November 19th 2024.
As I approached the stage, my heart was filled with anticipation. I had been waiting for this moment for so long. The final riff of the iconic Wicked was about to begin, and I couldn't wait to see Elphaba unleash her full power.
I have always been a fan of the wonderful world of Oz. From a young age, I was captivated by the story of Dorothy and her journey to the Emerald City. I cherished my worn-out copy of L. Frank Baum's classic children's novel, reading it over and over again. And when I finally saw the technicolor version of the story in the 1939 film, I was in awe. Judy Garland's rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" never failed to bring tears to my eyes. Little did I know, this was only the beginning of my love for all things Oz.
But it wasn't until a few years later that I stumbled upon Wicked, a musical spinoff that would change my life forever. As a young queer Pakistani Muslim living in a predominantly white area, I often felt lost and isolated. But the themes of found family and unconditional love in Wicked provided a sense of comfort and belonging that I desperately needed.
Growing up, musicals were not a big part of my household, so I had to discover this world on my own. And everything changed when I heard "Defying Gravity" for the first time. The song, sung by the infamous Wicked Witch of the West herself, Elphaba, resonated with me on a deeper level. It was as if a switch had been flipped in my mind, and suddenly, everything made sense.
The original Broadway cast, featuring Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, only added to my fascination with Wicked. And when I saw Lea Michele and Chris Colfer's performance of "Defying Gravity" on Glee, I was hooked. This was just the beginning of my love affair with Wicked, as I continued to discover more and more about this magical world.
I can't even put into words the excitement I feel knowing that a new generation will get to experience the magic of Oz through the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked. As a tale for the underdogs in society, it holds a special place in my heart. And I am thrilled to see someone as talented and passionate as Cynthia Erivo take on the role of Elphaba.
But Wicked isn't just a story for the underdogs. It's a story for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or out of place. Its message of empowerment and acceptance is something that resonates with people from all walks of life. And as more and more people discover this incredible world, I am filled with excitement and hope for what the future holds.
One of the things I love most about Wicked is that it doesn't have a perfect ending. Elphaba may have lost everything, but she rises from the ashes to show that it was all worth it. And for me, that is a source of comfort and inspiration.
As I reflect on the person I was when I first read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, I am amazed at how much I have grown and changed. And I am grateful to Wicked for being a part of that journey. As I eagerly await the release of the film, I am filled with a sense of pride knowing that I can now walk into the cinema as my true self, something I never would have thought possible in the past.
Wicked has truly been a lifesaver for many, and I have no doubt that the film adaptation will continue to inspire and empower people for generations to come. The magic of Oz is something that will never die, and I am proud to be a part of the community that embraces it with open arms.
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