Gregory Maguire Message Board
Carolyn posts on 4/6/2005 4:00:20 PM
Being both a lover of books and musicals, I must confess I heard the original cast recording before reading the book. I was very much liked the recording, the vocals were generally fantastic, and the lyrics proved insightful if you listened closely. I just got the book last week, and I am in the process of reading it again.
Angela posts on 4/3/2005 2:56:53 PM
The slight change in title does not excuse the fact that many people are going to see the musical with certain expectations because they have read, and enjoyed, the book. I think that it is a tricky game to play when a title is "slightly changed" and yet very dramatic changes are made to the story line and characters. As a consumer I feel completely cheated, and I am not alone.
jackie posts on 4/3/2005 9:53:08 AM
I have to say that I just returned from seeing Wicked in Toronto and would like to express my excitement in saying that I disagree with Angela. I thought the musical was unique with a cast like any other. Yes there were some differences but if you payed attention the title of the musical is not the same as the book. The title of the book " Wicked the life and times of the Wicked Witch of the West" The Musical - "Wicked The stories of the Witches of oz" slightly different as the musical is only based on the book. As a librarian I can only hope that Mr. Maguire keeps writing such wonderful stories.
Megan posts on 3/30/2005 4:32:58 PM
I read Wicked when I was 13 (which wasn't too far off, seeing as I am going to be 14 on Sunday...) and I loved it. Since I last read it, I've read it another 4 times. I have also seen the musical, which was also wonderful, in it's own way. The only reason I saw it was because Idina Menzel was in it and I won't miss anything with Idina Menzel in it. I still think Dr. Dillamond should have died in the musical too, along with a few other things that would have made it closer to the novel. I am looking forward to reading Son of a Witch, and in the meantime I plan to read Mirror Mirror. I may be 14, but some 14 year olds are mature enough to handle adult novels. My uncle read Wicked and thought it was not a good book for me to be reading. But nobody can tell me what or what not to read, so I read it anyway. I have always loved The Wizard of Oz, and it all tied in so perfectly to the story, I just couldn't resist. You see, I read more than most people my age. While they're watching some reality show on TV, I am upstairs in my room, reading. I watch less than an hour a week, except for the ocassional movie. So Wicked inspired me, it was one of the best books I have ever read. It was much better than Harry Potter and A Series of Unfortunate Events, in my opinion.(Plus, Hollywood has made them into some really bad movies, which I am hoping won't happen to Wicked.) Wicked has so much more meaning to it than those books. Elphaba is my favorite character, as she and I have a lot in common. Well, except for being green, that is. I recently had to write a paper for my English class about a character I admired. I chose Elphaba. She was the character that stuck out to me. She was the most powerful character, and I am amazed at how well you depicted "The Wicked Witch of the West." Thanks. Megan.
k posts on 3/28/2005 7:35:29 PM
I was introduced to Mr. Maguire's books through a friend who gave me a copy of 'Wicked' and after three times through it I could not get enough... so I purchased 'Confessions of an Ugly Step Sister' (my favorite) and 'Mirror, Mirror'. And I will continue to read his books as I still can not get enough...
I think Mr. Maguire's works are inspired. His use of the english language mixed with his realistic insight into his characters makes it all come alive.
Best of all Mr. Maguire's stories make me wonder... feel... and think!
Angela posts on 3/25/2005 2:45:48 PM
If you are disappointed by some of the comments here (by the total misinterpretation of Maguire's work) then don't go to see the musical - it will only add to your disappointment! Honestly, it was like watching a Disney movie! They should never have allowed the musical to carry the same name as the book - it is so different. Do not waste your money!
sasha rose posts on 3/24/2005 4:32:43 AM
I will out and out say I have read and fully loved the book Wicked. I have not had a chance to see the play but hope to soon. However I am tired of people who citizen Mr. Gregory Maguire's vision. I have heard so many horrid things about him and I want to know why. He wrote a book for adults so of course adult issues are going to come up. He didn't write this for a 6 year old's bedtime, he wrote it for us who grew up with Wizard of Oz and had Oz grow up also. I love how he did not label the wicked witch. He gave her a soul, a history, a meaning. And on top of everything else he kept it with the original story. He just put his own spin on it. He kept the magic that we grew up with and love so dearly. He explained who Nessarose (Wicked Witch of the East) was, and the history with Glinda and Elphaba. I remember when I was younger asking my mom why the witch was so angry. He answered it for me. As I said before I loved the book. If you have a problem with the "issues" that are in the book then maybe you just refuse to grow up. Did you really expect that Oz was just a happy happy land all the time. There had to have been some type of tragedy because if you remember the book and movie before the wicked witch died they were not free. They were unhappy. Thank you for letting me rant.
Angela posts on 3/17/2005 5:42:41 PM
Having calmed down somewhat and taken a moment to re-read what I wrote, I realize, to my embarrassment, that there are a few typos! Please forgive me! Anger does not inspire careful editing!
Angela posts on 3/17/2005 11:58:18 AM
I was searching for some way to contact Gregory Maguire and stumbled upon this message board so hopefully he gets this message! I just wanted to say that I am a fan of Wicked, I think it is one of the most unique, clever and brilliant novels that I have read and reread! I am also an English teacher and my school teachs Wicked as a part of our Children's Literature course (As a comparision to the original). Yesterday I went to see the musical adaptation of your novel. I have to say that not only was I dissapointed that I wasted my money on such a silly, boring theatre experience, but I was also emabarrassed for you. Did you have any imput into the way they trivialized your very powerful novel? Have you seen the musical? I was in shock for the entire first act and then angry for the rest. The only reason why I did not leave was because I was clinging to the smallest hope that the show would improve. I can not believe that they would take your novel and transform it into a series of stupid one-liners and cliches! I'm sorry if I've taken your novel a little too seriously, however, I have recommended your novel to many people over the years and I was really looking forward to seeing it in action. I feel slightly sick at the thought of how many people I encouraged to purchase tickets to the show. It was a really disappointing experience and I'm sorry that I was foolish enough to believe that a musical that carried the same title as the novel on which it was based, would be anything like said novel! I'm still a little bit angry about it all!
Robert posts on 3/3/2005 9:34:53 PM
I'm 13 and I love to read. I read Wicked when I was 12 and I loved the whole thing! It opend my eyes to other types of literature and improved my reading skills. I saw the musical after I read the book and it is my favorite show. I truly appreciate what Mr. Maguire is doing, I think he is an incredible author. Wicked is one of my favorite books and I cannot wait for a sequel!
Feel free to email me Mr. Maguire.
- Robert
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