How is Dorothy’s participation in the musical?

A success in Brazilian cinemas, the focus of the story of “Wicked”, a plot that emerged as a book in 1995 and gained popularity after becoming a Broadway musical, is the relationship between Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (played by Ariana Grande), however, Dorothy, the main character of “The Wizard of Oz”, makes a brief appearance.

Despite being the protagonist in the classic film of the same name released in 1939, and starring Judy GarlandDorothy’s presence is significantly reduced in “Wicked”, both the 2024 film adaptation and the stage show. However, your participation is essential for the development of the narrative.

In “The Wizard of Oz”, Dorothy Gale is transported to the Land of Oz after surviving a cyclone in her hometown of Kansas. Accompanied by new friends, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion, she heads down the Yellow Brick Road to meet the Wizard of Oz, the only one who could take her back home, and make her dreams come true. your companions.

“Wicked”, on the other hand, offers a reinterpretation of events prior to Dorothy’s arrival in Oz, and during the events of the original tale. As a result, the character’s role becomes secondary in the musical, although her brief appearance suggests a possible greater prominence in the sequel scheduled to debut next year.

Dorothy in ‘Wicked’

The film adaptation of “Wicked,” released last week, begins similarly to the Broadway musical, with the number “No One Mourns The Wicked.” In the scene, Glinda recalls her connection with Elphaba and the beginning of their friendship, while Munchkinland celebrates the Wicked Witch’s apparent death thanks to Dorothy, who reportedly melted her with a bucket of water — just as presented in the 1939 film.

With that, Dorothy and her companions — Toto, The Tin Man, The Scarecrow and The Cowardly Lion — are seen back to back on the Yellow Brick Road carrying Elphaba’s broom towards the Emerald City.

Dorothy’s initial appearance in the film “Wicked” is short, preceding “No One Mourns The Wicked”. However, the film’s trailers featured other scenes of her wearing silver shoes and interacting with the Wizard himself (played in the adaptation by Jeff Goldblum), although these sequences do not appear in the first part.

As the portal ScreenRant explains, in the plot presented by the Broadway musical, Dorothy is also purposely kept out of the spotlight. Although it is possible to notice clear references to her presence, especially in the second act, when the events of “The Wizard of Oz” are discussed, Dorothy never physically appears on stage, just her silhouette throwing the bucket of water at Elphaba.

With that in mind, it’s possible that Dorothy’s role will remain low-key in Wicked and its sequel. After all, the main focus is on Elphaba and the true story of the Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda. Still, there are hopes about a possible increase in Dorothy’s role in next year’s sequel compared to the original stage production.

“Wicked” is now in theaters, while “Wicked: Part 2” is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025.

Also read: Understand the complete timeline of ‘Wicked’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’