I have been in a Wicked {the musical) kind of mood recently and found myself on YouTube watching the entire recorded show! This wasn't my first time seeing the show, as I was fortunate to have seen it on its national tour back in 2009, but I realized I had forgotten many parts of the storyline. Wicked is a magically-staged and incredibly-heartfelt show, so I highly recommend going to see it once it returns to Broadway in the fall.
Experiencing the show once more made me realize that the storyline somehow seems to parallel what is playing out in real life these days. For those of you who haven't seen it, I'm about to share a few minor spoilers.
The Land of Oz is keeping secrets, and even the Wizard is not the good man everyone thought he was. Ozians ostracize and initially "cancel" Elphaba (aka the Wicked Witch) for being green and different. The Wizard tries to coerce her into partaking in his evil deeds, and once she refuses and stands up for herself, all of a sudden, she is about to be captured for being "wicked." The song that ends that particular scene, "Defying Gravity," sung by Elphaba, I believe, is the most gritty and powerful song in musical theater history!
We can all agree that we are living in a time of confusion when we are not 100% confident that what we are being told by any of the news media outlets is the complete truth. Division is still happening, and we are in the midst of cancel culture.
A redeeming twist in the story of Wicked is when Glinda (aka the Good Witch), who initially was the leader in ostracizing Elphaba, experiences an inner transformation. In an act that is completely out of character for her, Glinda shows kindness to Elphaba and accepts her who she really is. They both become the best of friends.
We need a redeeming twist these days. The characters of Glinda and Elphaba are from two different worlds and mindsets, and they both didn't like each other at first. Yet, they were able to open their minds and hearts to find appreciation and respect for each other that surpassed their differences. They actually learned a lot, experienced growth, and were "changed for the better," as they expressed in the deeply emotional song, "For Good":
Glinda: ...And we are led To those who help us most to grow If we let them And we help them in return Well, I don't know if I believe that's true But I know I'm who I am today Because I knew you... Elphaba: ...So much of me Is made of what I learned from you You'll be with me Like a handprint on my heart And now whatever way our stories end I know you have re-written mine By being my friend...
-Lyrics from "For Good," Wicked (Original Broadway Cast Recording), 2003
I recorded this song recently, and even got to harmonize with myself! And I cried...a lot.
"For Good" is an emotionally reflective song that expresses everything we would want to say to someone if we knew it was the last time we would ever see them. I think about my relationships with my family and friends, and even the special bond with my dog, Reesee. I realize how much I have grown and changed because of the love, support, and acceptance I've received, and given back. I get all choked up thinking about life without those special relationships. The beautiful exchange of love, kindness, respect, and friendship is so incredibly pure. It's a bond that cannot be broken, no matter how "our stories end." And it brings us never-ending joy.
Outside of those close relationships, we are "led to those who help us most to grow," to those amazing chance encounters with complete strangers or new connections. We are challenged to recognize a different point of view, a unique way of seeing the world. It ends up resonating with us too. I cannot even begin to tell you all how many unexpected conversations I've had that I never knew I needed so much...truly life changing.
So as the song represents, when we recognize, accept, and respect the uniqueness of others, we open ourselves up to an exchange of joy that impacts us for the rest of our lives. And when we embrace others and also feel embraced, we are vibrating at our highest potential. We are being changed for good and in turn, we are inspired to band together to change the world for the better by continuing to shine our joy.
How have you been changed for good? If the song "For Good" also resonates with you in a special way, I'd love to hear from you!
Shine on, for good, my friends!
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