I have a new major obsession: the musical Wicked. My fam and I saw it last week in L.A., and boy was it breathtaking! Basically, it's a prequel to the Wizard of Oz with the plot centered on two women (Glinda, who becomes the Good Witch of the North and Elphaba, who will become the Wicked Witch of the West). They start out as utter enemies, and then wind up as best friends. It has a beautiful message, brilliant lyrics, stunning costumes, and knock-your-socks-off tunes.
To be totally honest, I've spent the last four years thinking I hated it. I have this weird thing where I can't like something that's ultra popular or new. I always have to be the odd one out. I grew up listening to a certain kind of music and watching certain genres of movies and tv shows, so I instinctively judge everything else as mediocre. My initial reaction to new things is to dislike them. It's stupid, I know.
Glinda (Kristin Chenoweth) and Elphaba (Idina Menzel)
The same goes for Wicked. It was an instant sensation, and everyone at school loved it, so right away I decided that I wouldn't like it. I listened to a few songs from the soundtrack and, because it didn't sound like Phantom or Lés Mis, I made up my mind that it was no good. I insisted on being virtually the only human in America who didn't like Wicked, and I enjoyed that. Petty? Very.
Glinda and Elphaba again, with ensemble
A few years passed and my violent hatred of the musical was gradually tempered. So when my mom announced that my family would be going to see it while on our post-Christmas vacation, I was intrigued. Lately I've been trying new things and discovering that they aren't so bad after all. Case in point - coconut, mushrooms, Carpenters, and running, just to name a few. Wicked couldn't be that bad, I thought. After all, my mother saw it last year and positively adored it.
Some other chick playing Elphaba (sorry that I don't know who it is! this is the only Elphaba pic here without Idina Menzel)
I made up my mind that I'd give it another chance. During the drive to California, I listened to the soundtrack and discovered that the cast, even though they didn't include Michael Crawford or Colm Wilkinson, they actually did have some talent. Ok, I thought they were awesome! It was a turning point for me - I realized if I gave things a chance, I just might like them after all.
Glinda and Fiyero<3>
A few nights later, and a two-hour drive from our hotel, we arrived at Pantages Theatre to see the show. The first and second acts came and went all to quickly. I was completely thrilled. Mom and the dozens of people whom I'd heard rave about it were right! No kidding...
The Wizard's intimidating head thing
There you have it: the story of my journey as a Wicked fan. Of course, this story is paralleled in many other things in my life (Carpenters, peanut butter, etc.). From now on, I resolve to give stuff a chance before I denounce it as unworthy of my attention, be it food, hippie music, or whatever.
Elphaba looking sinister but somehow simultaneously gorgeous
Oh yeah. One more thing:
WICKED ROCKS. GO SEE IT.
Fiyero *salivates* and Elphaba
