Wickedly genius... the three of us in the brisk night air, heels clicking on pavement and dodging cars so we could grab that last Starbucks before curtain call. What a magically energized evening we had in San Francisco. The show was breath taking and powerful - and the girls got to have their programs signed by three of the cast members, including Teal Wick who played the lead of Elphaba. It was perfect.
(Girls and Nessa)
(Girls and the Wizard)
(Girls and Elphaba!)
(Wicked, wicked woman! ;)
Here's the thing about Elphaba: I identify with her... from the first time a listened to the rhythms of the sound track and took the words to Defying Gravity deep into my soul.
It spoke to my heart and as I was able to piece together her story I found more of myself there - and now more of my own children. Humanity. Those disappointments, those losses that nothing makes up for but we endure anyway - those deep sorrows or regrets or betrayals that seem insurmountable but we navigate the peak and enter the valley anyway... The great majesty of the human spirit - the will to survive when ceasing might be easier. And I love that.
I love knowing how to Live. I love the power to choose Joy. I love Faith over fear.
And I found this in Elphaba. Her character in the musical is so stridently her own person and yet as we all are, so profoundly in need of being loved and understood and accepted without reservation... the power is knowing that if she never has these things, she will still be. She will be Herself. Nothing changes that, nothing diminishes her strength and need for freedom - nothing will 'pull her down.' It is in the character, Elphaba that I see my own ability to do more than just survive, but to 'fly.' Indeed in some miraculous twist of fate, the experience of something painful leads to that which will allow Elphaba to achieve her potential - a potential without limits.
This speaks to me.
Of all the beautifully crafted songs, Defying Gravity is my favorite and in that one composition, the line that strikes my heart most deeply is:
And if I'm flying solo,
At least I'm flying free.
To those who'd ground me,
Take a message back from me:
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity!
And an important side note regarding Elphaba: in a happenstance sort of way, she is rewarded by the one thing she does crave, would dare to hope for if she could - but cannot afford to wish for - love.
Brilliant.
