Long before Dorothy’s appearance in Oz, Elphaba was born with emerald skin, which marked her as different and scary. “Wicked” is the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West and asks a poignant question: What does it mean to be good?

We first meet Elphaba as she and her sister, Nessarose, begin their studies at Shiz University. Elphaba (Lauren Samuels) is a social outcast who has faced years of judgment. She’s a smart and talented sorceress who hasn’t yet learned to control her magic. When she is assigned to a room with the glittery Glinda (Austen Danielle Bohmer), it begins one of the most famous love/hate relationships of all time.

Samuels captures Elphaba’s insecurity, but also her fierce heart which fuels her passion as she calls out injustice and cruelty at the university. Who could imagine a government trying to shut down critical thinking and accurate history in higher education?

Glinda’s desire to be seen as good shows up in hilarious and hypocritical ways. Bohmer sparkles on stage, bright with charm and popularity, but the shiny exterior hides a shallow conscience that must choose between doing what’s right and doing what’s popular.

When they finally meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Blake Hammond), their choices lead them down wildly divergent yellow brick roads that lead to a dark castle with a young girl from Kansas, a tin man, a cowardly lion, and a bucket of water.

Everyone is not who they seem to be. Fiyero (Xavier McKinnon), the love interest for the two leads, displays nonchalant indifference at school but hides a caring heart. Madame Morrible (Aymee Garcia) is Dean of Sorcery Studies at Shiz University but also the manipulative spin doctor for the Wizard. Nessarose (Erica Ito) seems helplessly bound to a wheelchair but dreams of power. 

With dynamic vocals, a dazzling set and a timely message, “Wicked” casts a spell that leaves people cheering. When Samuels performs “Defying Gravity” at the end of the first act, the audience erupted in thunderous applause. Literally, thunderous. 

The fun score includes fan-favorite songs “Popular,” “I’m Not That Girl” and “For Good,” and the ensemble was radiant as Munchkins and citizens of Oz. 

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, “Wicked” has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, direction by Tony Award winner Joe Mantello and musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento.  

With more than 100 international awards, including a Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, “Wicked” is the 4th longest-running show in Broadway history. It celebrated its 21st Broadway anniversary in October. 

Presented by Zions Bank and Broadway at the Eccles, “Wicked” runs through May 25 at the Eccles Theater (131 Main Street) in Salt Lake. 

Tickets are available at SaltLakeCityBroadway.com.