For over eight decades, The Wizard of Oz has captured hearts across the globe, transforming from a beloved children’s book into a timeless tale that spans novels, films, musicals, and now an eagerly anticipated new film adaptation of Wicked. Each generation has seen Oz evolve, weaving itself into popular culture and holding an enduring place in the public imagination. With fans anticipating the release of Wicked, it’s a perfect time to look at how Oz continues to captivate, inspire, and resonate through new adaptations. The world first met Dorothy Gale, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion in 1900 with L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The story follows young Dorothy as she is swept away from her Kansas home to the magical land of Oz, where she journeys to meet the Wizard and find her way back home. Along the way, she learned the value of courage, empathy, and self-belief, discovering the simple yet profound truth that “there’s no place like home.” Baum’s book was the first of 14 in his Oz series, and its universal themes have

resonated deeply, prompting readers to keep returning to its pages for over a century.

     In 1939, MGM brought the story to the big screen in a landmark adaptation that would become one of Hollywood’s most iconic films. Starring a young Judy Garland as Dorothy, the film captured the essence of Baum’s vision while adding charm and wonder with then-revolutionary special effects, lavish sets, and unforgettable songs, especially “Over the Rainbow.” It was a film like no other at the time: audiences were transported from the muted, sepia tones of Kansas to the vibrant Technicolor dreamscape of Oz, meeting memorable characters along the way and witnessing Dorothy’s transformation. The film became a staple in American cinema and culture, inspiring adaptations and references that would cement it in the hearts of audiences worldwide. By the late 20th century, it had become one of the most-watched films of all time. Dorothy’s journey—a timeless story of self-discovery, friendship, and the yearning for home—became a universal metaphor for audiences who found themselves returning to Oz again and again, in theaters, on television, and even in school productions.

     Like so many kids growing up in the VHS era, I first watched The Wizard of Oz in a unique way—right after Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, all recorded onto the same tape from TV. To me, Oz was forever linked with the cozy glow of Christmas. I remember watching it bundled up in pajamas, waiting for Dorothy’s journey down the Yellow Brick Road as if it were part of a holiday tradition, with commercials filled with jingling bells, snowy scenes, and toy store ads all reminding me of Christmas magic. Watching it that way made The Wizard of Oz feel like a holiday movie, so much so that for years, I was convinced it must have some connection to Christmas. Even now, whenever I rewatch it, I can almost hear those Christmas commercials and feel the same warmth I felt sitting in front of the TV on those

wintery nights. 

     As time went on, The Wizard of Oz continued to influence culture. In 1995, novelist Gregory Maguire introduced a new vision of Oz with his bestselling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of  

the Wicked Witch of the West. Where the original story centered on Dorothy, Wicked shifted focus to a new protagonist: the Wicked Witch of the West, named Elphaba. Maguire’s novel reimagined her as a misunderstood and complex character rather than a one-dimensional villain. This fresh perspective offered a darker, more layered story of Oz that asked, “What if the ‘bad guys’ weren’t as wicked as they seemed?”

Maguire’s novel gave us insight into Oz’s darker corners and introduced gray areas that challenged the binary morality of Baum’s original tale. Readers were introduced to Glinda the Good Witch as a layered, sometimes conflicted character, and Oz itself became a place fraught with political and social tensions. Maguire provided a modern commentary on issues like prejudice, power, and the fluidity of morality, showing readers that every story has more than one side. The novel’s success revealed a hunger among fans for nuanced storytelling within the familiar world of Oz.

     In 2003, Wicked made its way to the Broadway stage, transformed into a musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. The adaptation took liberties with Maguire’s novel, focusing on the friendship and rivalry between Elphaba and Glinda, and infusing the story with memorable songs, including the now-iconic “Defying Gravity.” Wicked the musical quickly became a global phenomenon, breaking box office records and winning numerous awards. Audiences were drawn to the heart of the musical—the unlikely bond between two young women navigating the complexities of friendship, destiny, and self-identity.

      When I first went to college, Wicked was the big thing. It was everywhere—in conversations, on posters, in people’s playlists. As someone just stepping into the college theater department, I felt a bit out of place. Most people around me seemed to have grown up on Broadway cast albums, while I was more familiar with movies taped off TV and watching holiday specials. But then I listened to Wicked for the first time. I was drawn in by the powerful songs and the complex, layered story of Elphaba and Glinda. I fell in love with it, not just because the music was incredible, but because the story of an outsider finding her place resonated deeply with me. As I got deeper into theater, Wicked became a bridge, connecting me with others and helping me see how musicals could carry stories just as moving and powerful as any film. It was my first real step into the world of musicals, and it’s stayed close to my heart ever since. 

     With the success of the stage musical, a Wicked film adaptation was inevitable. Fans are now eagerly awaiting its release, which is poised to bring all the magic, drama, and musical grandeur of the stage production to the big screen. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, and directed by In the Heights’s Jon M. Chu, the Wicked movie promises to introduce a fresh visual interpretation of Oz that stays faithful to the story’s beloved themes while inviting new fans into its enchanting world. 

     The enduring appeal of Oz lies in its ability to be reimagined. Whether watching Dorothy confront the Wicked Witch, seeing Elphaba defy gravity, or experiencing Glinda’s transformation, Oz remains a mirror reflecting our desires, challenges, and dreams. Its characters and themes continue to evolve, reminding us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and, above all, the search for belonging.

     As Wicked makes its way to theaters, the Oz legacy grows, proving that this magical land is more than a setting. It’s a place where characters—whether innocent farm girls or misunderstood witches—embark on personal journeys that resonate universally.  Today, as in 1939, Oz remains a source of enchantment and inspiration, a place where audiences of all ages find themselves drawn to the call of the Yellow Brick Road, eager to follow along and see where it leads. 

     With each new chapter in the Oz saga, fans are reminded that while stories may change, their heart remains constant. Oz is a timeless journey, a reminder that courage, friendship, and the strength to be true to oneself are values that transcend time. And as we prepare for the Wicked movie to join the legacy, it’s clear that audiences will keep returning to Oz—finding something new with each visit and always feeling just a little more at home in the magical world of Oz. 

     Wicked flies into November 21st at the Cameo Art House Theatre in downtown Fayetteville. Tickets on sale at cameoarthouse.com