Why Wicked Isn’t Quite There Yet and May Never Be

It is a common perception that Wicked has not yet reached the level of greatness often attributed to other notable Broadway musicals. This perception is not a reflection of its quality or its ability to appeal to audiences. Rather, it is simply a matter of timing and opportunities that have yet to align in its favor.

The Key to Broadway Greatness: Revivals

One of the critical factors in determining a Broadway show's greatness is the presence of revivals. Revivals are pivotal in gauging whether a show can maintain its relevance and appeal to new generations of audiences, performers, directors, and critics. These revivals often provide the critical reassessment and new perspectives necessary to cement a musical's enduring legacy.

Examples of Successful Revivals

For instance, a film version can also help a musical find its place among the greats. The success of the film "West Side Story" with its 10 Oscars played a crucial role in solidifying its status as a legendary musical. Similarly, in the case of "Gypsy", a West End revival featuring a different star, followed by a Broadway transfer, solidified the show's enduring greatness by cementing the star's Tony Award-winning performance.

Contemporary Broadway Trends

Modern Broadway hits run much longer and their productions remain unchanged for extended periods, aimed at attracting repeat visitors. Therefore, Wicked has not yet had the same quality of revival opportunities that shows like "West Side Story" or "Gypsy" have had. It could potentially still achieve great status, but it may also remain what it is today: a massively popular hit. Unfortunately, a film version of Wicked is unlikely to materialize, which means it lacks one of the critical elements for canonization.

Arguing Against Wicked’s Greatness

Assigning Wicked to the category of great musicals, as is often done, is a matter of personal preference. Historically, great musicals are often considered classics such as "Showboat," "Oklahoma!," "My Fair Lady," and "The Music Man". Adding to the greats list would be a subjective choice, but Wicked does not easily fit into that category for many.

Taste and Commercial Success

Some argue that Wicked is considered great due to its commercial success and favorable reviews, particularly by critics like The New York Times. However, personally, I view this as a form of conceit that relies heavily on the fame of the original work, "The Wizard of Oz". I find this approach to be rather lazy, as it doesn't truly reflect the merits of the musical on its own terms.

Comparison with Other Works

Works like Tom Stoppard’s "Rosencrantz Guildenstern Are Dead" serve as a benchmark for complex and thought-provoking storytelling. However, Wicked seems to lack the depth and critical engagement that these other works provide. It's a popular success, but whether it can be called a great musical is up for debate.

Ultimately, whether Wicked will ever be considered a great musical is a question of time and perspective. While it has achieved significant commercial success and has won numerous awards, its status as a great musical remains questionable without the kind of revival or film adaptation that can solidify its place in the pantheon of Broadway classics.