Wicked

Actually, it would be a much better use of your time to read the other books in Frank L. Baum's 'Oz' series. You may be surprised to know that not only is 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' just one more book in the middle of a series, IMO, it is not even the best read of them. As in most children's books of his era, there are good moral lessons in them.

 

I miss-spoke (miss-typed?) After looking, it seems that 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' was indeed the first book published, though other books pretend to be chronologically before Dorothy landed with Toto.

 

I must disagree with your opinion on Wicked. I myself have seen it and thought it was a wonderful musical, especially for kids to see

At the heart of the show is the story of an outcast, and the struggles she goes through to try and find her place in the world. There are also themes of friendship and forgiveness that I think are important for children to be exposed to. Also central to the story is how easily society at large can be influenced to believe things that aren't true, and with such an important Presidential race for the Christians in America fast approaching, this is a lesson that should be taken to heart.

Yes, the central character performs witchcraft...however...we must make a distinction here. The fact that the show incorporates the use of magic, does NOT mean that it advocates the use of magic. The story is a fantasy, a fairly tale...not an instruction manual. Furthermore, Elphaba's use of magic is what ultimately leads to her downfall.

 

I also disagree. I've seen Wicked close to 30 times now, and I see nothing wrong with it. Just because there is magic in the show doesn't mean they advocate it, and they certainly don't. In fact, the Glinda in the Chicago production is a strong Christian.

It's about a girl who is different from everyone else-she has green skin, and a popular girl. They're in college together, and at first, the green-skinned girl, Elphaba, is teased and made an outcast because she looks different and has "special powers". The popular girl, Glinda, is forced to be roommates with Elphaba. However, while they spend time together, Glinda discovers that Elphaba is just misunderstood, and feels badly that she treated her differently. They become best friends. Their journeys separate unexpectedly, and Glinda and Fiyero are the only ones who know that she really was just trying to help when she left town. They grow up, and Glinda and Elphaba happen to find each other again, with the help of Glinda's fiancee, Fiyero.(Note, they are only engaged because Glinda surprises him with an engagement party. He never actually proposed. It's played out very funny in the show.) Then, Fiyero, who works with the Emerald City guards, is caught trying to help Elphaba hide, because he knows everyone is looking for her. Glinda tries to stop the other guards from hurting Fiyero, but fails. So Elphaba attempts to use her "powers" to HELP save him. At the end, Elphaba and Glinda say a very heart felt and touching goodbye to each other for the last time, and Fiyero and Elphaba are reunited. Glinda thinks both Fiyero and Elphaba are dead, but they can't tell her the truth if they want everyone to be safe.

It's about understanding and friendships. It's about accepting others, and teaches you to get to know someone before you decide if you like them or not. It's an amazing show with a very touching and special message. You can't describe it, it's so good. Children attend the show every day, and love it. My pastor and his wife thought it was fantastic, and recommend it to everyone. They heard about the show from someone else in the congregation.

And of course, the show is completely made up and fake. Explain that to your children, and they will be absolutely fine and enjoy the fantastic music, great costumes, incredible sets, and excellent performers. This is a musical you can't go wrong with. It teaches you not to judge-so don't judge the show unless you've seen it.