Friday 22 February 2013

Defying Gravity

This is the story of my favourite Broadway show: Wicked

My family was on vacation in New York a couple winters ago. The first night, we saw The Lion King. Wow! I didn't think that anything could top that! However, that night, we went to the Gershwin Theatre to see Wicked. I was stunned. The lyrics, music, set, and characters were all so mesmerising. I couldn't believe what I had just seen. It took a while for it to sink in. I realised that my life had changed after seeing Wicked. I have a new perspective on life. I look at things from the point of view as Elphaba, someone who is unique. I can relate to Elphaba in that way. I haven't been the same since that night at the theatre.

I have since seen the touring production of Wicked when it came to my city. Seeing it again made the experience happen all over again and I left the theatre that day feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. The touring production was much more intimate and I felt closer to the action and the story. It was a whole new experience for me. I will never forget seeing this show.

I can barely explain what Wicked means to me. It is a metaphor my life and so much of my life is influenced by Wicked. I will learn something new about myself and life every time I see Wicked, which, hopefully, will be many more.

This is an inspiring song that is sung by Elphaba at the beginning of act one. It represents that no matter who you are, you can do anything that you put your mind to. Anyone can reach their goals. Even a girl who is hated by practically everyone.

The Wizard and I by Stephen Schwartz

Did that really just happen?
Have I actually understood?
This weird quirk I've tried
To suppress or hide
Is a talent that could
Help me meet the Wizard
If I make good
So I'll make good

When I meet the Wizard,
Once I prove my worth,
And then I'll meet the Wizard
What I've waited for since, since birth!
And with all his Wizard wisdom,
By my looks, he won't be blinded
Do you think the Wizard is dumb?
Or, like Munchkins, so small-minded?
(Spoken: No!) He'll say to me,
"I see who you truly are -
A girl on whom I can rely!"
And that's how we'll begin
The Wizard and I:

Once I'm with the Wizard
My whole life will change
'Cuz once you're with the Wizard
No one thinks you're strange!
No father is not proud of you,
No sister acts ashamed
And all of Oz has to love you
When by the Wizard, you're acclaimed
And this gift or this curse
I have inside
Maybe at last, I'll know why
When we are hand in hand -
The Wizard and I!

And one day, he'll say to me, "Elphaba,
A girl who is so superior,
Shouldn't a girl who's so good inside
Have a matching exterior?
And since folks here to an absurd degree
Seem fixated on your verdigris
Would it be all right by you
If I de-greenified you?"

And though of course,
That's not important to me
"All right, why not?" I'll reply
Oh, what a pair we'll be
The Wizard and I;
Yes, what a pair we'll be
The Wizard and...

Unlimited
My future is unlimited
And I've just had a vision
Almost like a prophecy
I know - it sounds truly crazy
And true, the vision's hazy
But I swear, someday there'll be
A celebration throughout Oz
That's all to do with me!

And I'll stand there with the Wizard,
Feeling things I've never felt
And though I'd never show it,
I'd be so happy, I could melt!
And so it will be
For the rest of my life,
And I'll want nothing else
Till I die
Held in such high esteem
When people see me, they will scream
For half of Oz's favorite team;
The Wizard
And I!!!

1 comment:

  1. Elphaba is an incredible character. I wish I'd discovered the show earlier in my life, because she's definitely somebody I would have connected with in high school as well.

    ReplyDelete