcome-a-New-Elphaba-in-October

Matt Willis will join the cast of Wicked in December 2011. It was announced last week that the former Busted star will be joining the rest of the cast at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on 12 December 2011. For More in formation about Matt Willis Joining Wicked The Musical Cast (http://www.wickedlondon.org/matt-willis-joins-wicked-cast/)

You forget Gina Beck! Gina Beck will be taking over as Glinda soon :)

I think she will be so amazing! She was perfect as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera and she will be perfect in this!

I received a letter/signed photo today from Mamie Parris, who is Elphaba in the 1st National Tour.