Wicked in the Land of Oz: A Look Back at the Wonderful Wizard of Oz

There is no more culturally impactful piece of media than Frank L. Baum’s ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.’ Indeed, it has transcended time. Over its 125 years, ‘Wizard’ has been adapted dozens of times from radio to podcast to film to stage. With its newest adaptation, ‘Wicked: For Good’, destined for theaters this weekend, the time seemed pertinent for a look back at ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and its place in American Culture.

From Book to Stage to Screen

Released in September 1900, Frank L. Baum’s ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” served as a commentary on the financial situation of the United States at the turn of the 20th century. The famous story goes that Dorothy’s slippers are ruby in the film because of Technicolor. In originality, they were a commentary on the silver and gold standard playing in contrast to, you guessed it, the yellow brick road.
As time has passed, the story itself has grown a life outside of Baum’s original intentions, becoming iconically known for its music more than for its take-down of American financial standards.
First brought to the stage in 1902, ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ was first adapted into two silent film versions in 1910 and 1925. These early versions would keep the story alive and in the public ether until the girl from Kansas arrived in Technicolor in 1939.

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Victor Fleming’s adaptation, ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ would catapult Baum’s work into the stratosphere of American Culture. With its color transition, the movie was a spectacle. The film would make Judy Garland an American Icon and change movie-making forever. The film, to this day, has made an astounding $25 billion worldwide and is currently seeing a renaissance playing at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

The Cultural Impact of the Wizard

Not only has ‘Wizard’ found ways to transcend generations, but it has also transcended other cultural barriers as well. Sidney Lumet’s 1978 adaptation ‘The Wiz’ featured an all black cast starring Diana Ross as Dorothy, Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow, Nipsey Russell as the Tin Man, and Ted Ross as the Lion, and itself was an adaptation of the play, ‘The Wiz,’ that hit stages 4 years prior. Reflecting the black experience, ‘The Wiz’ tackled social inequalities through themes of Black culture and community strength.

The most recent adaptation of Baum’s work, Gregory Maguire’s ‘Wicked,’ reimagined the events prior to Dorothy arriving in Oz. The book, followed by the megasuccessful stage adaptation, explored ideas of prejudice, social identity, and societal marginalization. The message of societal inclusivity, while questioning the status quo, has garnered new legions of fans and entire communities. ‘The Wiz’ and ‘Wicked’ gave The Wizard its message back, bringing back the commentary on society that was a trademark of the original book.

We’re Off to See the Wizard

‘The Wizard’ is looking to have another monumental weekend as ‘Wicked: For Good’ preps for landing this Friday. The Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-led film is looking to have a massive premiere, and I, for one, am STOKED. I’ve got my tickets. I’m going on Sunday. IMAX BABY!

Looking back at its role in American history and culture, it’s safe to say that there is no other piece of American literature that has had the impact that Frank L. Baum’s ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” has had. It continues to truly stand the test of time: A monument to American Culture.

Wicked: For Good is in Theaters THIS FRIDAY

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Are you excited? Let us know in the comments!