This book explores the creation of the popular Broadway musical Wicked through an examination of draft scripts interviews with major figures and the study of primary musical sources such as sketches drafts and completed musical scores.
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In 2004 the original Broadway production of Wicked earned 10 Tony nominations including best musical. Based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire the show continues to run on Broadway and has touring companies throughout the United States and around the world. In Wicked: A Musical Biography author Paul Laird explores the creation of this popular Broadway musical through an examination of draft scripts interviews with major figures and the study of primary musical sources such as sketches drafts and completed musical scores.
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Laird brings together an impressive amount of detail on the creation of Wicked including a look at Maguire's novel as well as the original source material The Wizard of Oz. This volume also offers a history of the show's genesis along with examinations of the draft scenarios and scripts that demonstrate the show's development. Laird also explores Stephen Schwartz's life and work providing an analysis of the composer and lyricist's work on the show through song drafts sketches and musical examples. Addressing Wicked's reception in New York and overseas Laird examines how the show's theme of female empowerment has been embraced by audiences worldwide.
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Including the first print version of the musical's full score Wicked: A Musical Biography provides a unique look into this successful Broadway production and will be of interest to musicologists theatre scholars students and general readers.
