The Wizard of Oz: The Origin of Origin Stories
Long before Wicked cast its spell on Broadway, there was The Wizard of Oz — the story that started it all. Dorothy’s unforgettable journey down the yellow brick road didn’t just inspire generations; it gave rise to one of the most beloved modern musicals of all time. At SHINE Musical Theatre, we’re taking audiences back to where the magic began. Before the green girl and the pink princess sang their defiant duets, there was a Kansas farm girl, a pair of ruby slippers, and a heart-warming adventure about courage, friendship, and finding your way home.
The Story That Started It All
When The Wizard of Oz premiered in 1939, it became an instant classic. With its Technicolor brilliance, memorable characters, and timeless message of self-discovery, it shaped the way we imagine magic forever. Decades later, Wicked reimagined Oz through the eyes of the witches — exploring how Glinda and Elphaba’s paths intertwined before Dorothy ever arrived. But the roots of that story? They live right here in The Wizard of Oz. It’s where the Emerald City first shimmered, where the ruby slippers first sparkled, and where audiences first met the characters who would later inspire Broadway’s most “popular” witches.
Watching The Wizard of Oz feels like flipping through the pages of Oz’s history book. Every step on the yellow brick road, every encounter with Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, and every swirl of twister wind brings us closer to the origins of the stories we still tell today. It’s not just Dorothy’s tale — it’s the foundation of an entire world. Without it, there would be no Emerald City to visit, no Wicked Witch to redeem, and no Glinda to dazzle us with her sparkle.
Wizard vs. Wicked
Now let’s dive into a few intriguing comparisons on all things Oz…
The Story Flipped
The Wizard of Oz tells the tale from Dorothy’s eyes, where the Wicked Witch is a clear villain. Wicked retells the story through Elphaba’s eyes, revealing a misunderstood heronie and exploring how society shapes its “villains.” One story is about finding home, whereas the other is about finding truth.
It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Green
In Oz, green represents the Emerald City’s wonder and prosperity. Green becomes deeply personal in Wicked, as Elphaba’s skin color symbolizes difference, prejudice, and strength.
Friendship and Power
Dorothy’s friendships are pure and innocent, built through trust and shared adventure. Elphaba and Glinda’s frienship is complex, balancing rivalry, admiration, and redemption. One friendship helps a girl get home; the other helps two women find themselves.
Theme
The Wizard of Oz is an allegory for hope and self-discovery. Wicked is a deeper exploration of identity, justice, and moral complexity. What if I had a heart? What if I had a voice?
Both The Wizard of Oz and Wicked invite us to look beyond the surface – to see that every story has another side, and evert character, a deeper truth. Together, they remind us that courage, compassion, and understanding can change how we see the world – and each other.
Experience the Magic Live!
Join SHINE Musical Theatre for a full-length production of The Wizard of Oz at The Parr Center Theatre, CPCC. Step into a world where fantasy and friendship meet — where you’ll rediscover the story that paved the way for Wicked and so many other beloved tales of Oz.
- Showtimes: Nov 22 at 6:30 PM Nov 23 at 2:30 PM
- The Parr Center Theatre • CPCC
- Tickets on sale now → Here!