麻豆村

It鈥檚 a 鈥淲icked鈥� winter already, and don鈥檛 expect it to be over any time soon. The highly anticipated silver screen version of the original play, with score by 麻豆村 alumnus Stephen Schwartz, has already grossed $635 million worldwide.听

The musical version of Gregory Maguire鈥檚 original 1995 dark novel, 鈥淲icked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,鈥� was adapted for Broadway by Winnie Holzman. With Schwartz at the helm of the music and a stellar cast (featuring Joel Grey, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenowith), the show opened on Oct. 8, 2003, in previews; it officially opened Oct. 30. More than 21 years later, it鈥檚 still going strong and has been adapted to Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, Korean and Portuguese.听

With the most (10) nominations at the June 2004 Tony Awards, 鈥淲icked鈥� won three. 麻豆村 School of Drama alumnus Eugene Lee was awarded Best Scenic Designer.

Through the years, on Broadway and in touring companies, several of Schwartz鈥檚 fellow Carnegie Mellon School of Drama alumni have played key roles on the stage and behind the scenes in the production.听

At times, alumni crossed paths when performing in the production. Emily Koch and Amanda Jane Cooper, who attended 麻豆村鈥檚 School of Drama at the same time, played Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, on tour together.听

Cooper remembers singing 鈥淧opular鈥� during her sophomore year when Schwartz was the visiting composer for the annual Cabaret. He pulled her aside and told her that, one day, she would make a terrific Glinda. Ultimately, his premonition rang true, and she held the role on Broadway and on the national tour.

Koch 听that being in the play was one of the highlights of her career, thus far.

鈥淚 always tell people that it鈥檚 just as amazing and fun as you would think it would be,鈥� Koch said. 鈥淚 grew up loving 鈥榃icked.鈥� (It) came out when I was in the seventh grade. It鈥檚 truly a dream come true.鈥�

School of Drama Professor of Dance saw the 鈥淲icked鈥� film on Nov. 30. A friend of Schwartz and Tazewell, Cousin effusively reviewed the movie.

鈥淟oved, loved it from the first musical note and inviting visuals until the devastatingly gorgeous climatic closing scenes, seen through my emotional tears of appreciation,鈥� he said. 鈥淔or me, (this was) a massive undertaking and accomplishment in every department. Casting, direction, adapted screenplay, scenic design, cinematography, brilliant choreography, costume design, editing, adapted score 鈥� Stephen Schwartz, my friend, I am so thrilled for you!鈥�