The lyrics go something like this… “It’s time to try defying gravity. I think I’ll try defying gravity, and you can’t pull me down.”
If they sound familiar, these are a few of the lyrics from “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway musical “Wicked“. The musical is a prequel to the infamous “The Wizard of Oz“. In fact, it is often spoken of as the what really happened before Dorothy dropped in on Oz.
I had first seen Wicked for my 40th birthday weekend with Maureen in 2005. It was then the hottest show ticket in town. I fell in love with the show. The production was outrageously colorful and so entertaining! The soundtrack played weekly in the car and at home. Maureen had given me a copy of “The Grimmerie“ – a documented piece of how the show was created. Julia discovered the big green book one day. She studied the shows production from start to finish. By the time she was 10, she had the entire timeline of the show’s history memorized and could tell me every actor involved with the show along with their career trajectory.
So, in the summer of 2010 we boarded a train to New York City with two tickets to Wicked in hand. I purchased a package with a pre-show option to go behind stage and experience the costumes and history of the show. One of the cast members led us through the tour and graciously took pictures with Jules. Watching Julia light up during each scene made my heart melt. A spark reached Julia and changed her for good. When Julia returned to school that fall, her music teacher announced that the fifth grade would produce “The Wizard of Oz“. Well… You know where this was going! A few months later, Jules was belting out her songs and lines as the Coroner of Munchkinland on the Central Boulevard Elementary Schoo stage. Our Broadway Baby had arrived.
Wicked became a staple in our house. The soundtrack was always on now. Jules and I would forever cast our picks for Glinda and Elphaba while we discussed the themes of the show. Each year the discussion turned deeper as we realized that the story wasn’t just about the land of Oz. It involved good versus evil, powerful female friendships, corruption, and above all – staying true to yourself and rising above it all. Last week, the movie version of WICKED was FINALLY released in theaters. Julia and her pal Maura scored opening night tickets(thank you Maura!). Julia was glowing when she floated in after her night out. She was all choked up when she said “mom, I have no words. Just wait.“ Today, at 4 p.m. the past 14 years came down to two girls munching on popcorn and Powerade in Row K – seats one and two. For 2 hours and 40 minutes we were silent only to gasp at a few choice scenes.
As the credits rolled, I burst into tears. I thought to myself , this journey started when my girl was 10. Now, at 24 she has the whole world open to her. She can go after anything she wants – live where she wants – follow her dreams – form fierce, friendships, and hopefully fall madly in love. Most of all – I hope she finds herself wrapped up doing something she loves. Julia, it’s time to spread your wings and fly. It’s time to try defying gravity.
I love you,
Madre
Mobile Order For Karen 