If you have been following us long, you know that the four founders of Affirming Quakers are Wicked the Musical STANS, aka wickedly obsessed fans… see what I did there? On Instagram, Marcus was keeping track of a countdown until the premiere of Wicked the movie (only 52 more days!). It is safe to say that we will be unwell when this movie premieres. Please don’t attempt to contact us on November 22.
Jokes aside, there is a reason that many have such a deep connection with Wicked. The storyline, songs, and characters are ones that are relatable for many. Themes of friendship, sisterhood, love, embracing differences, and even rejection and prejudice inspire theater goers and make people feel seen and understood. The characters defy gravity and face all odds for a future that is unlimited by societal constructs (I did it again…).
In case you don't already know, the story of Wicked uncovers the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West (known as Elphaba in the musical) and Glinda the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz. The musical is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, while the Broadway musical book was written by Winnie Holzman and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
“While the musical features no explicitly queer characters, Maguire is openly gay and many media analysts have noted multiple elements of the show that serve as obvious metaphors for queerness." - The Lawrentian
In the musical, Elphaba is seen as a freak and ostracized by her own father because of her green skin. The talking animals, including one professor of Shiz University, where Elphaba and Glinda meet, face discrimination because many Ozians believe it is “unnatural” for animals to talk. These themes mirror the discrimination and struggles that LGBTQ+ folks often face and many fans think this is intentional writing.
Elphaba and Glinda, at surface level, are two friends who change each other’s lives and love each other despite their differences. Some fans think that the relationship is Queer coded and could be more than platonic, but there are no explicit references in the musical to the two having romantic interest in each other. However, the deep love that these two women show for each other is often referenced by Lesbian fans in particular, as this is one of very few musicals that show such a deep, emotional connection between two women.
When it comes to the upcoming movie adaptation of Wicked, we are so excited because, to this point, there has not been a way to see Wicked unless you see a stage performance. This always creates an incredible opportunity for musical theater to be more widely accessible. We are also looking forward to the representation of LGBTQ+ cast and crew members in the movie. Director, Jon M Chu, Cythia Erivo, as Elphaba, Jonathan Bailey, as Fiyero, Elthan Slater, as Boq, and Bowen Yang, as a new character, Pfannee, are all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Although it may seem odd or out of place, we discuss musical theater so much at Affirming Quakers for several reasons. Us four founders of Affirming Quakers deeply enjoy musical theater and it has brought us together on more than one occasion. One of our very own, Marcus, is a blossoming musical theater performer. Most importantly, musical theater is something that is profoundly healing for many LGBTQ+ folks. Musical theater has long been a place for Queer people to express themselves and is often one of the only spaces for them to truly be who they are. We are passionate about the spaces where LGBTQ+ folk feel safe and where Queer joy is celebrated. Musical theater has long been one of those spaces and we will continue to celebrate the community, inclusion, and safety that are experienced by so many Queer folks within the musical theater realm.
“As someone told me lately, everyone deserves the chance to fly!” 💚🩷
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