PostGazette: "It's a rare academic who turns his expertise into commercial success. But the man whose fertile and daunting imagination has spawned 'eight or nine' (he isn't quite sure) worldwide productions of a megahit musical is somewhat bemused by the whole thing."
Monday, September 01, 2008
Stage preview: Politics of 'Wicked' survives changes from book to stage
PostGazette: "It's a rare academic who turns his expertise into commercial success. But the man whose fertile and daunting imagination has spawned 'eight or nine' (he isn't quite sure) worldwide productions of a megahit musical is somewhat bemused by the whole thing."
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this is a very interesting article detailing the process of wicked. it also interesting to view the different changes the show has undergone throughout it's showing process. i saw the premiere of it in san francisco before it went to broadway and then i saw it again a couple years later in new york, and it was amazing to see how much was lost from the show. so much of the intrigue and mystery was taken out and replaced with blatant explanations and nothing for the viewer to figure out for themselves.
it would be interesting to see the tour and see if the show has been "dumbed down" any more.
I was encouraged to read Wicked after being incredibly impressed with its Broadway tour. I was actually unprepared for the vast differences between the plot of the novel and the plot of the stage version, but I found that they were both very interesting in their own ways.
When I saw Wicked on B'Way I was disappointed with the "Disney-like" ending that the writers used to replace the ending in the book. I thought the book made a very powerful statement about how our choices are never quite as easy as they may appear to be from another point of view. Sometimes, we can royally screw up even if we have the best of intentions. I believe the book is cathartic in a way because of the choice Elphaba makes to do what she thinks is right even though it causes her great emotional pain.
All of that said, the musical still has a very valid story line and still carries the general message of the book. It is also important to note that even with all the changes and cuts that were required because of the change in media (see my Shrek post), the show is still one of my favorites.
i am so exciting to watch Wicked this month. i just think Stephen Schwartz is just a genius. i understand that the show is very different from the book that Gregory McGuire wrote, but i just admired the concept and the approach. it always gives a nice twist in the gut to view things in a different perspective.
I read the book first for one of the first times in my life...and was truly in awe! it was such an intense book that really got me interested. All the connections between the characters,especially between fiyero* and Elphalba were electrifying. Thus when i saw the musical i was mildly dissappointed when the ending was sugared and spiced! I felt it took away a good part of the passion between the characters that really showed onstage!
I have to agree with Peter in that when i got to see it in LA on first preview night, it was like watching a show that just hit the audience over the head over and over with the main points. Little was left to the imagination, save little things like... oh i dunno, why there was a big freaking dragon over the stage. Granted i think it was the 2nd act where the was an off handed reference to a dragon clock, and from there one could figure out it's purpose as a scenic element but I felt there was alot of bits and pieces of the story that were all together just dropped.
I admit from a technical point of view, it was fun to see the shear amount of spectacle, complete with "god machine". However, in the end to me it turned into flash and trash and I found it was hard to keep my eyes open during the 2nd act. But it seems that spectacle sell's these days and hey, it's employment.
What I like about this article is that it emphasizes the importance on approaching the book and the musical as two entirely separate beasts. Often time we are closed minded to adaptations because they don't line up with the original work or idea. It takes great trust for MacGuire to just sit back and watch as his work is drastically alter, pretty much ruining his original dark setting and plot. I think it also says a lot about the commercial stage that the original ending wouldn't sell so it was altered. Yes, we all secretly want that ending, but it's not what we need. Are we too dumb as an audience to accept a new challenge?
I am familiar with many adaptations of books into plays, movies or musicals that don't stay true to the original script. However the author is usually displeased with the changes made. McGuire seemed to not even put up a fight when the production changed his ending, which I think is a little odd.
Yeh I definitely forgot to write my name. SORRY!
I am familiar with many adaptations of books into plays, movies or musicals that don't stay true to the original script. However the author is usually displeased with the changes made. McGuire seemed to not even put up a fight when the production changed his ending, which I think is a little odd.
- Megan Spatz
First off I have to just say that while the book "wicked" is based on "the wizard of oz" the show WICKED is much more connected with the 1939 movie THE WIZARD OF OZ.
This means that the "happy ever after" ending is appropriate not only because it is a musical, but because its inspiration ends in much the same manner.
Furthermore I disagree that the play has foreshadowed modern politics. It has always had political undertones, its just that the current revival of political interest has spurned more audiences of WICKED (young voters) to realize the underlying message.
Now for the good stuff. My favorite thing about the political world of WICKED is the theatrics of it. It is freakishly similar to modern politics' mania surrounding image. The wizard's god-like aura that places him beyond the reach of normal man may not be the best approach these days, but it is nevertheless an image created by press and PR people (Madame Morrible vs Tony Snow).
All in all the intentional dark undertones of the play have become more apparent as society itself has evolved. I love the show and am glad more people are recognizing the message of the story.
-Michael
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