I’m a Wizard of Oz girl, through and through. I’ve seen the movie 15 times and been introducing myself as “Glenda the Good Witch” forever. Somewhere along the way, I lost sight of where Glinda the Good Witch ends and I begin.
So, when the novel, Wicked, came out, and I heard that Glinda was not such a good witch after all, I had to know more. While some of my friends loved the book, I’ll admit I don’t. And I swear it isn’t because it paints a less than pretty picture of Glinda. The story is just a bit too dark and twisted for me. Don’t get me wrong, I like dark and twisted when it really adds to the story…but I felt some of the darkness was gratuitous. And yet, the themes and storyline were brilliant.
And then, my dear friends (Rhonda and Lindsey) invited me to a Wicked Weekend in Houston. How could I possibly resist?
Suffice it to say, my Wicked Weekend was a precious gift. I’ve been struggling this year…with unfulfilled dreams and a reality painfully out of sync with my principles. I only remember feeling this low one other time in my life.
I had no expectation that this weekend would be so healing. Oh, I knew I’d have a blast and create delightful new memories…but I received so much more. Was it being invited inside the home of two people so deeply in love? Or seeing one of my best friends in the whole world blessed with such happiness? Perhaps the luxury of a lazy girl’s weekend filled with delicious coffee, amazing conversations and hours and hours of art museums? Or the moment the magic hit me as I experienced “Wicked” with my eyes, mind, heart and soul?
“Wicked” turns all that I knew about Oz upside down. Elphaba is intrinsically good (despite being green) while Glinda is shallow, self-centered and blonde. The undercurrent of discrimination, rejection, intolerance and broken dreams resonated with my aching heart. Tears streamed down my face as Elphaba rose above it all, defying gravity.
Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I’m through with playing by the rules
Of someone else’s game
Too late for second guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It’s time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leapIt’s time to try
Defying gravity
I think I’ll try
Defying gravity
And you can’t pull me down…
I’m through accepting limits
‘Cuz someone says there so
Somethings I cannot change
But till I try I’ll never know
How do you thank friends for a gift like this? I know…I’ll just have to defy gravity!
Strange…I noticed the book version of this in a bookstore (in the UK) months ago. It caught my eye because the cover illustration had the bad witch and the title ‘wicked’ – and it seemed curious (no mention of ‘Oz’ anywhere in the title was a bit alternative!) I read the blurb and definately thought it was intriguing. No, I didn’t buy the book cos I’m not one for book-buying particularly…but it’s refreshing to see your article and response to seeing the musical. :)
No thanks needed. We were happy you were able to relax and that you had fun in all the places we dragged you. Don’t be a stranger. You’ve got a standing invite.
…yeah, what Rhonda said…
We LOVED having you as our weekend guest. The “girl time” did indeed, rock. Hopefully you’ll come visit again much sooner than later. ;)
I read the book wicked and it was written by a good writer but i still want glinda to be good . I am going to see wicked next month with my son and now i am sorry i read the book. It ruined oz for me
take care
P.S I have spent most my life trying to expain to people that the good witchs name was Glinda not Glenda. That Glenda is a Irish name
Glenda, how nice to meet you! Yes, most people don’t realize that the goodwitch’s name is “Glinda”.
I’m curious to see how you feel about Glinda after you see Wicked. Whatever you do, don’t let it ruin Oz for you. Write your own version (in your mind) and make it so!
As for me, I will always be “Glenda the Good” and now I love the wicked witch as much as I love Glinda!
Glenda! You’ll always be good in my opinion–Love, a Friend of Dorothy (tee hee)