Arrrgh!!!

I've been so busy the last couple of weeks that I haven't had much time to blog. I'm sure that from the entries I did get to post that you think I was just cleaning and cleaning and cleaning, but I actually had the chance to get out and enjoy myself a bit.

Sunday, the thirteenth, a group of ladies from my exercises class and I went into Chicago to see "Wicked," the story of Oz at the time of Dorothy, from the Wicked Witch's point of view. The book was fascinating; the musical is wonderful!

The musical departs from the book on which it is based in a number of ways, but the story is similar. You see Elphaba entering the University of Shiz and meeting Galinda. It's difficult to show that Elphaba is labeled "wicked" by others, because she is green, because she has contrary ideas, and simply because she is different, but the musical pulls it off.

There are several incredible songs. Pop-u-u-lar, and Flying High (Defying Gravity) keep running through my head, but I suspect that the final duet the women sing will become my favorite. "For Good" is the title. Glinda sings:

"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led to those who help us most to grow
if we let them and we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today because I knew you...

The last two lines of the song, sung by both Elphaba and Glinda are:

Because I knew you....
I've been changed for good."

Although the lyrics imply that there is some question as to whether the changes are good, the audience has no doubt that each woman has benefited from knowing the other.

Music and lyrics for "Wicked" are by Stephen Schwartz. He has a deft hand with both. Glinda, in "Popular" tells Elphaba that she needs a little "personality dialysis." I hope this musical gets credit for the weighty issues it tackles, and has a long run. This may be the story of Oz, but there are lessons here for all humanity.