Why Wicked Would be the Perfect Next Musical to be Officially Streamed
(Joan Marcus)
Karolina Stolarczyk
Of course, it couldn’t really be done with its original cast – but I’m sure the current casts from many Wicked productions would be more than enough. First of all, I think that this musical is a great starting point for new audiences: it’s extremely lavish, has songs that are already classic, is based on a story that many people already either know or at least heard of – The Wizard of Oz, and the connections to it are done with respect towards continuity (I’m looking at you Mamma Mia and Mamma Mia 2). But most importantly, it shows, similarly to Hamilton, which was recently added to Disney+, that musical theatre is way more than over the top, loud and beautiful.
It can be, for example highly political: Wicked does it by showing the cruelty of racial injustices, unfair policies, and people’s fear of the unknown. It also displays the importance of female friendship, the one, still rarely seen in popular culture, that means more that romance and can overcome huge differences. Elphaba and Glinda are basically polar opposites, yet are able to form an honest relationship and support each other, which is a value that doesn’t expire. They start off as enemies, but overcome their differences and become allies – a lesson plenty of people could learn.
What I have always loved about Wicked is that it’s creators never demonized Elphaba. Sure, she is the Wicked Witch of the West, but we, the audience, know better – she is also a living, breathing character, who feels a whole range of emotions; and that’s what makes the spectators feel for her. She’s like a distant cousin of Frozen’s Elsa, who learns that being different can be extremely powerful. And Glinda, just like Anna, supports that – even if she doesn’t always completely understand.
I believe Wicked can be inspirational for both young and old: it genuinely depicts that life can be hard, people cruel and some dreams impossible to come true, but no matter what, fighting for what we believe in – even if it seems a lost cause – is worth it and, in one way or another, pays off.
For me personally, what rang the bell during watching Wicked was the realization that yes, indeed, our views and plans for life can change. Perhaps sometimes we, just like Elphie and Glinda, need to reevaluate what we took for granted our whole life. And it’s okay. I suppose that many can relate, especially in present circumstances – many a life was changed and we were put in a situation we have never even deemed possible before.
Seriously, Wicked is a whole package: timeless values, songs that you simply can’t get out of your head, extravagant sets, and costumes, plus an already established position in culture, so it’s unlikely that enabling audiences to watch it at home will diminish the amounts of sold tickets.