Behind The Curtain: The History of WICKED (Part One)

[@shelbymckinney8888]

This is one of my favorite musicals. We need more stories about female friendships.

[@BehindTheMagic]

Agreed!!!

[@timothysmith7888]

I recommend you read the book by Gregory Maguire, upon which the musical is very loosely based.

[@tinagianoulis5394]

I actually think the musical is much more compelling as a story of friendship between women than the book.

[@alycercoyle8223]

Well there are hundreds of stories of women and their struggles and friendship But this is my favourite

[@lu5y._.m4y]

I love it how speaking of female stories Idina Menzel has obviously been in Wicked and Frozen and both have the Storieline of 2 leading female actresses Just a fun fact to add on the end of this is that both Anna and Glinda and Kristens 😂

[@lorrainem.swartzentruber3077]

I got to see Idina before she left the musical. I had tears in my eyes when she rose up at the end of "Defying Gravity." Such a great lesson for little girls.

[@hydrarue3725]

Me too!!!

[@sabrinaestrada3590]

Agreed! I also cried!

[@wrightyy]

I'm devastated I didn't become obsessed with Wicked until she had ended her West End run. I've seen many Elphabas and I think "that was great". Then I see a video of Idina and I think "oh that's how it's done".

[@nonyabusiness2510]

Defying Gravity wasn't a lesson at all for "girls".

[@djjorge87]

I think it is great for everyone! Idina is such a great role model!

[@liseyboop]

“not one song is memorable” actually made me laugh. boy were they wrong, so loudly wrong 🤣

[@Oklines]

Crazy right! I remember seeing this as a kid and still to this day almost 20 years later they are STILL stuck in my head lol

[@ddjj8195]

And now it seems even more ridiculous lol

[@AxelQC]

1 song is memorable, another is kind of memorable. The rest are forgettable.

[@alsharpe]

@@AxelQC Yeah, Defying Gravity is good. Popular is alright, the rest aren't even worth mentioning

[@liseyboop]

@@alsharpe the line was “not one song” so my point stands lol if you can even name one let alone two and it’s pretty subjective. I would say The Wizard and i For Good and I’m Not That Girl are great and memorable. like munchkins so small minded! 🤣

[@thomasbradley4505]

I saw wicked during it’s pre-broadway run in San Francisco and loved it. (I was also a fan of the book). The night I saw it Kristin was wearing a neck brace due to an injury, but she was still amazing. In the scene after Nessarose is crushed and Glinda and Elphaba fight, as Elplaba got ready to slap Glinda, Kristin pointed to her neckbrace and shrugged her shoulders. It got a huge laugh

[@BehindTheMagic]

Wow! That’s awesome! I’d read about Kristin’s neck injury before. What a trooper!

[@Toohot2handle758]

I was there, I remember that 🤣

[@Toohot2handle758]

@@Paddy-q4k I don’t buy it either lol

[@englishatheart]

Its* It's = "it is" or "it has." Its = belonging to it.

[@GsusZealot]

"Idina and Kristin didn't get along" *plays 'what is this feeling' in the background* I laughed out loud! Nice touch. XD

[@benjamincollins8559]

Kristin had said she was offered wicked & the west wing at the same time, before signing on for wicked. She said it might have been the right decision. As a leader for all wicked fans, Kristin we love you for being in wicked. Thank you for being in it.

[@KHobbies_cina]

Finally about Kristin and Idina's relationship. I've heard the rumours for so long

[@MarcusMartn]

I love the orchestration for wicked especially in the opening song No One Mourns The Wicked

[@allenjones3130]

I agree with you that the orchestration is outstanding. The scoring for the opening number combines elements of opera, jazz, and rock & roll.

[@fernandabluntkrasinski9026]

Who imagined that Wicked lost against to Avenue Q and years later Idina will work with Kirsten Anderson Lopez and Robert Lopez in Frozen 1 and 2

[@patrickmanway290]

Here's a cool fun fact; I was by Stephanie D'Abruzzo, the female puppeteer lead in Avenue Q. She now performs Prairie Dawn on Sesame Street.

[@FormalFilmsProductions]

Oh the irony

[@kiapet286]

Wicked has such a special place in my heart. I was one of those teenage girls who identified with one of the leads- I have a distinct memory of crying in the bathroom while listening to I'm Not That Girl- and it was the first show I fell in love with, and arguably what got me into Broadway musicals.

[@amethystoceanna4408]

I love when KZbin algorithms get it right and actually suggest something I didn’t know I needed. Great Wicked deep dive...some things I’d never seen before. Can’t wait for part 2. 💚💗

[@BehindTheMagic]

Hooray for the algorithm! So glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@bwaygal4905]

I second this. I have been obsessed with this show since (well, almost) the beginning. I hadn't been a very knowledgeable Broadway fan before discovering Wicked a few years after it opened. We ended up going to see Idina in London when she played Elphaba again when Wicked opened in the West End. It was an incredible experience. She brings such a beautiful, heartbreaking vulnerability to the character. She IS Elphaba. As I said, I've been very obsessed with this musical and thought I'd read everything about it's development and history. But I learned so many new details from your video. This was fascinating! Thank you. Headed over to Part Two.

[@englishatheart]

If you "don't know you need" something, you don't need it. A need is something you can't live without. You lived just fine for years without this.

[@largeposterior08]

Sorry, cast members... but "Dancing Through Life" is *so* much better than "Which Way is the Party?"

[@BehindTheMagic]

I mean.......yeah, I gotta agree with you there! 😂

[@kaelyn991]

It's definitely the more fitting number for the show!!

[@stevejenks9940]

@@kaelyn991 And so many great Wizard of Oz puns/foreshadows that would have been lost! Unless they were also in Which Way is the Party. Guess I need to find a full recording of that.

[@wickedfan811]

@@stevejenks9940 they weren't.

[@TheRichboy903]

LOL

[@KD-sz5bx]

I saw wicked live. Our seats were the last row in the auditorium. But you could hear the singers so loud, crisp and clear. It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve got to see.

[@daniel-gv4qs]

they'res something called mics

[@Sam..123]

​@@daniel-gv4qs have you seen a lot of shows at different theatres in different seating sections? I have and good sound everywhere is not a guarantee with mics.

[@RadMad789]

This channel has so much potential. The interviews are such a unique addition and focusing on Disney or big Broadway hits will get the clicks. Looking forward to more videos in the future since I recently binged the entire channel.

[@BehindTheMagic]

Thank you so much for your encouraging words! It’s been exciting to see the channel grow slowly but steadily the past few months. Here’s to the future!

[@BehindTheMagic]

WOW! I’m speechless! I’m so very happy that you’re all enjoying the channel and especially this video! I was caught a bit off guard by the channel growing so much in the last week, but rest assured, Part Two is coming soon! Thank you all so much! 💚💚💚

[@randomdisneyguy4321]

I just love wicked and the style of this video hope your channel grows

[@itsactor24601]

This is the best Wicked documentary I have ever seen! The amount of research that has gone into this is mind-blowing. There was some information that I didn’t know about and I have been a hardcore fan of the show since 2004! Also, there was some footage I’ve never seen before. Where did you get all the footage from the San Francisco tryouts? Never seen that clip of Idina singing The Wizard and I. She sounds great!

[@BehindTheMagic]

Thank you so much!!! I was pretty nervous making this video, as I knew how many devoted fans of this show there are (myself included!) so that really means a lot to me! Most of the San Francisco footage comes from this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHytf2Briq96kNE “Which Way Is The Party?” footage comes from “Wicked: The Road to Broadway” which was a bonus mini-documentary on the Broadway: The American Musical DVD that can also be found here on KZbin.

[@noahborer8035]

I agree!! When is part two coming?!?

[@pallafox]

I'm impressed how SJB remained faithful and loyal to the wicked team after she was not originally chosen to open on broadway. Clearly, times have changed with the divas and they were more respectable with the people they work with.. cough... Lupone... cough cough.

[@gillianmilstein8228]

My father is an actor, he was doing a musical called "Haven" in LA with Stephanie Block when she found out she wouldn't originate the role of Elphaba.

[@JG-uu1oj]

well let's see big broadway show, understudy to the lead, an nice salary part loyalty, part savy savy lady

[@smurf902]

It's a totally different story. They were upfront with Block in the workshops and she was actually cast as the understudy/standby for the Broadway production (before the show opened), but she ended up getting Boy from Oz instead and did that, then went into the national tour a few years later for Wicked and then Broadway company. LuPone was in the 2nd presentation at Sydnmonton Festival for Sunset. Then they gave her the official West End opening production and performed it, with CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENTS to open the Broadway production. It wasn't just word of mouth. Then mid-performance, she finds out via a newspaper article that they're getting Glenn, who was doing the LA production at the time, to do the Broadway Production. They didn't even tell her through her agent privately. She found out via the newspaper. This is way, way different than doing workshops or a reading of a show to then be snubbed for the same part in the official opening of a staged show. She performed in the Sydnmonton, she performed in the West End, and she was confirmed for the part on Broadway in her contract. She was fired without even being told. She sued and won in court. She couldn't go back and do a national tour or be cast as a replacement as SJB was and remain faithful to the show, she was literally fired and had a lawsuit. I'll tell u another interesting one that is on par though with SJB is Karen Ziemba in Crazy for You. She was behind the scenes to do Polly and all of a sudden they cast Little Mermaid star Jodi Benson, who was a Broadway person as well but not "known" until Little Mermaid. Still, Ziemba came back and was Benson's replacement and pretty much stayed till the end of the run!

[@smurf902]

​@@gillianmilstein8228she opened in Boy from Oz though at the exact same time in previews and run as Wicked, so she found another show literally immediately.

[@fan_girl21]

there is nothing more sweeter than Chenoweth!! their chemistry on stage was unmatched. No matter how times I listen to for good, I will cry my eyes out. Special shout out to god for putting two incredible gifts on this earth! 🙏🌎✝️

[@BehindTheMagic]

She’s truly such a gem! 💜

[@fan_girl21]

@ behind the magic they are both gems!!! Literally such amazing people. Do you know if either of them are going to be going on tour anytime soon? Or if they are gonna do any concerts? I would DIE to see one them perform live!!💗💚🙏

[@freedomlife5316]

I am Japanese and one of my bucketlist was watch wicked at Broadway. The day came on few years ago and when I hear first note, I start to cry and all trough the show I was crying. How beautiful this story is and master work of people who are making this show happen. I AM AN OWE OF IT. I can't wait to see movie coming up. I will buy DVD and cherish it for sure. How amazing who made all of songs of wicked. All the song is just magic. Genius.

[@wallacephillips9880]

I was lucky to work at Wicked as an Usher 73 times. I also saw it as a guest 6 times. From experience, it's better to see the show first as a guest. In the big Gershwin Theatre, you'll have to report to different areas as an Usher, like the seating area, the lobby, the monitor, and other places. In the beginning you have to hold latecomers until "Dear Old Shiz." Then you have to hold the next latecomers until the ensemble entrance of "What is this Feeling." Then you either go home or work the rest of the show. After Intermission, you had to hold latecomers during "Thank Goodness." It was all pretty fun and I miss the other ushers, especially the head-usher.

[@BehindTheMagic]

Wow, that’s so awesome! Yeah, I can imagine in a huge theatre like the Gershwin that it’s not a great way to see the show. But I’m glad you had a good time doing it!

[@ninab9969]

I don't get it. What theater critic would see Wicked and go "meh, the score wasn't memorable"?

[@MondoMiami]

It is a bland, horrible musical.

[@skippyruff3365]

@@MondoMiami how so?

[@Broadwayriah]

@@MondoMiami found the critic from 2003. Please go ahead and elaborate

[@nanaberry4120]

It is popular. (No pun intended.). Snobby critics always have to make sure they rain on everyone else’s parade,

[@MaxxStephen]

Wow you woke up and chose FACTS!! 😍 This was better than ANY “behind the scenes” Wicked video I’ve ever seen! There’s some stuff I had no idea about! My jaw dropped when you mentioned Glinda’s funeral dress haha. I can’t wait for Part 2!!! AMAZING job!!!

[@Justin-tx9bq]

I CAME AS SOON AS I HEARD! Great video!! I feel like this hit on a lot of Wicked history that you don't normally get in a singular video. I consumer Wicked articles. reviews, and books constantly and learned new things. Thank you for this video. Can't wait for part 2!

[@BehindTheMagic]

Thank you so much!!! That means a lot coming from a Wicked fan! Hoping to have part two out next week! 😊

[@iamdog4864]

I recently saw a production of Wicked. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Until then, I’d still been interested in broadway and stuff, but had only seen bootlegs and listened to various soundtracks. While watching Wicked for the first time live, I was completely in awe. No words could describe the feeling of live theatre. I love this so much.

[@elizabethstaszak5282]

Me too!

[@Anime_theatre_lover]

I saw it last weekend and it was fantastic.

[@EmilyCheetham]

Iv seen wicked 3 times in the theatre in London & would happily watching it in the theatre again. The songs are amazing & the story is inspiring. I just love it. I keep my fingers crossed of a movie to be made (which has been in the cards for many years now) & I hope they keep all the songs in it.

[@vesa222]

So glad wicked is still going as a broadway show!! It was my first Broadway show to see in 2019 and I loved everything!!

[@shaas1]

My husband took me on our first date to Wicked in Chicago Feb 2009, we're reliving that date in a few weeks time. This show kick started my love for Broadway ❤

[@flowerrchilddxchase]

Wow, idinas reaction when she wins, the way Kristen immediately was so happy for her and they were both so emotional, and her speech. I cried.

[@movieandtvseriesclips2805]

Its really interesting that Nessarose's costume as Gouverneur looks really different in SF tryout than in broadway. Even the hairstyle looks different.

[@BehindTheMagic]

I think it had to do with the changes they made to Nessarose’s character between San Fran and Broadway. In San Fran, she was a bit of a spoiled brat in Act One, so it makes sense for her to turn into this “rich witch” in Act Two with that glamorous dress and hairstyle. When the show got to Broadway, they made Nessa much more likeable in Act One, so having her in the black dress and pulled back hairstyle emphasizes how much she has changed in the time between Act One and Act Two. Or maybe I’m just looking too deeply into it 😂😂😂

[@MondoMiami]

Yeah, that is really interesting.

[@VampireWitch651030]

@@BehindTheMagic LOL “Rich witch”, I like that! 👍😁

[@peteradaniel]

This has reminded me just how much of a theme park musical wicked was when it first opened. It was one of those “42nd street is “clean” let’s get some kids entertainment back here to make some money”

[@BlueBoboDoo100]

Great video! Half an hour just flew by. You have a great sense of flow and editing. There was so much I never knew, and those cast and crew interview clips were perfectly integrated. I'm definitely subscribing!

[@BehindTheMagic]

Wow, that’s such a huge compliment! Thank you so much for watching and subscribing! 😊

[@Jabroniville]

Yeah I was impressed by seeing the "side actors"- the ones more likely to give the good dirt, lol. Interesting how much they ripped on Avenue Q.

[@melodymacbadger8101]

1. This channel is amazing, 2. I still cannot believe that AVENUE Q won anything

[@Radiohead801]

I think it’s a very funny show but I totally agree with the Wicked actress who called it “derivative.” It’s just adult Muppets.

[@meltedmarshdaddy]

It won because it was the best original show. Mainstream kids shows don't ever win multiple tonys. The fact that wicked won for best actress, best stage, and best costume design is better than most shows like this do.

[@melodymacbadger8101]

@@meltedmarshdaddy AVENUE Q is grating and banal at best, I am afraid. The Edge lord stuff just doesn't do it for me.

[@meltedmarshdaddy]

@@melodymacbadger8101 Well good because it didn't win for that. It won for being the best show, for the best score, and best book. Bobby Lopez is one of the best song writers of our time that shouldn't be a surprise. Also, like I said, non original kid shows dont ever do broadway sweeps. They never have, the lion king didn't and it's way more succesful than wicked.

[@tommclaughlin5360]

I've seen both Wicked and Avenue Q on the same stage in LA. While my initial reaction to Wicked was similar to that of Gregory Maguire, my current feelings toward it are quite warm. Avenue Q, on the other hand, has captured me from the first time I heard one of their songs all the way through to seeing it live. Wicked is great, but Avenue Q is something special. Wicked hits you in the feels, Avenue Q hits you in the soul. I will concede, however, that the song they sent out to voters absolutely secured the win for them.

[@curly208]

Beautifully done! I've seen Wicked 3 times in two different states and it never fails to mesmerize. Looking forward to Part 2!

[@ms.caprice3041]

Part 2?!?

[@movieandtvseriesclips2805]

Musicals you should do in behind the curtain: Aladdin The hunchback of notre dame The lion king Anastasia Avenue q Spamalot Seussical Shrek Be more chill Hamilton Grease And more.

[@BehindTheMagic]

Great suggestions!

[@monjaahrens8777]

@@BehindTheMagic for real. We need all of that. This video is so wonderfully done.

[@Dangansona]

I can confirm, Idina & Kristen's personalities were described 100% spot on. I was at the 15 Year Anniversary TV specail taping, 5 feet away from the large & secondary stage. Where I barley payed attention to anything other then Kristen & Idina. As long as they were near me, even if they weren't performing, I kept my eyes on them, so intrigued by there personalities together and separate. Especially Idina. And Idina looked absolutely miserable. But, being the introvert she was described as, and a person who I have herd is also quite claustrophobic, the second stage they were on together, was a small, small stage smack dab in the middle of all of us. At one point there was a bit of a snag in the production, and we all kinda just .... waited around awkwardly. And Kristen truly, 100% was the "light" she is described as. She was talking to us, all smiles and Idina... not so much. She was having an argument with one of the people next to her in the audience on how to pronounce "Penatonix" and... I really was not a fan of her demeanor, which I hated, because I *adored* her. But, I tried to keep in mind that she must have been very uncomfortable, and we all have our moments. Although Kristen was absolutely wonderful all night, Idina does not seem like a person who can "put on a face" and will genuinely show her emotions, even if they might be a little inappropriate. And there were only 2 times I saw her shine, and im not talking about when she was singing (She had to sing Defying Grivity twice and was... not happy, Kristen on the other hand had to sing Popular twice and both times were a BLAST) It was when she was talking to children and Kristen. Idina absolutely shine with children, especially little girls and having patience and understanding while talking to them, and she talked to a few little girls in the audience (Also talking to Elsa, im sure they were trilled) And the only time, all night, she ever smiled... ever. Was when she had to for the cameras, and when she talked to Kristen. They absolutely, got along swimmingly, and it was definitely not an act. Kristen called her "Dee" instead of Idina, they joked around and laughed. Having admired Idina for so long, that night was truly disappointing to me, and although an incredible experience, the best part was seeing that Idina & Kristen have gotten past their difficult times, and loved each other. This comment is so long lol, but one more side note, sadly, a very *very* large amount of that audience was not there to celebrate Wicked, which I *hated* There was a free chance to see Ariana Grande perform live, at the absolute peak of her career, and people soked that up like nobodies business. I love her, but I was disappointed about how many people... really were not there for the celebration of the show.

[@scapevelocity]

I saw Wicked in its original run in San Francisco. I remember being underwhelmed; it just never came together for me. Then some years later I caught an interview with Winnie Holtzman where she talked about having to retool the show before it came to Broadway. That made me curious enough that I got a ticket when I was in New York. I don't remember what I didn't like about the show, but I was much impressed with what I saw on Broadway. Even without the original cast, I thought it was a great show with a great book and music. (And for what it's worth, I *love* Avenue Q. That's a show that could have been written just for me.)

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

Agree, Avenue Q is amazing. Hits very close to home for me too

[@beckyhalvorsen2126]

I've seen it twice and I would love to see it again!

[@BehindTheMagic]

It truly never gets old!

[@movieandtvseriesclips2805]

I love the Musicals tryouts and Previews, because its different than the actual ones.

[@NyeMonett]

I seen Wicked in NYC for school as a kid and i fell in love. Seen it 3 times

[@OfficialJuanCamacho]

Can’t wait for part two. Seriously the BEST made documentary I’ve watched about Wicked. The detail, the editing. Iconic

[@celeste2025]

"Nobody has to like each other to have a hit show" - SO. TRUE !!! My junior year of high school. Almost no one (in the main cast) really liked each other. There was spite bc everyone had wanted a different role and tension bc of trash talking and the ensemble constantly whispering about it and taking sides. Nevertheless, we sold out all our shows and did so well, no one could have ever guessed. My sibling was shocked when I told them all the crap that was going on bts

[@mattymariah]

Cannot wait till Part 2! This was so comprehensive. I’ve loved Wicked since I got the cast recording in 04 and saw the show 6 times, most with Shoshana ( I consider her the ultimate Elphie followed by Willemijn Verkaik), once with Eden Espinosa, and all with Megan Hilty, who did Kristin so much justice. Thank you for these videos! You need a million subs as of yesterday. Such quality content.

[@quintendewilde4373]

For me Willemijn is the ultimate Elphaba. She has done the most countries and performances. On both West End and Broadway, also in Germany and The Netherlands.

[@mattymariah]

@@quintendewilde4373 I totally feel that! If I’d ever seen her live I think I’d feel the same as you. Unfortunately I haven’t gotten to, so my heart belongs to Shoshana and her vocal acrobatics. But I have watched so many videos of Willemijn and she is just amazing. I’d love so much to see her live.

[@KeepCalmContemplateYourChoices]

'Kay, the fact you only have 889 subscribers (including me) is SIMPLY A CRIME YOU DESERVE MORE

[@BehindTheMagic]

Haha, you’re too kind! The channel has seen some BIG growth recently, mostly thanks to Cinderella being added to Disney+! I started out February with a little over 500 subscribers, so to be nearing 1,000 just a few weeks later....well, in the words of WICKED, “I couldn’t be happier!” 😄

[@wickedfan811]

This is the BEST Wicked documentary. So much information, so many videos and so much work. Thank you so much for this video!!!

[@swansabijr]

Ok, but I actually have to do things tonight, and now that I know this channel exists that's going to be so much harder...

[@BehindTheMagic]

😂😂😂

[@bsperoz]

OH DAMN I FORGOT THIS WAS PART ONE. I didn't see it until it came to the Providence Peforming Arts Center.

[@jeffreyshev3707]

Thank you, this was very well done. Great job! I'm a huge fan of the show, Kristin and Idina. I thought I knew it all, but was I wrong. The out of town issues, and Stephen's head butting with creative staff were news to me. I was thrilled that I did get to see the show before ldina and Kristin left. I had to go to an online broker to snag the ticket. Unfortunately, Joel Gray was out that performance due to illness. Got my Playbill signed to boot. I met Stephen Schwartz after a tribute concert to him. He couldn't have been nicer. The Tonys were certainly a disappointment. Avenue Q was certainly fun, but i say they got it wrong. Marketing sometimes is everything. The Oscars get it wrong too on occasion. For example, Judy Garland was robbed when she didn't win for A Star is Born. Anyway, the longevity and success of Wicked speaks volumes. The fans have voted. Oh, Norbert Leo Butz is a Broadway Gem!

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

Maybe, but for the record, Avenue Q is amazing and is a truly millennial coming of age story. I saw it once and was so into it. Also being into puppets helps, they were very cool

[@matthewm.986]

29:05 If Idina and Kristin did have a difficult relationship than how does one explain the love they seemed to have for each other on Kristen's last show? Idina even went off-script and told Kristen she was going to miss her!

[@Jabroniville]

I always imagined that they truly respected and cared about each other, but just had different work styles and didn't see eye to eye. But they must have realized what they'd built together, and realized how it needed both of them.

[@itsactor24601]

Do you plan on covering other musicals? I would love to see you cover RENT. Waitress, Come From Away and Dear Evan Hansen would be amazing too

[@BehindTheMagic]

Oh yes! BEHIND THE CURTAIN will focus solely on Broadway shows, so many more musical histories are on the way! 😊

[@arislamb35]

Omg EVERY MUSICAL PLEASEEE

[@iamdog4864]

Come from away seriously is one of my favorites! Hadestown too :)

[@FormalFilmsProductions]

Avenue Q please!

[@derickyyy]

Love your channel! KZbin has been waiting for a high-quality, long-form Broadway channel.

[@BehindTheMagic]

Thank you so much! I’m glad to be filling that void! ☺️

[@not_quite_clarinet]

How come this doesn’t have 1 million views

[@BehindTheMagic]

😂😂😂 You’re too kind!

[@emxemxem]

Awesome work, Patrick! You have a gift for editing and pacing these videos, and the interviews are such a great bonus. I learned so much about this show that I love! :) During the pandemic, I have watched the Newsies movie and musical recording. I really enjoyed both, so I'd love to see a video on Newsies someday maybe. But all of your videos are amazing!

[@BehindTheMagic]

Thank you so much, Emily!!! That really means a lot to me! ☺️ And Newsies is definitely on my list of potential topics! Such an interesting journey from box office flop, to cult favorite, to Broadway sensation!

[@emxemxem]

@@BehindTheMagic I had always heard good things about the Newsies musical, but I didn't even know there was a movie. I guess the "box office flop" would explain why.

[@brittanycovington8083]

😊

[@brittanycovington8083]

😊66

[@brittanycovington8083]

😊66

[@Radiohead801]

Excellent video and channel. Looking forward to part 2 and every other video. We still got The Lion King, Aladdin, and Mary Poppins.

[@stephenhall509]

Okay, I love that raunchy puppet play as much as the next guy, but Wicked was ROBBED!

[@tinmanlover1994]

Wicked is the best musical ever ill make them award. I've just watched it on KZbin and I loved it. I'm a big fan of the wizard of oz

[@lorenzovancartier]

THESE VIDEOS ARE SOOOOOO DANG GOOD! fun to watch, informative! PLEASE KEEP MAKING THEM! also i neeeeed one for West Side Story:)

[@BehindTheMagic]

I’m so happy people are enjoying them! Thanks for watching! And I LOVE West Side Story, so I’ll put that one on the ever growing list!

[@1marilynable]

Part one and Two were so entertaining ! I can't wait to see what you do next ! as i've gotten older, i'm not as into Wicked as i used to be but this Documentary really made me remember how much i used to love the show. Even though it might not be the best show,. it still is legendary. I still don't understand how Avenue Q won over Wicked though. That's crazier than "Saving Private Ryan" losing to "Shakespeare in Love" at the Oscars.

[@MzRainbowExplosion]

amazing. better than tv quailty! this needed to exist, thank you!

[@lisaschaffel266]

One of my favorite broadway musicals in all time

[@AmandaSteckel-jc1ui]

Over twenty years later it’s now going to be in the theaters

[@louis-mariedesaintecroix9866]

I've just binge-watched all of your videos! Thank you very much :) keep up the good work.

[@BehindTheMagic]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@darthneon0701]

Wicked, in my personal opinion, is a great show!

[@BehindTheMagic]

Watch Part Two Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoaWhqqPpLOUjdk If you’re enjoying my videos, don’t forget to subscribe!

[@graffic13]

Still bugs me fiyero is always portrayed as white ... although I think I read this tired or buzzed cuz I swear it said dark blue or blue tattoos I imagined him like the color of the soldiers from the witches castle in the movie Read that wrong 🤣 He is a Vinkuus student at Shiz University. He's betrothed to another winkie, Sarima, whom he later marries and has three kids with. He is described as a dark-skinned man with diamond-shaped tattoos in the novel, but isn't portrayed that way in the musical (probably because it would be hard to show on stage.)

[@jordanrosales7870]

Ok, I just spent the past 4 hours binge watching all of your videos! I love your content please tell me part two will be dropping soon!

[@BehindTheMagic]

Wow! Thank you so much! So happy you’re enjoying them! Part 2 will be out soon, I promise!!!

[@onlopine]

It’s sad to see so many comments trashing Avenue Q. I hate the mindset of diminishing something to elevate something else. Avenue Q is an amazing show. It still is. So is Wicked. And so is Caroline or Change or the boy from Oz. It’s so easy, 20 years into the future, to look back and imply that Wicked was robbed. It wasn’t. The reception was MIXED. Everyone who followed that season remembers it. Wicked became a classic, but at the time it was branded as a juvenile musical, with great acting, that kinda resembled the winner of the previous year, Hairspray.

[@rfrprof09]

I remember finding the album in a barnes and noble in canada and having never seen or heard of the show it was my favorite cd

[@Mrs.Magix58]

even if Wicked wasn't up for those awards, Avenue Q getting best score and best musical is BAFFLINGLY stupid

[@kl8062]

I got to see Shoshana Bean and Megan Hilty during the tour, and they were phenomenal

[@mynameisfine]

I’m still upset to this day that wicked didn’t win best musical :(

[@Jem_80s]

You need more subs! Your channel is amazing and the work you put into these videos is outstanding! Thank you for all you do!😃

[@BehindTheMagic]

Thank you so very much! Been seeing an influx of new subs recently, which is very exciting! So glad you’re enjoying the videos! 😊

[@hazelventura]

You guys just earned a new subscriber, I am binging these videos because they are so good and informative and even tho they are long they don't get tedious to watch, I actually feel sad when they're over

[@shaliseshaw9385]

Waiting for history of The Lion King musical, Funny Girl, Avenue Q, Newsies:The Musical, Cats, etc. 🎶🎦🎭🐱🐱🎬📺🗽

[@mzmiller52]

Karson Ganin wrote a book, ‘smash”., that is pretty much the story of getting funny girl to broadway. Sounds like sour grapes. Miller is supposed to have directed streisand secretly and Jerome robbins came in before broadway opening in to fix the show.

[@emmanuelventura2044]

This is my favorite Channel now. The amount of detail and research put into each episode is amazing! Plus the interviews! 🙌🏽👌🏽 pure entertaining magic. Can’t wait to see more!

[@Asummersdaydreamer14]

Earned a like and a channel binge rain check! Appreciate the clear passion, thorough research, and love. Looking forward to seeing what videos you are passionate about sharing in the future! WICKED was one of my gateway musicals, so it was absolutely wonderful to learn more about the show outside of the soundtrack and book. Also, the Avenue Q situation is giving me strong Saving Private Ryan vs. Shakespeare in Love vibes, but I am biased so

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

Maybe? Personally I think Avenue Q was a way better story, but it was too modern, where Wicked had great songs and more widespread appeal

[@joanabals]

this video is everything i was looking for! as an ariana fan i am so excited to see wicked on the big screen and every trailer, song and making of video has made me emotional. i know this is a very important show and story for her and i wanted to understand it better. i bought the book, which i’ll probably read before the movie comes out, and now watching this videos i feel so knowledgeable of the lore! so thank you

[@Highland804]

Interesting. Stephanie J. Block was my first Elphaba (my favorite out of 4 different actors' performances) in Los Angeles at the Pantages Theater.

[@CMA03_YT]

This musicals very first showing came out the same year I was born 🥺💕 pure joy

[@BrendainPA]

What a fantastic video - lots of great information and the narration, photos, videos were excellent! Looking forward to Part 2. If you take requests for "Behind the Curtain" here are a few: Gypsy, Mame, West Side Story. Thank you - have a great weekend - stay safe!

[@saintedallas]

This is amazing! I'd love one on Hamilton once after part two.

[@BehindTheMagic]

Thank you so much! I’m not sure how much more can be said about Hamilton, but I’ll certainly think about it!

[@tommclaughlin5360]

Wicked is, to this day, the most sexually graphic book I've ever read (and I'm a Brett Easton Ellis fan). I used to be a server in LA nearby the traveling Broadway theater. I had to warn a parent or two of the content their 9 year old was reading at the table because the parents assumed the family friendly play would have a family friendly book. All I would tell them is "Read the first page". If I recall correctly, the "c" word gets dropped and they call her a hermaphrodite on the first page.

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

You thought it was that graphic? I didn’t think it was too bad but it has some weird moments. I always preferred Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister myself from his books

[@n.k.7208]

@@KatieLHall-fy1hw Wasn’t there a sex club in Wicked? With some human on animal sexually graphic depictions?

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

@@n.k.7208 honestly I don’t remember. Maybe? I know there were sex scenes and stuff but I don’t remember them in detail. I read it way back as a high school senior, so I let that stuff wash o we need mostly (Michael Crichton was more my speed at the time).

[@Oklines]

Lol I remember being in grade 9 and asking someone at the bookstore if they had a copy and she was just like “don’t you think you’re a bit young?” Haha I never did end up finishing that book

[@baldheadbasics3225]

I can only imagine how much work goes into videos like these. From the research to the clips I was truly entertained. I have always said, people are as fascinated by the process of something as much as they are the finished product. Well done 👍

[@kgrlktty]

I saw this musical at 12 during the initial first 2 weeks in New York and while my family loved it, we legit had no idea it would be SUCH a phenomenon

[@meredithmartinez7526]

I love the way you pull this story together! The editing is great! I could listen to you tell stories for hours. Watching your videos brings me joy. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! 💚

[@cijmo]

I didn't get a chance to see Wicked for years and years - something was always coming up when it toured through my city. The only feedback I'd heard (I don't listen to critics, I never agree with them) was my cousin who said it was great but she said none of the music resonated with her. She didn't get a 'favourite' or anything. In 2017, I was in London for a few days. I got in sort of mid-afternoon and went to see what he had for stand-by tickets and was glad to see they had Wicked. Of course it was amazing, I love Bradley Jaden! Only thing was - I've always loved "For Good" and it reminds me of my best friend. I'd wished she was there to hear it with me.

[@mezza001]

I cannot wait for PART TWO!!!!! Wowww!!!! BTW my favorite song in Wicked is The Wizard and I.

[@15trizzy]

Just seen the play last weekend with grandma and sister 1st show as an adult and loved it and made we want to go back to broadway asap

[@Soleanthia]

Came across this channel yesterday and I'm hooked. Can't wait for part 2!

[@arthurg9877]

Such a great, informative video!

[@BehindTheMagic]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@floowing7544]

I prefer the funeral scene over the train-station scene. I think it just makes more sense with the flow of the story and elphaba’s motivations

[@louis-mariedesaintecroix9866]

At the end of the day, it's Elphaba's show and Glinda is a supporting character, be it, a very important one, but secondary nonetheless.

[@mattymariah]

It’s not just Elphie’s story. Galinda and Elphaba are both leading roles in this show. They both have characters arcs and are changed by the end of the show, and are both given equal time to shine. It’s the story of the Witches of Oz - not just Elphaba’s. The poster even says as much. The book by Gregory Maguire is much more about Elphaba but the musical is not.

[@Jabroniville]

What I found watching it is that Elphaba gets all the showstopping songs, but everyone walks out thinking Glinda was the best and funniest character, because she's so "Showy". It takes a truly miraculous Elphaba to get the most applause. Glinda- being the charismatic one over the dour, more humorless Elphie, gets the praise. Oddly mimicking what the show itself brings up- the nature of being outgoing and popular.

[@nathanmorgan9205]

Unfortunately, I have never seen wicked,but I'm really excited to finally see it in the theater

[@BehindTheMagic]

Me too! So excited!

[@HastalaEntertainment]

This is amazing content. Can't wait for the next chapter. Being a huge wicked fan myself this made my day!

[@jamesreves2099]

I just discovered your channel and i am so impressed. You produce such an education and entertaining product that I rarely have come across. I look forward to watching many more! Bravo!

[@BrunaRibeiroUSA]

Loved the video! Just one tip, lower the music a little bit, sometimes it gets hard to hear you over it! Anxiously waiting for part 2!

[@lonellfletcher]

I call BS on the Kristin/Idina "fued". I don't think it was anything that warranted a blowup or anything like that.

[@allenjones3130]

I'd love to see WICKED in a live TV version on NBC with Kristin Chenoweth reprising her role as Glinda. Chenoweth is one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time! Of course, there's always the possibility that Kristin may not be interested in reprising her role....

[@ForeverSweetx3]

And Idina as Elphaba

[@allenjones3130]

@K M That's quite possible.

[@naomigracenolasco4976]

Wicked was my first musical seen on stage. It was a very good musical to go into a Broadway dive. It’s whimsical with the props but also though provoking with units themes

[@Swimdeep]

I saw it at the Curran in SF. Was one of my favorite experiences of all time.

[@MarcusMartn]

Wicked is in my top 5 favorite musicals

[@BehindTheMagic]

Mine too!

[@kathrynnpetersen8876]

What are your other 4

[@beethridge]

That was soooooooo good! I didn’t plan on spending the last 30 minutes memorized!!