A Comparative Analysis of Dorothy and Her Friends in Wicked vs. The Wizard of Oz

Introduction

The story of the Wizard of Oz has captivated audiences for decades, and its tale of heroism, friendship, and personal growth has been retold many times. One of the most notable retellings is Wicked, a prequel that shifts the focus to the witches Glinda and Elphaba. This article delves into how the roles of Dorothy and her friends compare in both the original The Wizard of Oz movie and the Wicked musical, highlighting the key differences and similarities in their characters and their journeys.

Characters in The Wizard of Oz Movie

The 1939 The Wizard of Oz movie introduced audiences to Dorothy Gale, played by Judy Garland, and her friends on the yellow brick road: a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodman, and a Cowardly Lion. Each character represents a different aspect of Dorothy's life and personality, and together they serve as her support system throughout the story. Their roles can be summarized as:

Dorothy Gale: The protagonist, who represents innocence, simplicity, and the common man. Dorothy is the embodiment of the desired qualities in an American heroine. Her journey is one of transformation, as she learns to overcome her fears and insecurities. The Scarecrow: He represents the intellectual and the quest for knowledge. In the movie, he is seeking a "brain" to help him achieve his dreams and aspirations. The Tin Woodman: He embodies the physical hard work and labor. In the story, he is searching for a heart to understand feelings and emotions. The Cowardly Lion: The Lion represents courage and the willingness to take risks. He is seeking courage, but his true journey is about realizing that he already possesses the qualities he seeks.

Characters in Wicked Musical

The Wicked musical, based on the book by Sebastian reprising his role and the original cast members, tells the story from the perspective of Glinda and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. This prequel shifts the narrative focus and highlights the complexities of these characters and their relationships. Dorothy does not appear in the musical, but her role is still significant. One of the taglines, "Before Dorothy Dropped In..." signifies a prequel perspective that focuses on the witches and their journeys. The characters in Wicked can be summarized as:

Glinda: Introducing Glinda, played by Kristin Chenoweth, as the protagonist, she is initially portrayed as the bubbly and popular girl who could have achieved anything she wanted. However, Glinda gradually loses her innocence and begins to deal with the harsh realities of the world. Elphaba: Elphaba, played by Idina Menzel, is the main antagonist, initially presented as misunderstood and lonely. She is a complex character who struggles with her identity and the society's prejudice. Her journey is one of rebellion and self-discovery.

Comparing Their Journeys

Both the movie and the musical explore the themes of growth and transformation, but they present these themes through different lenses. In The Wizard of Oz movie, Dorothy and her friends' journeys can be seen as a quest for self-discovery and acceptance. Each character learns an important lesson, and by the end of the story, they come to a realization and find what they were seeking.

In contrast, Wicked highlights the complexities of love, loss, and the consequences of one's actions. Glinda and Elphaba's relationship is the central focus of the musical. Their complex bond is built on a mix of friendship, rivalry, and transformation. Elphaba's journey from a misunderstood outsider to a powerful figure, and Glinda's shift from a superficial character to a more empathetic and understanding person, form a significant part of the musical's narrative.

Character Development and Relationships

The characters in both versions undergo significant development, but the nature of their growth is different. Dorothy's friends are her allies in her journey, and their support is crucial for her transformation. In The Wizard of Oz movie, the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion are perfect representations of Dorothy's inner struggle and growth, embodying the qualities she needs to overcome her challenges.

In Wicked, the development of Glinda and Elphaba is more introspective, their journey is one of self-realization and the acceptance of their true natures. Their relationship, built on a mix of friendship and rivalry, is complex and intertwined. They grow from competing for attention and dominance to understanding and accepting each other, even though they come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives.

Conclusion

The Wizard of Oz and Wicked both explore the transformative power of friendship and the journey to self-discovery. However, the complexity of the musical's story and the additional depth of character development provide a richer and more nuanced portrayal of these themes. While both versions present memorable characters and compelling narratives, Wicked offers a more detailed and intricate exploration of the journey of two powerful characters who challenge both themselves and the world around them.