Good Evening TXK
“Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”
This quote from Glinda, in the opening moments of Wicked, sets the tone for a story that is about so much more than just a flashy musical spectacle, as I first assumed it would be. It’s a question that resonates deeply, echoing in a cancel-culture world that is quick to label others and jump to conclusions. As someone who has always loathed musicals (yes, I know that is practically blasphemous), I didn’t expect Wicked to captivate me the way it did. But here I am, three viewings deep, utterly obsessed—and with a lot to say about its message.
For the uninitiated, Wicked is the previously untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, set long before Dorothy dropped into Oz. Elphaba (the “wicked” witch) is misunderstood and ostracized for her green skin and her strong moral compass, while Glinda is her fabulous, ambitious, and, at times, a bit frustratingly superficial counterpart.
The two form an unlikely friendship that is tested by societal pressures, political corruption, and their own personal growth. By the end of the first film, Elphaba has embraced her label of “wicked,” not because she is inherently bad, but because the world has forced her into that role. It’s such a complex, deeply layered story told with beautiful costumes and moving songs, while simultaneously being so emotional that it leaves you both inspired and heartbroken all at once.
I went into Wicked with low expectations. Truthfully, my dislike for musicals had me ready to be annoyed throughout the film. However, I am a sucker for Ariana Grande (Glinda), and I saw how much passion was put into this film through its promotional material, so I gave it a shot. From the opening scene, I was hooked. By the end of the movie, I wasn’t just a fan—I was a believer. And here is why...
In today’s world, I feel like we are so quick to brand people as “wicked” or “good,” often based on limited information or knee-jerk reactions. We buy into the idea that our perception is everything, but what if our perception is wrong? I’ve always hated hearing people being labeled as “bad.” It felt so reductive—as if someone’s entire worth could be dwindled down to a single word. Life isn’t black and white, and people aren’t one-dimensional. Good and bad coexist in all of us, with good pulling on one shoulder and evil pulling on the other, like a back-and-forth tug of war. Wicked illustrates that beautifully.
Take Glinda, for instance. A family friend who joined me for my second viewing (yes, second) asked, “Am I supposed to love her or hate her?” The genius of Ariana Grande’s performance lies in making you feel both. Glinda is kind and well-meaning, but also vain and afraid to leave the comfort of her (metaphorical but also literal) pink bubble. She’s a complex individual, and that is the point. No one is purely good or evil—we’re all multitudes of contradictions. That is what makes us human.
And then there is Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo. All she wants is to do what she feels is right, but she’s punished for it at every turn. Her green skin becomes a metaphor for being “othered,” for standing out in a world that values conformity over authenticity. Watching her embrace her “wicked” label is both empowering and tragic. On one hand, it is empowering seeing her come into her own, but seeing how she finally gets to this point feels tragic. How often do we see this in real life? People are ostracized, ridiculed, and boxed into roles they never chose, simply because it’s easier for people to label than it would be to understand.
Seeing Elphaba lean into her wickedness while staying true to herself is a triumphant yet heart wrenching moment. It’s a warning about the dangers of labeling—how pushing people into corners can lead them to become what we fear most. And while this plays out in the fantastical world of Oz on the big screen, it’s a stark reality we face every single day.
My own experiences with being labeled have shaped who I am. Growing up, I knew what it was like to feel boxed in by others’ perceptions, to have my intentions misunderstood and my actions judged harshly… to be “othered.” Like Glinda’s bubble, those labels can become a prison, trapping people in roles they never wanted to play.
As we step into 2025, I want to challenge all of us (myself included) to be slower to judge and quicker to listen. Let’s take a page from James 1:9, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Instead of pointing fingers, let’s extend a hand. Instead of assuming, let’s ask questions. And instead of labeling, let’s strive to understand.
I never thought a musical—a genre I’ve avoided my entire life—would teach me such profound lessons. But Wicked isn’t just a musical. It’s a mirror held up to society, challenging us to see beyond what we think we know and seek the actual truth. It’s a story about friendship, identity, and the gray areas of morality. And it’s a cinematic masterpiece that deserves to be seen in theaters, where its grandeur and depth can be fully appreciated. But if you find you have missed that opportunity, take my advice and find it on your streaming services.
There is so much more I could say, but I’d only be scratching the surface. Wicked is a testament to the power of storytelling, and its message is one I’ll carry with me long after the credits roll. As you watch, remember, no one is just one thing. We’re all just works in progress, navigating our way through a colorful, complicated world. Let’s give each other the grace to grow, to change, and to defy the gravity of the labels that try to define us.
LIVE MUSIC
January 4
Jeff Ruby
La Fogata Bar & Grill
6 pm
January 4
Birds of a Feather
Fat Jacks Oyster and Sports Bar
January 11
Saving For Tuesday
Fat Jacks Oyster and Sports Bar
January 16
Phil Wickham “Singalong Tour”
First Baptist Church
7 pm
January 18
Rock Bottom String Band
The Arrow Bar
9-12 pm
January 25
Clint & The Cosmic Wake
Fat Jacks Oyster and Sports Bar
January 31
Bobcat One-Man Band
The Wild Hare
LOCAL EVENTS
January 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Free Wednesday Yoga
Southwest Center
5:30-6:30 pm
January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Children’s Story Time
Salty Boutique & Books
10:30 am
January 3
Music and Moves
Texarkana Regional Arts Center
10:00-10:45 am
January 7-February 22
Art Club Winter Art Show
Texarkana Regional Art Center
January 8, 15, 22, & 29
Storytime with Mrs. Nancy
Texarkana Public Library
January 10
Downtown Live!
Downtown Texarkana
6-9 pm
January 13
Texarkana College Ribbon Cutting for the Aviation Mechanic Technology Program
TC Hangar at the Texarkana Regional Airport
10:30 am
January 16
Expressive Drawing with Kay Thomas
Texarkana Regional Arts Center
6-8 pm
January 23
Valentines Candlesticks with Chris Thomas
518 Pine St, Texarkana, TX
6-8 pm
