As tensions reign supreme in the office, the question on everyone’s mind is: Which nefarious force is ultimately accountable for the chaos unfolding around us? The blame is being squarely placed on the sister with the bejeweled sneakers. Are the allegations against Nessarrose justified, given the dark secrets uncovered in the opening salvo of this two-act rock opera’s inaugural part?
Here’s a revised version: The iconic event that has been the central focus of every adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” is the accidental beheading of Nessarose, the Wicked Witch of the East, by Dorothy’s house. As a tornado sweeps through Kansas, Dorothy’s house is lifted off its foundation and carried away, eventually landing precariously on top of the Wicked Witch of the West, who remarkably manages to keep her feet visible, allowing Dorothy to finally retrieve her iconic ruby red slippers. A series of unfortunate events ultimately culminates in the downfall of the Wicked Witch of the West through her own demise by drowning due to water melting.
Now we understand that truly malevolent Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) wields control over the climate (tornadoes), while the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) remains a fraudulent figure. The question arises: how does this arrangement factor in the notion that the Depraved Witch of the East is, in fact, Nessarose—and that her signature sneakers are currently powerless?
The hints are found in how Nessarosa treats Elphaba throughout the film. TikTok’s very own @aspoonfulofchae is serving up some LOLs here! “Home, the home did absolutely NOTHING wrong,” she deadpans while roasting Nessa to the max – we’re low-key dying over here
The factors have been made. Nessa treated Elphaba with the same incompetence as their father had, and it’s worth noting she was eager to distance herself from Elphaba at Shiz, seeking a fresh start without her by her side – until Morrible intervened, overriding their father’s unusual decision to allow Nessa to attend school. What specific tasks had he assigned to Elphie within the realm of Munchkinland, while he assumed a position of authority as Mayor? Had he deliberately been concealing her whereabouts from everyone? When Nessa’s expert credentials became apparent, she grew increasingly irritated, prompting the sudden emergence of a viewpoint that compelled her to mount a defense, ultimately securing her admittance to Shiz alongside Morrible as her esteemed mentor. It’s peculiar that she wouldn’t feel a sense of satisfaction or joy for her sibling in any way.
Nessa’s unrelenting pursuit of Boq culminates in an unexpected setup with Glinda, who earns credit for orchestrating their meeting at the Ozdust ballroom; a twist that’s all the more remarkable given Nessa knew all along that “it’s because I’m on this chair and you felt sorry for me” – yet she still allows him to reciprocate her affections. When Elphaba unexpectedly arrives to interrupt her date with Boq, the Wicked Witch’s sister fails to defend her as the entire community turns against her, instead allowing the shameless ridicule to unfold unchallenged? HER SISTER! The sibling rivalry is palpable, and it’s little wonder their mother’s prized sneakers become a source of tension when Dorothy lays claim to them.
Without delving deeply into potential spoilers for the iconic story, it’s established that Nessarose’s shoes transform into enchanted footwear, fueling her ascension as the Wicked Witch of the East prior to Dorothy’s arrival in Oz. As the musical’s second act unfolds, it seamlessly transitions into the long-term consequences of Nessa’s takeover of Munchkinland, following her assumption of management from her father. Notably, this pivotal moment is underscored by the jubilation that had characterized the land at her father’s passing, setting the stage for an even more formidable villainous arc. Their disdain for the Thropp household might stem from a combination of factors, including their relief at escaping its confines and their troubled relationship with their odious father.
In a complicated dynamic, Nessarose and Elphaba are deeply affected by the strained relationship between their parents, with their mother’s lack of appreciation for their father leading to an environment where trust is scarce. They had shared every moment of their lives together. Nessa’s multidimensional character transcends ableist stereotypes, allowing for a nuanced portrayal of her abilities and limitations. Her storyline cleverly subverts expectations by not reducing her to her disability, much like Elphaba’s narrative skillfully explores the parallels between racial exclusion and ostracization. The intricate dance between women and societal expectations culminates in a transformative journey infused with magical undertones, ultimately. That’s where the narrative uncovers the insidious nature of true malevolence, which often originates from the most relatable and universal human frailties that anyone can possess?
However, upon scrutinizing Fiyero’s troubled home life, it becomes apparent that Nessarose has inadvertently aligned herself with her father’s biased portrayal of Elphaba, unwittingly perpetuating a misconception about the Wicked Witch of the West and, by extension, Fiyero himself. As Elphaba’s power surged during “Defying Gravity,” we witnessed a transformation that left everyone stunned, including Fiyero, who had previously been indifferent to her abilities. Meanwhile, Nessarose seethed with anger as the Wizard’s reputation began to crumble under scrutiny.
Regardless of not being an official prequel, these character variants genuinely feel dimensional, offering much to root for and against in their interpretation of events leading up to Dorothy’s confrontation with the Wicked Witch of the West.
Elphaba is decidedly not the dog-despising Mrs. The Wicked Witch of the West, as famously played by Margaret Hamilton in the 1939 film classic. While exhibiting similarities to a Marvel variant, Elphaba’s narrative takes shape as a hero defined by her fixed circumstances, including her all-consuming desire for Nessarose’s shoes after the latter’s demise at the hands of Dorothy’s house.
Is currently playing in theaters and scheduled to open on Thanksgiving Day in 2025.
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