Critical Detail Missing From ‘Wicked’ That Influences Elphaba’s Coming-Of-Age Journey

As a passionate critic of musical theatre, I can’t help but voice my opinions, especially when discussing the iconic character Elphaba Thropp and her tumultuous journey of self-discovery, advocacy, and betrayal. While there are numerous commendable aspects in the much-anticipated 2024 film adaptation of Oz, I am disappointed that the movie omitted the significant green glasses from the song “One Short Day.” Let’s explore the importance of this detail.

The roots of this element trace back to L. Frank Baum’s original 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Here, the citizens of the Emerald City are mandated to wear green glasses, as decreed by the wizard himself. These spectacles serve a dual purpose; while they are claimed to shield the wearer from the glaring brightness of the all-green city, they actually distort perception, making everything appear green. Baum cleverly illustrates that the city’s true colors are just as vibrant and diverse as any other urban locale.

In the Broadway hit Wicked, Glinda and Elphaba don green glasses during their arrival at the Emerald City in the song “One Short Day.” The glasses significantly impact Elphaba, allowing her to blend seamlessly into the crowd, effectively masking her green skin. For Elphaba, this moment is monumental; it fulfills her longing for acceptance. The feeling of standing out can be alienating, especially during the formative years, often leading to social ostracism. This insightful portrayal reflects the understanding of youth struggles, a testament to the talents of Winnie Holzman, writer of the stage and screen adaptation of Wicked, who also created My So-Called Life.

During this pivotal moment in the stage production, Elphaba expresses her newfound belonging: “I want to remember this moment always… For the first time, I’m somewhere that I belong.” Glinda’s affectionate response, “you look positively emerald,” enhances the warmth of this scene, highlighting the joy of acceptance.

The Symbolism of the Green Glasses in Wicked and The Wizard of Oz

The green glasses serve as a powerful symbol for those marginalized individuals searching for acceptance. They encapsulate the experience of those who venture from small towns to larger cities, where conformity dissipates and individuality can flourish. In urban environments, eccentricity is often celebrated rather than scorned, fostering connections among like-minded individuals. While urban centers may typically lean towards liberal ideologies, it’s important to note that safe spaces for outcasts can be found in a variety of communities—be it in a college campus, a favorite record store, or a welcoming bar.

Although not critical to the overarching plot of Wicked, the glasses’ symbolism holds substantial character development for Elphaba. In this fantasy setting, she begins to feel that her long-desired acceptance is within reach.

However, an underlying theme lurks in both narratives; the glasses also embody the concepts of manipulation and illusion. In Baum’s narrative, they foster a false image of the Emerald City, illustrating how a leader can distort his populace’s perceptions. In Wicked, they highlight the illusion of openness among the city’s residents, who are just as susceptible to prejudices as those outside its boundaries. This notion resonates within today’s world, where perceived safe havens can betray their inhabitants, often aligning themselves with maleficent ideologies.

Why Were the Emerald City Green Glasses Excluded from the Movie?

Though some recent behind-the-scenes footage reveals Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande wearing green glasses during rehearsals for “One Short Day,” this crucial element did not make it to the final cut. The absence of the glasses, as well as Elphaba’s poignant declaration of belonging, diminishes the depth of the character’s experience. Even if the glasses had only been donned by Glinda and Elphaba, their uniqueness would detract from the intended effect.

This omission raises questions—did production overlook the need for additional glasses? Or perhaps the creative team chose to simplify the visual narrative, reminiscing on The Wizard of Oz (1939), which similarly omitted glasses during its musical number in “The Merry Old Land of Oz”? It seems unfathomable that this vital detail was sacrificed for celebrity cameos featuring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. Personally, I would have preferred to see Elphaba’s moment of triumph preserved instead.

Interestingly, even Gregory Maguire’s original novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, addresses this aspect of urban life without the green glasses. Through Glinda’s perspective, we see the comfort that Elphaba finds within the city’s diverse crowd. Maguire writes, “For all her singularity of complexion, it was astounding how quickly she became camouflaged in the ragamuffin variety of street life in the Emerald City.” This insightful observation underscores the essence of belonging, hinting at the subtle complexities of identity.