Wicked The Sixth

 The first time I saw Wicked, I cried.

The sixth time I saw Wicked, I cried.

I don’t remember much about the 2^nd-5^th times,

But I wouldn’t be surprised if I cried.

 

It’s this one scene.

Galinda gives Elphaba, her arch enemy, a pointy black witch hat and tells her to wear it to a party that everyone will be attending that night.

Galinda does this to be mean to Elphaba, but

Elphaba doesn’t realize Galinda’s spite.

She wears the hat to the party as told.

Everyone laughs.

Elphaba sticks out like an even sorer thumb than her green skin.

Even so, Elphaba begins to dance,

Alone.

Something in Galinda shifts.

She begins to dance with Elphaba—

Doing Elphaba’s unique dance moves.

Everyone else then dances, too,

And somehow, the angst and loathing between Galinda and Elphaba begins to disappear.

It’s a beautiful moment.

And it makes me cry (possibly every time).

 

Seeing past differences is a beautiful thing.

Grace is a beautiful thing.

Reconciliation is a beautiful thing.

Friendship is a beautiful thing.

 

Being good isn’t about being superficially perfect,

Rather it’s about seeing others for who they are and encouraging the best in them.

 

May we be good and hold to beautiful things,

And may we have the courage to suck up our pride and

Ask for forgiveness—

Whether it be through words or actions—

When we realize we’re wrong.

 

Amen.

 

PS. I took Amelia The Niece to see Wicked for the first time last Wednesday night. She said, “I really enjoyed it and everyone was very talented.” When asked her take away from the show, she said, “That it’s important to stand up for what’s right even if it makes you look bad to others.” What about you? For those who have seen the show, what was your take away? I’d love to hear.