7 Hidden Facts About Wicked That Will Wow You

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By HakkaMukka By HakkaMukka With Love With Love

The Musical Is Based on a Darker Novel

[{"selector":"#anim-94c1847c-2e50-4362-81cd-d6fd712ee6db [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-9.703349548536393%, 0, 0) translate(16.447368421052634%, -14.888149356177538%) scale(0.6710526315789473)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Wicked is adapted from Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, which presents a darker version of The Wizard of Oz , exploring mature themes like politics and identity Wicked is adapted from Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, which presents a darker version of The Wizard of Oz , exploring mature themes like politics and identity

Elphaba's Green Makeup Is Custom-Made

[{"selector":"#anim-b30dbc93-eb70-461b-be3f-68fd8d86a38d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Her iconic green skin is achieved with a special mix of water-based paint called "Kryolan," designed to withstand the demands of each show. Her iconic green skin is achieved with a special mix of water-based paint called "Kryolan," designed to withstand the demands of each show.

The Show Holds a Broadway Record

[{"selector":"#anim-71fcd72a-f66b-4dcf-88ab-821fb5bcecda [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-4.290254092659817%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Wicked was the fastest Broadway show to hit $1 billion in gross sales, a record previously held by The Phantom of the Opera . Wicked was the fastest Broadway show to hit $1 billion in gross sales, a record previously held by The Phantom of the Opera .

Elphaba’s Name Has a Unique Origin

[{"selector":"#anim-27ca0b8a-3b06-4088-ad27-84b6c2ba464f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0, -15.254236773901598%, 0)","translate3d(0, 0%, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The character's name, Elphaba, is a tribute to L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wizard of Oz , derived from his initials: "L-F-B." The character's name, Elphaba, is a tribute to L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wizard of Oz , derived from his initials: "L-F-B."

The Flying Monkeys Are Puppeteered Live

[{"selector":"#anim-1332ac75-0bcc-430d-88de-bc2eba62c8c8 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(49.99999990387127%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The show’s famous winged monkeys are controlled with the help of puppeteers and complex rigging, creating a captivating stage effect. The show’s famous winged monkeys are controlled with the help of puppeteers and complex rigging, creating a captivating stage effect.

Glinda's Dress Uses Thousands of Sequins

[{"selector":"#anim-e59a3644-12ba-46fa-9f17-72d817f0d027 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-4.83367985508324%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The shimmering gown worn by Glinda features over 20,000 sequins, giving it a magical sparkle under the stage lights. The shimmering gown worn by Glinda features over 20,000 sequins, giving it a magical sparkle under the stage lights.

The "Defying Gravity" Scene Uses Unique Stage Tech

[{"selector":"#anim-3514bc1d-213d-40d4-a8ef-d50efc864ecd [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(59.111453234212206%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Elphaba’s famous flying moment during "Defying Gravity" involves advanced stage mechanics to create the illusion of her defying the laws of gravity. Elphaba’s famous flying moment during "Defying Gravity" involves advanced stage mechanics to create the illusion of her defying the laws of gravity.