TheatreNerds
A successful musical is like a delicious batch of brownies; it takes the right ingredients. Besides being highly “brandable” with a remarkable score, Wicked dealt with issues and lessons that were relevant with the current times and culture.
With its Broadway debut in 2003, the nation was undergoing several changes. We were all still recovering and trying to understand 9/11, catching up to the digital age, and undergoing a new renaissance of tolerance with peoples race, religion, and sexual preference. Young women, raised on a diet of empowerment were hungry for strong and dynamic female role models in popular culture.
Wicked was an instant hit, and 13 years later it is one of the most successful shows to ever hit Broadway, recently hitting $1 Billion in total box office revenue. The ingredients that made this delicious long lasting hit are the lessons and reminders continuously echoed in the Gershwin Theatre 8 times a week.
To celebrate 13 years on Broadway, here are 13 lessons Wicked taught a generation:
1. It taught us that our “differences” are often our biggest assets…
2. And that “popular” is relative.
3. It taught us to live in the moment…
4. Because many good things come to an end.
5. It taught us things (& people) aren’t always the way they seem…
6. And even a wizard is still only human.
7. It taught us unlikely friendships can be made…
8. And reminded girls they could defy gravity.
9. It taught us to dance through life…
10. But don’t forget the important issues in society.
11. It taught us to help each other in times of need…
12. And often, being “good” is a choice we make.
13. But at times, we are all just a little bit…WICKED.
