Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

This is the historic first entry of the official blog for PBU English majors. I expect this to soon be filled full of pictures, stories, ideas, and tons of creativity! I'm eager to hear what you guys have on your minds. You can share about a book you are reading or just finished, a movie that you thought was cool, songs that inspire you, interesting places you go to or heard of, ideas you have for us, pretty much anything that you want. I will start with what's been on my mind. :)

I am completely obsessed with the musical Wicked, which I'm sure many of you are familiar with. When I was younger I read many of the L. Frank Baum's Oz books from my library and as soon as I heard the Broadway soundtrack I was hooked to this new story. I went to see it in Philly a couple years ago, already knowing all the music, and it was completely amazing. I finally got around to reading the book by Gregory Maguire this summer. I was hesitant because I heard it was kind of dirty. It was much darker than it's musical retelling, but I actually kind of loved the book. Elphaba is a fascinating and intricite character, and it had some thought provoking themes about the nature of good and evil and the dymanics of family relationships and friendships. It actually dealt a lot with religious themes, such as asking if there is a God and even going into predestination and the nature of the human soul. I would really encourage you guys to read it, even just so I can discuss it with someone.

Also, I am going to see Idina Menzel, the original wicked witch (Elphaba) from Broadway, in concert at the Mann Center in June. (She is also Rachel's mother in Glee and is Nancy in Enchanted, if you guys aren't Broadway buffs.) It's an outdoor theater, and you can get tickets on the lawn for only ten bucks. Check it out!

~Lisa~