The Wizard and I

Novelist Gregory Maguire tells familiar stories from an unfamiliar perspective, be it that of the ugly stepsister or the cowardly lion. But before Maguire delved into the lion’s psyche, he examined another character from Oz — the Wicked Witch of the West — and gave the witch, also known as...

By Amber Taufen

October 1, 2009

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Novelist Gregory Maguire tells familiar stories from an unfamiliar perspective, be it that of the ugly stepsister or the cowardly lion. But before Maguire delved into the lion’s psyche, he examined another character from Oz — the Wicked Witch of the West — and gave the witch, also known as Elphaba, a chance to speak her piece.

His best-selling novel led to an unlikely Broadway hit musical, Wicked, which returns for its third Denver run tonight. Watch as the intelligent, fire-filled Elphaba and another Oz witch (the ambitious, popular Glinda) meet and grow to adulthood in the wonderful land of Oz, where everything isn’t as simple as it might seem. Share Elphaba’s discoveries about that so-called Wizard of Oz, and follow the path that caused her to be dubbed “wicked.” Learn how schoolgirl rivalries can grow into something much greater, how political power often masks incredible deceit, and how sometimes the wickedest witches are the ones wearing white gowns.

The musical runs through November 15 at the Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex; tickets start at $35. For information, visit www.denvercenter.org.
Tuesdays-Fridays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2, 7:30 & 8 p.m. Starts: Oct. 7. Continues through Nov. 15, 2009

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Amber Taufen has been writing about people, places and things in Denver since 2005. She works as an editor, writer, and production and process guru out of her home office in the foothills.

Contact: Amber Taufen

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