The Musical. And the book because I’m one of those weird people who read the book BEFORE I saw the musical. Was very confused seeing it the first time because story lines definitely don’t match up entirely but I love both of them.

Snake and I have seen Wicked probably about 12-15 times. Gasp. I know! He’s seen it in LA without me, we’ve both seen it in NY twice, London twice and some ridiculous number of times both here and in Phoenix. Pretty much without exception, I have loved every actor playing every part. Did you know that Rue McClanahan from Golden Girls played Madame Morrible? And Joel Grey was the Wizard? And I can’t even name all of the Fiyeros and Glindas and Elphabas…..

I could just go on forever on why this is my favorite musical. It surprised me because I hate The Wizard of Oz movie. Gasp. I know! I just could never relate to it at all. It’s like a dirty little secret if you don’t like an iconic movie like that.

After reading the book and seeing the musical, though, it was clear why I didn’t like the original. I AM Elphaba–the Wicked Witch of the West from the movie–and there was a backstory and reasons. I related to it so well. And I could totally write a book on the quotes and why they relate and I will share a couple.

Elphaba is green. Yes, I know. You watched the movie. But it is important because it is the ONLY thing people see about her. She’s brilliant and funny and a good friend and magical and the only thing they see is green. Haven’t we all been there? It might be hair color or braces or weight or skin color or having the skill of tripping on the pattern of the rug–yes, seriously. It’s my super power.

Near the beginning, she says, “I don’t cause commotions, I am one.” *raises hand* Me.

Then she sings about not wanting to love the boy because she’s not that girl.

Don’t dream too far
Don’t lose sight of who you are
Don’t remember that rush of joy
He could be that boy
I’m not that girl

Stephen Schwartz

I know! We’ve all been there. So relatable.

And Fiyero…he is the playboy and popular guy. But he’s not wrong… ” The trouble with schools is, They always try to teach the wrong lesson”

And even Glinda finally sees a bit of truth,

That’s why I couldn’t be happier
No, I couldn’t be happier
Though it is, I admit
The tiniest bit
Unlike I anticipated
But I couldn’t be happier
Simply couldn’t be happier
(spoken) Well – not “simply”:
(sung) ‘Cause getting your dreams
It’s strange, but it seems
A little – well – complicated
There’s a kind of a sort of a cost
There’s a couple of things get: lost
There are bridges you cross
You didn’t know you crossed
Until you’ve crossed

Stephen Schwartz

How many bridges do we cross without knowing about it? And you know, you can’t cross back. It’s gone or moved or unrecognizable or there is just nothing left on the other side.

But what makes it good and right and perfect? Friends. And people we can count on to inspire us.

So, what inspired this? Besides proving once and for all that I am a total nerd about things? We get to see it again on Saturday. And I can’t wait!!!