‘Wicked’: The Secret Musical Tributes to ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Explained
The Wizard of Oz is a beloved 1939 movie musical telling the story of Dorothy’s adventures in the land of Oz. When Wicked debuted on Broadway in 2003, the story took a twist. It told the origin story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy’s house landed on the Wicked Witch of the East. The musical and its upcoming movie version drop Easter eggs that pay homage to the beloved film classic.
The ‘Wizard of Oz’ Easter eggs in ‘Wicked’ explained
Stephen Schwartz, the composer of Wicked‘s Broadway score, wanted to ensure continuity between the film and the play. In a Q&A posted to his website, Schwartz spoke of moments connecting the origin story of Wicked to the Wizard of Oz.
Schwartz explained, “To me, the Harburg/Arlen score for The Wizard of Oz movie is such a classic. Both in terms of the specific songs and the overall tone, in a way, it defines what Oz sounds like. In writing Wicked I tried to be mindful of that, so that while I wanted to write my score with my sound, I didn’t want completely to violate the Harburg/Arlen sensibility.”
He continued, “Hence, the opening dark chords, which to me also suggest the minor key ‘Ding Dong the Witch is Dead’ opening of the film, and the homages to the Arlen score sprinkled throughout Wicked. The quotation of the first seven notes of ‘Over the Rainbow’ as part of Wicked‘s ‘Unlimited’ theme, the orchestral reference to ‘You’re Out of the Woods’ in ‘One Short Day,’ and other homages to the Scarecrow’s song and the cyclone music in underscoring.”
Also, the melody of “Over the Rainbow” is subtly heard in “I’m Not That Girl.” It’s also present in the showstopping close to act one, “The Wizard and I.”
The character connections that tie ‘Wicked’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’ together
Many character connections tie Wicked and The Wizard of Oz together. But perhaps most entertaining is that the main characters of the original film are fleshed out in the 2024 movie and Broadway musical.
The Wicked Witch of the West is fully formed in Wicked as Elphaba. She’s a misunderstood young woman whose experiences lead her to be branded as “wicked.” The Good Witch of the North evolves into Glinda, the bubbly, popular student at Shiz University.
The Wizard in Wicked is a villain who tries to manipulate the people of Oz for his gain. However, in the film, he’s an ordinary man who relies on illusions to maintain his reputation as an all-powerful ruler.
Finally, Wicked‘s Nessarose is revealed to be the Wicked Witch of the East. She receives ruby slippers that enable the wheelchair-bound young woman to walk. The footwear later becomes a critical plot element of The Wizard of Oz.
What are the differences between ‘Wicked’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’?
In Wicked‘s trailer and the Broadway musical, the slippers given to Nessarose are silver. However, as technicolor was a new film element in 1939, Dorothy’s ruby red slippers were a striking addition to her plain blue and white farmgirl outfit.
In The Wizard of Oz, Elphaba is portrayed as evil through and through. The Wicked Witch of the West avenges the death of her sister, The Wicked Witch of the East.
In Wicked, Elphaba is a multi-dimensional character. Rather than being a villain, she is a passionate, talented young sorceress who becomes a civil rights leader for the beleaguered animals of the city.
Fiyero goes undercover as a scarecrow in Wicked to run away with Elphaba as the angry mob comes after her. In The Wizard of Oz, the Scarecrow accompanies Dorothy in search of a brain and there is no connection to his romantic relationship with Elphaba.
In Wicked, Nessarose becomes so upset when Boq threatens to leave her that she casts a spell on him which causes his heart to shrink. The Wizard of Oz never reveals Boq’s name but introduces him as the Tin Man.
Finally, in Wicked, Elphaba saves a frightened lion cub from an experiment at school. In The Wizard of Oz, this contributes to the Cowardly Lion’s behavior as a mature animal.
Wicked premieres Nov. 22, 2024. The sequel, Wicked Part Two, is scheduled to be released on Nov. 21, 2025. The film stars Cynthia Errivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda.
