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A Curated Cauldron of Wicked Links


Wicked: For Good has officially landed, and the pop-culture cauldron is bubbling over. Between the fashion deep dives, history threads, and behind-the-scenes lore, there’s a lot to sift through—so I gathered some of the most interesting reads in one place. From Elphaba’s now-infamous “sex cardigan” to Ariana Grande’s vulnerable Glinda couture, plus a few real-witch reactions (mine included), here’s your curated tour through everything Wicked. I’ve also added a few fun facts about how Wicked began life—not on stage, but on the page.


Me & Wicked

I loved Wicked before it was Wicked—back when the only witch in town was Margaret Hamilton, and The Wizard of Oz mysteriously aired every Easter for reasons no one has ever bothered to explain. For years, I thought I’d misremembered it, but no—my peers confirmed: pastel eggs, chocolate bunnies, and the Yellow Brick Road. Sure. Why not.


When I managed writers and editors, I kept tiny Elphaba and Glinda figurines on my desk. Every morning, I’d choose one to announce my mood. A low-tech, highly effective system. The munchkins knew exactly what kind of day they were walking into.


I wasn’t wild about the novel when it first came out, but the stage musical stole my heart. I saw it in London in 2007, and three more times after that, each performance a fresh spell. So yes, I awaited the film adaptation with the kind of breathless anticipation usually reserved for broomstick deliveries and full moons.


Wicked Fashion Statements


Yes, that cardigan. The heavy gray knit Elphaba slips on for her steamy duet with Fiyero (“As Long as You’re Mine”). The movie’s hottest scene … yet she bundles up like it’s cuddle weather. Fans were baffled; wardrobe had Thoughts. Worth the read.


NPR asked us. Turns out most witches appreciate the sympathetic Elphaba makeover, though a few of us raise a brow at Hollywood’s witchcraft revisions.


From the Bronze Age to Elphaba’s iconic silhouette—conical headwear has a long, twisty history involving medieval Europe, ancient cultures, and yes, the Spanish Inquisition. Two quick reads on why the pointy hat endures. Here's another short article on the history of witches' hats.


Elphaba, for the first time ever, trades the classic black dress for trousers in Wicked: For Good. Still green. Still fierce. And still absolutely a witch—just with better mobility.


Part Two is Glinda’s movie, and Ariana Grande wanted her bridal look to tell a story—one of heartbreak, growth, and emotional rawness. Costume as character arc? Yes, please.


Facts and History


BBC Bitesize runs through five infamous women accused of witchcraft across the centuries. A fun, fast dip into the ever-shifting definition of “wicked.” (Give the page a second to load—worth it.)

Wicked Easter Eggs

According to this article, Wicked: For Good has 29 Easter Eggs, and it provides the details about each one.




Facts about Wicked!

Fact 1. Gregory Maguire's book was released in 1995.

Fact 2. The musical first came to the Victoria Apollo in the London West End on the 27th of September 2006.

Fun fact 3. This year marks the 18th anniversary of Wicked.

Fact 4. The show is on the list of the top 10 longest-running musicals on the West End stage.

Fact 5. Wicked premiered on Broadway on October 30th, 2003. The original Broadway production of Wicked starred Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda and Idina Menzel as Elphaba. The original cast album received a Grammy Award.  


Wicked Trailer



Stay enchanted—


and occasionally unreasonable.


Yours in witchcraft, wonder, and well-chosen stories.

 
 
 

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