Defying Gravity: The Full, Untold Summary Of Wicked Broadway (Act I & Act II Explained)
The Broadway phenomenon *Wicked* remains one of the most popular and enduring musicals of the 21st century, captivating audiences at the Gershwin Theatre since its 2003 premiere. As of December 2025, the show’s relevance is at an all-time high, driven by the highly anticipated release of the second part of the major motion picture adaptation, *Wicked: For Good*. This stage-to-screen moment has sparked renewed curiosity about the original, complex, and emotionally charged narrative of the musical, which serves as a prequel to L. Frank Baum’s classic *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*.
The musical, with music and lyrics by the legendary Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, is not just a simple origin story; it is a deep dive into themes of prejudice, political corruption, and the true meaning of friendship. It challenges the simplistic binary of 'Good' versus 'Wicked,' forcing the audience to reconsider everything they thought they knew about the Land of Oz. The plot is meticulously divided into two acts, each with its own dramatic climax and pivotal character transformations.
The Core Story: An Untold Tale of Two Witches
The central premise of *Wicked* is to tell the "untold story" of the two most famous witches in Oz: Elphaba, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, who becomes Glinda the Good. The narrative begins at the moment of the Wicked Witch's supposed demise, then immediately flashes back to their college years at Shiz University, framing the entire story as a memory shared by Glinda.
The story is adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, *Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West*, but the musical simplifies and focuses the narrative on the intense, complicated relationship between the two main characters. Their journey is a powerful exploration of how public opinion, political manipulation, and personal sacrifice can twist an individual's destiny.
- Elphaba Thropp: Born with green skin, she is an outcast, fiercely intelligent, and possesses innate magical abilities. She is passionate about justice and defending the marginalized, particularly the Animals in Oz.
- Galinda/Glinda Upland: Initially a shallow, popular, and privileged girl, she is obsessed with appearances and social standing. Her character arc is one of transformation from a superficial student to a genuinely compassionate, though politically compromised, leader.
- Fiyero Tigelaar: A charming, carefree Winkie Prince who transfers to Shiz. He becomes the romantic interest caught between Elphaba and Glinda, eventually choosing a path of self-discovery and defiance.
- The Wizard of Oz: The supposed benevolent ruler of Oz, who is revealed to be a manipulative figure exploiting the citizens' trust and actively working to strip Animals of their ability to speak.
- Madame Morrible: The headmistress of Shiz, who initially mentors Elphaba but later becomes the Wizard's formidable Press Secretary, using her power for political gain.
The musical’s core conflict centers on Elphaba’s realization that the celebrated Wizard is a fraud and her subsequent decision to fight against his oppressive regime, a choice that forces her into the role of a villain in the public eye.
Act I Summary: The Unlikely Friendship and The Fall
Act I of *Wicked* is the foundation of the entire narrative, detailing the initial, turbulent meeting of Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University. They are forced to be roommates, and their immediate mutual dislike quickly gives way to a genuine, if competitive, friendship. Glinda attempts to "make over" Elphaba, resulting in the iconic song "Popular."
The plot thickens when Elphaba is invited to meet the Wizard in the Emerald City after Madame Morrible recognizes her powerful magical potential. Glinda accompanies her, and the two friends are initially thrilled, believing they can finally use their talents for good.
However, during their audience, Elphaba discovers the Wizard is merely a powerless man from another world, and worse, he is the source of the campaign to silence the Animals of Oz. When she refuses to help him, she is labeled a fugitive. This betrayal leads to the dramatic climax of the first act, where Elphaba uses her magic to escape the Wizard’s guards, soaring above the stage in a moment of pure liberation and defiance.
Key moments and songs in Act I include:
- "The Wizard and I": Elphaba’s dream of using her powers to serve the Wizard.
- "Dancing Through Life": Introduction of the carefree Fiyero.
- "Popular": Glinda’s hilarious attempt to change Elphaba.
- "Defying Gravity": The spectacular finale where Elphaba makes her choice to become a rebel, cementing her fate as the "Wicked" Witch. This song is the emotional and technical peak of the first half.
The film adaptation, *Wicked*, is structured to cover the entirety of this first act, ending with the powerful moment of Elphaba’s transformation and flight, leaving her fate—and the resolution of her relationship with Glinda—for the second film.
Act II Summary: The Wicked Witch Rises and The Redemption
Act II begins with Elphaba on the run, now publicly known as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda becoming the Wizard's official spokeswoman, desperately trying to manage the public’s fear. Glinda’s new political position, given to her by Madame Morrible, requires her to denounce Elphaba, a choice that strains their bond to the breaking point.
Elphaba seeks refuge in a castle and continues her fight against the Wizard's tyranny, all while grappling with the consequences of her choices. She is joined by Fiyero, who, after realizing his love for Elphaba, abandons Glinda to help her. This act of loyalty leads to a tragic confrontation where Fiyero is captured by the Wizard’s guards and Madame Morrible, who uses her magic to transform him into the Scarecrow, thus saving him from death but robbing him of his humanity.
The plot then skillfully weaves in the elements of the original *Wizard of Oz* story, revealing the origins of Dorothy's companions:
- The Scarecrow: Revealed to be Fiyero, transformed by Elphaba’s final spell to protect him.
- The Tin Man: Revealed to be Boq, a Munchkin who loved Glinda and was turned into tin by a misfired spell from Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (the Wicked Witch of the East).
- The Cowardly Lion: A cub Elphaba had rescued during her time at Shiz.
The second act culminates with Dorothy's arrival and the famous scene where she melts Elphaba with a bucket of water. In the musical, however, this is revealed to be a final, complex deception orchestrated by Elphaba and Glinda. Elphaba, deeply hurt and exhausted by the fight, decides to fake her own death to escape the Wizard’s power and finally be with Fiyero (who is the Scarecrow). The melting is a trick, a final act of magic to secure her freedom and ensure Glinda’s safety and power as the Good Witch.
The final, poignant scene shows Elphaba and Fiyero leaving Oz together, never to return. Glinda, having lost her best friend but gained the people's trust, is left behind to govern Oz, forever bearing the secret of Elphaba’s true nature. The musical closes with the powerful and emotional duet, "For Good," a tribute to the enduring impact of their friendship.
Topical Authority: The Enduring Legacy and Broadway's Current Run
The enduring popularity of *Wicked* stems from its masterful use of topical authority, seamlessly integrating the beloved lore of Oz with a fresh, modern perspective on social justice and political commentary. The musical's themes resonate deeply, exploring how the media and those in power can manipulate narratives to turn a genuine hero into a public enemy—a phenomenon as relevant today as it was when the show premiered.
The current Broadway production at the Gershwin Theatre continues to draw massive crowds. Recent casting updates have kept the show fresh, with talented performers like Lencia Kebede stepping into the iconic green makeup of Elphaba and Allie Trimm taking on the role of Glinda, ensuring the show's energy remains vibrant for new and returning fans alike. The show's two-hour and forty-five-minute run time, including a 15-minute intermission, is packed with stunning visuals, incredible vocal performances, and complex character development.
The stage version stands as the definitive source material, offering a richer, more detailed emotional journey than any adaptation. While the upcoming *Wicked* film series, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, will bring the story to a wider audience, the Broadway musical remains the ultimate experience. It is a powerful reminder that every story has another side, and that true wickedness often lies not in those who are different, but in those who seek to control and divide.
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