Wicked, a theatrical titan and potential contender for the biggest musical of all time, is set to bewitch the big screen next year. This enchanting tale, adored by the LGBTQ+ community, is renowned for its queer themes. Let’s delve into the magic that makes it a hit. 💫
A Wicked Beginning
Wicked first bewitched Broadway in October 2003, long before villain origin stories became Hollywood’s go-to cash cow. Adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, it paints a sympathetic portrait of the Wicked Witch of the West, now known as Elphaba.
Elphaba and Glinda: An Unlikely Duo
Elphaba, born with bright green skin due to her mother’s affair with a travelling salesman, is an outcast from birth. Fast-forward to her university years, and she’s rooming with the future Glinda the Good Witch at Shiz University. Despite their differences, the two form an unlikely bond, with Elphaba’s uncontrolled magical powers contrasting with Glinda’s lack of discernible talent.
Queer Themes in Wicked
The central song of Wicked, “Defying Gravity”, has become an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community. The song, and the musical as a whole, grapples with themes of embracing one’s differences and defying societal norms. Elphaba’s fight against animal oppression can be seen as an allegory for the Pride movement, while the deep bond between Elphaba and Glinda has inspired numerous pieces of sapphic fanfiction.
Wicked in London
Since its London debut in 2006, Wicked has been a major draw. Currently, the West End show is led by Alexia Khadime (Elphaba) and Lucy St. Louis (Glinda), both vocal and acting powerhouses. Notably, it’s the first time the two leads have been played by Black women in the London production. If you’re inspired, why not buy Wicked tickets and enjoy the experience live?
Wicked: From Stage to Screen
A film adaptation of Wicked has been in the works since 2012, with filming finally beginning in London at the end of 2022. The film, directed by Jon M Chu, stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, with Jonathan Bailey playing love interest Fiyero. Both Erivo and Bailey are members of the LGBTQ+ community, further cementing Wicked’s status as a queer-friendly musical.
So, whether you’re a fan of the stage show or eagerly awaiting the film, there’s no denying the impact of Wicked’s queer themes on its legion of LGBTQ+ fans. 🌈
