Changed for Good

The last time I wrote to you I talked about a major phenomenon that's taking the world by storm: K-Pop Demon Hunters. This time, in case you haven't figured it out by the title, there's another phenomenon that's taking the world by storm, and it's one that's a bit near and dear to my heart. Take a wild guess what that might be:

And also...

Yeah. All of us are defying gravity, saying thank goodness, and being changed for good because of these two massive blockbuster hits. To tell you the truth, I was worried that it might fail at the box office, and that's because movies based off of Broadway musicals have a catch-22 effect. It could either be a massive hit or a massive failure. The problem could be that the big name stars are terribly miscast, have no singing ability whatsoever, or that the story is changed so much to focus on one particular star's ability instead of the story as a whole. Or even in some cases, they use talented Broadway performers and dancers, but nobody is drawn to the film because they haven't gone to see a Broadway show. Or in some cases, people don't want to go to the movies anymore to see the films because of how expensive it is these days. It's been a challenge to get movie musicals to a place where they're all successful and beloved like it was back in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Movie musicals had fantastic talent, great music, and dance numbers that awe us beyond belief. But after WWII, movie musicals started to show up less and less, and that's partially because of the shift in audience's tastes, as well as the movie system at major studios like MGM starting to disappear, leaving the allure of the musicals and Broadway far behind. And that led to something far grittier and more raw when it came to musicals. Sometimes, it takes shifts to draw in the biggest audiences because of the craving for something more real, something more raw, and sometime more genuine than what we've grew up with. Because let's face it: A lot of the movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood, or even the Disney films, aren't exactly an accurate reflection of how life actually was back then. That escapism into another place and time isn't always the best thing for many people who were unable to escape the harsh realities of their lives, and many of them are finding ways to expose the realities that they've grew up and use that in a creative way that is both raw and cathartic. It helps build connections with people who are going through the same things they went through, even if they are decades apart. Sometimes it's those shifts that expose the real truths behind the escapism can have an eye-opening effect on people who read the books or see the films and musicals and TV shows. Because it shows us that the world is not so black and white as we were led to believe as kids. Many films and TV shows these days are starting to add a bit more depth and realism to the characters we come to know and love on their respective journeys, especially in new adaptations of the classics. A lot of Disney remakes are shying away from what worked in the 90s or even as far back as the 30s and 40s because it was two dimensional and not so realistic enough to reflect the world as it is now. Once Upon A Time is a perfect example of a show that takes the Disney characters we know and love and give them depth and complexities in the real world that was not evident in the fairy tales and original films. The ideas that the good characters can be unfaithful, cowards, manipulative, and emotional is not something you'd expect. On the flip side, the ideas that the villains can have feelings, a family, a desire for love and being wanted, and actually being good is also something you'd might not expect. Yours truly most certainly didn't! But then again, that's what happens when people start to ask questions, most of them starting with either "what if..." and even "why (or "why not?")?" Wicked and Wicked: For Good is like that. Because author Gregory Maguire, who wrote the original book the films are based off of, asked the question: What if the Wicked Witch of the West was actually a good person, and just misunderstood? What if the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda were friends? What if the Wicked Witch had a family? What if the Wizard of Oz was the real villain? What if... Two powerful words, followed by an even more powerful word - why? They can make a difference as to how we look at the world, and each other. Let's dive in and explore the wonderful world of Oz in a new way, because as the song goes: 🎶 Everyone deserves the chance to fly! 🎶

When Gregory Maguire began writing Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, he got the inspiration from an unexpected place. The Wizard of Oz. Specifically, the beloved 1939 classic film, and one particular line uttered by the Wicked Witch of the West: "I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog, too!" It may have sparked something inside of his imagination because that was when Wicked began to take shape. The story follows a young woman named Elphaba who is an oddity, to put it mildly. She was born with green skin, and has often been the target of taunts, shocks, and horrors from others in the land of Oz. Not to mention a very ashamed, even borderline abusive father, who just so happens to the be the governor of Munchkinland. Elphaba also has the tendency to make things happen in a magical way, especially when she is emotional, which also adds to her oddness. However, it attracts the attention of Madame Morrible, one of the prestigious professors at Shiz University, who decides to take Elphaba under her wing and teach her how to hone her magic to be presented before the great and powerful Wizard of Oz. On the other side of things, it also has Elphaba be roommates with Galinda (yes, that's her name!) from Upland, who initially has a clear distaste for her green classmate. You could also say she loathes her. Apart from dealing with the troubles of being a student at Shiz University, Elphaba also has to contend with the possibilities of actually being a good person, no matter what she looks on the outside. And it becomes a mission that Elphaba does her best to stick by, no matter what the cost may be. Or what the consequences may unfold. Yup... So much did happen long before Dorothy showed up. Did you know that The Wizard of Oz is a study in politics? Yup, it's true. When Frank L. Baum wrote the beloved book series, it was viewed as more than just a beloved children's book. It was a political allegory of the Populist (an ideology that positions the people against the "elite" by advocating for policies determined by the majority) movement. In more recent years, however, The Wizard of Oz has grown to become more political than ever before, especially with its themes of marginalization of certain peoples and groups, demagoguery, and even authoritarianism. Especially when Wicked was released as both a book and a blockbuster Broadway musical (still running and going strong, I might add!). Now it's even more evident in the recent releases of Wicked and Wicked: For Good. Mainly, the Wizard uses tricks and technology to deceive people into believing he is a great and powerful wizard, and also retain power in the Emerald City. Madame Morrible uses her powers of the weather and other magical propoganda to manipulate everyone to believe that Elphaba is the real enemy and that she must be destroyed, while also stressing Glinda's goodness and magic to be superior, even though Glinda herself has no real power. There's authoritarian imagery in the Emerald City uniforms worn by law enforcement, as well as some of the servants in Munchkinland. Which leads to an ultra important point of how political The Wizard of Oz and Wicked really is: Elphaba is marginalized due to her green skin. All of the animals had their power of speech taken away when they spoke out against the Wizard, even to the point of being held captive in cages. The animals were forced to flee Oz out of fear of losing everything they hold dear, or even be killed. Marginalization to the core. Or as the Wizard says himself: "The best way to bring folks together is to give them a real good enemy." There's even a moment in Wicked: For Good when the newest Governor of Munchkinland, Nessarose (NOTE: I have absolutely no relation to Nessarose. NONE whatsoever!), enacted a new law to keep all of the munchkins from leaving Munchkinland in order to keep Boq by her side at all times. And of course, I can't forget Dorothy. She's part of the political study in The Wizard of Oz, too. She's sometimes viewed as a working class feminist heroine who stands up against the dark forces of totalitarianism. See what I mean? Books are more than just an escape. They're a lesson in history and the stigmas they're trying to break, and seeing the world through different eyes by the authors who wrote the words. And books must be protected at all costs. You know that feeling you get when you read a book or watch a movie or TV show when your stomach drops and your heart twinges just a bit more harshly after seeing something that hits a little bit too close to home? Something that is eerily similar to what we're going through right now, no matter what the situation may be? Yeah, I think Gregory Maguire did that on purpose. Along with Joe Mantello, who directed the Broadway musical. And especially Jon M. Chu, who directed both Wicked and Wicked: For Good. As beloved as the book, Broadway musical, and films have become, they still carry quite a bit of weight and truth into our current circumstances, no matter how glaringly real they are. The themes of fascism, demagoguery, marginalization, and even the grey area between good vs. evil are still very much relevant today. Even haunting to our current situation in this place and time. Even if there's catchy music involved, those themes are still there and still roaring out there loudly for us to listen to the warnings and the cries. And what's worse, the people who are always trying to do the most good and speak out against the atrocities of a single person or an entire administration are often the ones who are being deemed radical, too loud, too much, or even too wicked to fit in with the status quo. Especially by those who seem to have more power, prestige, and control over the general population through trickery. Or even money. And they're the ones that are being silenced or downright ignored. It's definitely a good reason why some people are a bit hesitant to watch Wicked and Wicked: For Good.

The themes of fascism, demagoguery, marginalization, and what's good and what's evil are hitting us right in the gut so hard because those very things are going on before our very eyes in this exact moment. Any movie, book, song, or artwork that shows us what could potentially happen that is actually happening right now hits us differently, even painfully because of how true it is. It even makes us powerless to stop it when there are so many people out there who want these things to happen so that they could remain in power, prestige, and control over everyone else. And will stop at nothing to stop those who speak out against it... Even going as far as taking away their speech by whatever means necessary. So, how did I get into the world of Wicked? Well, like many things, I saw the stage version of the beloved Broadway musical when it first opened in Chicago at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre back in 2005, and it was the first production outside of NYC to come to the midwest. And apparently, it was a big deal, this show. Ana Gasteyer was Elphaba, and she blew me away! I loved everything about the story - a side of The Wizard of Oz that I didn't realized existed, let alone dreamed up by a brilliant author, and even giving depth to two characters that I never believed were so brilliantly done onstage. And then there's the music. Oh, the music! "Defying Gravity" is still a huge part of my life, and for so many others. The message to reach the heights of your dreams and not be pulled down by others, and no longer accepting limitations by others is something we all hope to aspire to. But then there's the unexpected friendship between Glinda and Elphaba. How both learned to look past their appearances and grew into the infamous they become, and how their choices would have consequences for themselves and everyone around them. It's Elphaba being seen as someone who has feelings, a desire to do good, is misunderstood by her physical appearance and her outspoken nature, and is trying to make a difference in the world, no matter how many people try to silence her. She realizes that the odds are against her, but never stops fighting, even after a series of events turn her towards her wicked nature. And in turn, realizes that even she has limitations. It's Glinda being seen as spoiled and selfish, with the idea that she should always get her way. But then, she grows to realize and see how her selfishness would force her to see the world as it really is, and how staying compliant with a tryrannical and even controlling rule would have consequences for herself and those she loves. And in turn, she grows into the woman she is meant to become. It's both women being able to grow up, hold each other accountable, and be transformed by the other, no matter how different they are from each other, or how their paths crossed. Wicked presents the idea that people can be changed by the people who come into their lives for reasons they may not always understand. Sometimes, it's to help us grow into the people we were meant to become, if we allow ourselves to be changed and transformed into our highest selves. Some people can be changed for the wrong reasons, like to find blame in others or give into fear. Or they may choose not to change at all, and even complain and sit and do nothing but complain when change does come their way. Because like it or not, change is happening every day and we have to the ones to choose to accept it or not... Or be forced to accept it. Believe me, being forced to accept change when it comes as a rude awakening is NEVER a good idea. Wicked, like many shows out there, also shows us what happens when we give into fear, especially when it's from people who are different from us. Those hard hitting messages are especially true now when we're witnessing so much of marginalization and fear right now from people who are out to rid the world of immigrants and the outspoken critics just to retain power and prestige, all in the name of "decency" or "good morals" or even "a great country." That's selfishness, hatred, racism, sexism, persecution, division, and control all disguised by fear. Because like the Wizard, they're afraid of being found out as frauds, despite all of the money, power, and control they have to keep people on their good side, or at least have some people being kept in line if they know that they have no real power. And because like the Wizard, they can control the perception of the news and outspoken people by silencing them and making sure they have an iron fist in every aspect of the people's lives, whether that's the news, social media, or even our very bodies. Fear is the real enemy, not the people who speak out against it. Greed, control, prestige, corruption, and division disguised as fear is the real enemy. Not people who are different from you by appearance, language, religion, political beliefs, or even simply being outspoken. And we shouldn't let those who use fear to control others, or even use trickery or technology to keep everyone in adoration of what they can (or actually cannot do) and be afraid of those who are different from and do whatever they want to keep them silenced for speaking the truth - which can hurt in some cases. There have been some people out there who want wholesome art in this current time and place, and while it's okay to be concerned by how graphic art can be, it has never been entirely wholesome. Nor has it never been not political. Even some of the female painters and composers and authors can be outspoken and political in their respective works, especially about the injustices in the world, things that their male counterparts may not want to listen to or even take credit for what was original said by a woman. And even the classic Broadway shows from the golden age of musical theatre were political in some shape or form. They were outspoken, too. Even in the luscious melodies and lyrics that still stay with us all of these decades later. Art, as a whole, has been a rallying cry for change. Accountability for past actions that harmed others, while honoring the ancestors that came before us. Reaching out to those in need, while also highlighting the internal struggles of the human soul and how it needs to be nourished before we can take care of others. Celebrating the traditions of other cultures and lives that walked on this earth, even if they are different and we don't always understand them. Looking at the world through a different set of eyes, and that beauty is different to each of our lives, and that every interpretation is not wrong or confusing. Treating others as actual human beings, and looking past appearances, to see how truly alike we all are. No matter what, art has been a window into our world as it is now, what it was then, and what it could potentially become if we are only open to the change that comes with it. Wicked is no exception. Is it anyone wonder that Wicked is considered a beautiful masterpiece by so many others out there? Because it is outspoken, vulnerable, bold, and inspiring. And it's because of the chance that we can all be changed for good. (Wicked has changed so many lives for the better, myself included. And even though I have a profinity for history and interesting information, I'm not a historian or a researcher by any stretch of the imagination. These are just my thoughts and observations on the beloved show and films, and you are welcome to disagree with me on anything I've said in this week's post. What I won't tolerate is any offensive language, harmful speech, or divisive words. We all need to learn to live with each other in spite of our differences, and be kind to each other. If you can't even do a simple thing as that, I will block you.)

Wicked is a story about the lives of two women whose paths crossed, and how their lives were transformed because they knew each. But at its center, it's an even deeper message of how fear can bring out the worst in us, and how those in power use that fear to retain control and prestige when they don't have the leadership qualities or the power to properly lead others. It's a rallying cry for all of us to listen to. We shouldn't have to be afraid of speaking out against the injustices of the world, nor should we be silenced. We shouldn't have to be afraid of those of us who are different from us, no matter what they look like. We shouldn't have to drive out the people who are both outspoken and different from the rest of us, even if what they say is the truth and those in power don't want to hear it. We shouldn't be afraid of change, and how our lives can be better by the people who come into our lives, even if it's for a moment. At it's core, the message is to not give into fear... But to give into learning to love one another, stand up for what's right, and defy gravity. This whole year has been a transformative one for me, and I'm sure it has been for you, too. There have been times when I felt limited and powerless against the madness of the world. But then I'm reminded of Wicked. Of how two unlikely friends had the power to see the world, and each other, through different eyes, and not be afraid of each other. Or even afraid to call out the other person. And it's how these two friends were transformed by each other, and by the world around them. There's always that one person who's helped shaped you into who you become, even more than your parents. It can be that one person, friend or not, that might help you see the world for what it is now, and what it could be by your imagination and the ability to dream big and not be held down by limitations. It can be that one person who believes in you and uplifts you, and also call you out when you're not doing enough or not holding yourself accountable or even stands by and does nothing to support the other person. It can be that one person who drives you to transform into the person you were meant to become, and they are not afraid of who you are, quirks and oddities and all. People can come and go, and teach us a thing or two about life. But at the end of the day, we have to be willing and accepting of the change and transformation that comes with the people who come into our lives. It's messy, it's scary, it's befuddling, it's maddening, but change is also necessary. Mandatory, even. Because how else can we become the people we're meant to be if we're not challenged, inspired, and encouraged by others to transform our lives for the better? You get to see the world differently when you find that one true friend who is by your side through thick and thin, and can be the catalyst for change. You don't need a group of friends like Glinda to be transformed. One person is enough. Elphaba realized that. So did Glinda. Because we knew that one person, we may not be changed for the better. But we can be changed... FOR GOOD. We all deserve to be changed for good, or as the lyrics say so eloquently: 🎶 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

Like a comet pulled from orbit

As it passes a sun

Like a stream that meets a boulder

Halfway through the wood

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

But because I knew you

I have been changed... FOR GOOD. 🎶