Dreams Really Do Come True

Hey everyone! I have two fun things to share with you guys. In several blog posts I have hinted at some new writing responsibilities. Well, the time has finally come where I can share what they are.

As you probably know, one of my favorite websites is Hypable.com. Their motto is “by fans, for fans” and that is really accurate. They cover a TON of different fandoms, most of which are ones that I love. Back in September of last year I applied to be a co-host on a Hypable podcast all about one of my favorite TV shows, Glee. When I actually got selected it was an absolute dream come true. I suddenly found myself, however peripherally, involved with the people responsible for TWO of my favorite websites (the creators of Hypable had also run MuggleNet.com, which I visited multiple times a day, every day, for about 7 years).

Fast forward to a little over a month ago. An announcemet was made on the site that they were going to be expanding the site to include “fandom hubs,” which would be hubs for encyclopedic type information on specific fandoms they covered, and they were looking for content writers. I really didn’t have the time, but I didn’t care and applied for it anyway. Two weeks later I got an email that I got the job. They chose me to be one of two content writers for Glee. That’s right, I am now an official member of the very talented writing staff at Hypable.com. Goodness, that still sounds so weird to say.

Late last night Hypable launched their new design, complete with the new fandom hubs. All the content that I spent many, many hours putting together (I did the episode and songs guides for seasons 1, 2, & 3, the information on future seasons, and the cast list)  is now available AND I have a bio on their staff page! Insanity!

Okay, my excited rambling is now finished.

The other thing I have to share is my latest vlog. I am joined by my best friend who helps me sing the song ‘For Good’ from the Broadway musical Wicked. I hope you enjoy it.

One Story, Two Tellings

Video: Defying Gravity with Stephanie J. Block as Elphaba

I will never forget the first time I saw the Broadway musical Wicked live. I got to see it at the Gershwin Theater in New York City and I was enthralled from the moment it began. I was already very familiar with the music going in to see it and I had read the book on which it was based. Even with all of that prior knowledge nothing had prepared me for the true wonder of the live show.

Like Gregory Maguire’s book the musical follows the story of Elphaba. It begins with her time at Shiz University where she and Galinda become unlikely friends and ends after her fateful encounter with Dorothy. But that is where the similarities end.

As I discussed last week, Maguire’s Wicked is dark and gritty. It is a story that examines some very serious moral issues in a way that frequently makes the reader feel uncomfortable. The musical takes that story and those very important issues and “Glindafies” them. We are still forced to look at things like discrimination, prejudice, and abuse of power, but those things are presented amidst laughter and fun. Wicked is a musical that the whole family can enjoy.

Everything about Wicked is amazing. From the costumes to the sets, the script to the music it all draws you into the fantastical land of Oz. The energy of the show is just plain fun and you can’t help but engage in that fun as you watch. When I saw it I was so moved by the beauty of the performance that I was brought to tears (not exactly an unusual occurrence for me, though). I can’t even begin to describe the way in which it touched me, especially the music. It didn’t matter that I knew every song by heart going into it, seeing them actually performed live and in context brought the songs to a whole new level. There were several moments I could scarcely breath the music was so powerful.

Whether it is Gregory Maguire’s book or the Broadway musical, Wicked is a story that demands attention. I think it is so amazing that this thought-provoking and touching story is told in such vastly different ways. This allows the story of Elphaba to reach audiences it would not normally meet if it were confined to just one telling. No matter which version is preferred Wicked is a story that needs to be heard and experienced.

What about you? Have you seen the musical or read the book? Which do you prefer? Is there another musical that moves you in the way that Wicked moves me? Tell me in the comments!

Wicked Witch or Misunderstood?

I love musical theater. It is one of my passions and almost exclusively what fills up my iPod. When I first read that a new musical called Wicked was going to open on Broadway I became intrigued. The idea that Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West were once friends sounded fascinating. I soon learned that the show was based on the book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. Before I even listened to the music from the show I decided to read the book on which it was based. I am so glad I did.

Drawing inspiration from both the Oz books written by L. Frank Baum and the film starring Judy Garland, Maguire weaves a dark and intriguing tale that follows the life of Elphaba. Elphaba, who’s name is derived from the initials of L. Frank Baum, was born with green skin and sharp teeth. When she goes to school at Shiz University she is assigned to be roommates with the rich and popular Galinda. In spite of a rough start, Elphaba is able to make some friends, but she also becomes embroiled in the fierce political debate over Animal rights. It is this political activism that makes her an enemy of the Wizard and leads to her eventual demise.

At it’s core Wicked is a classic tale of good and evil, but Maguire takes this idea and goes much deeper with it. He really delves into the motivations behind the actions people take and the question of whether or not good intentions mitigate bad actions or bad results. He takes a character we have known since childhood as being “wicked” and explores how and why she became known to be that way. In the end, he causes us to question whether or not she is, in fact, wicked.

Maguire also uses the political conflict surrounding the Animals to address issues of discrimination and subjugation. The Animals are different from ordinary animals in that they are sentient beings who can actually talk. In his story there are political factions that wish to treat the Animals as animals and take away their rights which are equal with humans. As the novel progresses the climate gradually grows less favorable for Animals through subtle changes in policies and legalized discrimination. It is a very interesting facet of the book and one that can be related to many current minorities that still face discrimination around the world.

As much as I love this book I feel I should offer a word of caution. At times the story is very dark and very bizarre. Unlike the material on which it is based this book is in no way intended for children or immature readers. There are a few scenes that are, quite frankly, twisted and perverted. It all lends itself to create a very specific tone to the book and to show that the land of Oz is far less than idyllic. I know several people who could not get through the book because of this darkness, but all I know who were able to make it through loved it.

Gregory Maguire created one of the most memorable characters I have ever had the pleasure of meeting when he created Elphaba. Her story was one of those that moved me deep within and stayed with me, not for a few days, but for weeks. Her life was doomed to be tragic from the start and my heart ached for her throughout. But tragedy is often where the most beautiful stories lie, and Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West is one of those instances.

What about you? Have you read Maguire’s tale of the Wicked Witch? If so, what did you think? What are some books you have read that stayed with you in the way this stayed with me? Let me know in the comments!