Wicked Review

“Wicked” isn’t just about witches and emerald cities; it’s about grappling with the rawest parts of ourselves. For me, the conversation between Elphaba and Fiyero during ‘Dancing Through Life’ resonated deeply. As Fiyero masks his unhappiness with a carefree façade, Elphaba’s sharp observation cuts through: ‘If you were really shallow, you wouldn’t be this unhappy.’ That moment wasn’t just a turning point for the characters—it felt like a callout to my younger self.

From a young age, I’ve struggled with this duality. When someone asked me what I’d like to change about myself, I didn’t say my looks or my intelligence. I said, ‘My expectations.’ I’ve always wanted to escape the weight of knowing too much, feeling too much, expecting too much—not just of others but of myself. Watching Fiyero’s conflict unfold in ‘Dancing Through Life,’ I saw my own internal battle on the screen.

Dancing Through Life’ feels like an anthem for those who wish to escape the messiness of being human. It’s a seductive ideal—float through life, stay shallow, and avoid the sharp edges. But, as Elphaba so perfectly calls out, the unhappiness seeps in when that simplicity is a lie. This tension between wanting to let go and being unable to unsee the depth of things is one I’ve lived with, too.

The beauty of this scene in ‘Wicked’ is how it reminds us that to feel deeply, to care, and to expect more is not a curse—it’s a gift. Yes, it’s heavy, but it’s also what makes life vivid. Watching Fiyero’s mask slip and seeing Elphaba call it out felt like a validation of my own struggles. It’s okay to wish for lightness, but the truth is, we’re not meant to dance through life. We’re meant to feel it, every messy, complicated part.