'Wicked': The making of the musical hit

Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel "Wicked" sought to give a backstory to one of the most haunting figures from L. Frank Baum's "Wizard of Oz": The Wicked Witch of the West. The book would inspire a long-running musical, which has proved a hit both on Broadway and on tour. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with Maguire and composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, and with the original Glinda and Elphaba, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, about a show that has become a beacon for anyone who doesn't fit a conventional mold.

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[therealameliabedelia]

I was in the audience at the Gershwin on opening night- October 30th, 2003. Last row of the mezzanine. I will never forget how Idina Menzel’s voice filled that theatre at the end of Act 1 or how deeply the friendship between Elphaba and G(a)linda touched my heart. Wicked truly changed me for good.

[ll]

"and Kristin was so beautiful and so Glinda-like - just perfection"

[FatimaSorianoOfficial]

Gregory Maguire was so on point at the end. We do need these stories to be told and told again and again now more than ever. That is exactly Wicked's run continues on and powers through. And we wouldn't have it any other way.

[justjohnmichaeljones]

I saw WICKED on Broadway a few years back with Rachel Tucker, Carrie St Louis and Jonah Platt...and it was INCREDIBLE. If you have never seen this show....GO!!! It is worth every cent <3

[cherylreitz]

Saw it on Broadway about 12 yrs ago it was awesome everyone should see it at least once

[traviscouplin]

The best popular musical is back, Kristin and Idina would be very proud, to see it back, welcome back Broadway

[manuelorozco]

Wicked made me the musical theatre geek I am today! I first saw the show in 2007 at the Hollywood Pantages. I’m overdue more than ever to revisit this beautiful musical.

[broadwaymike]

Always and forever my favorite musical. Saw it 4 times on Broadway. Can't wait to go back and see it again. The story is so powerful, inspiring, and relevant to anyone out there who feels like a misfit and wants to do great things from the heart. The song DEFYING GRAVITY is truly an anthem and a song for peace, acceptance, and taking a stand for what you believe in. My favorite lyric in that is that last AND NOBODY IN ALL OF OZ, NO WIZARD THAT THERE IS OR WAS IS EVER GONNA BRING MY DOWN. We experience so much HATE and DISCRIMINATION. People are very judgmental about so many things. At the end of the day, nothing should ever stop us from what we want out of life. As a performer myself, it's a been a dream of mine so for long to be part of this incredible cast telling a very powerful story. We can all relate to each character in their own authentic way. I'm still persisting and have been auditioning for WICKED to be "Boq", Not giving up hope.

[LadyPisces]

Amazing piece! I love Wicked, I've read the books (Gregory Maguire is incredible) and I love, love the musical. Stephen Schwartz was blessed writing it. KCheno and Idina have an incredible chemistry to this day. Fabulous women.

[davidnunley]

Saw it on Broadway, Columbia SC, and Charlotte NC and let me tell you the touring cast right now is probably my fave!

[ernesthroop]

I loved that you got to interview Gregory Maguire, Stephen Schwartz, Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel for this!!

[ronsantiago]

There those who state that WICKED is simply play. This play connects with so many people because of its message for all of us. That we are not perfect and that each of us deserve love, protection and opportunity. Wicked tells us to love ourselves, Wicked tells us to protect the environment, Wicked tells us to protect animals and that thin line between following and questioning authority is always of mindful significance.

[hoochiemoochie]

How you’re put together is always okay. How you respond to how you are put together is all on you…

[donutdangerous]

Saw in Portland in 2011. The Wicked Is the best musical play. Wish to see the show again.

[TheTimeForChange]

Thank you ALL for such a wonderfully, phenomenal show! I appreciate the genesis, the kudos and the message of the play!

[peterjarvis]

I am going to see Wicked for the first time this April when the North American tour comes to my hometown of Sacramento, ca. I am beyond excited for it! Having been a lifelong and massive Wizard of Oz fan, I have heard that this takes it to a whole other level and makes it even better!

[lesdance]

My husband and I’s love story began with this musical!!! It will always be so moving for me!! ❤️❤️❤️

[jenniferr]

I was blessed enough to catch a showing for my birthday at the Gershwin on Broadway. My husband surprised me with dead center front row seats. Its was the most magical show! So glad they are back!

[muncangel]

It was the highlight of my first visit in NY 2015, got a ticket from a friend and didn t know the seat was in the first row!...will never forget this evening...so much power, light, perfection...stunning!!!!

[PyroLyfe]

I just saw it in Charlotte for the 4th time. Still a great show!