7 Shocking Secrets Behind How Wicked The Musical Truly Ends (It’s Not What You Think)
For fans who have only seen The Wizard of Oz, the ending of Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz is a stunning, emotional, and complex twist on the classic tale. As of late
The musical’s finale, centered on the powerful ballad "For Good," delivers a bittersweet resolution where one witch chooses a life of freedom and the other chooses a life of responsibility, forever altering the history of Oz. This article breaks down the definitive ending of the stage production, the secret fate of its main characters, and the key differences that have sparked debate among fans for years.
The Untold Story: Key Biographies of the Witches and Creators
The enduring legacy of Wicked is built upon the genius of its creators and the iconic performances of its leading stars. The following entities are central to the musical’s history and current cultural moment:
- Stephen Schwartz (Composer & Lyricist): An American musical theatre titan known for his work on Godspell and Pippin. He wrote the unforgettable music and lyrics for Wicked, including the anthems "Defying Gravity" and "For Good."
- Winnie Holzman (Book Writer): The librettist who adapted Gregory Maguire's novel for the stage. Her book is credited with streamlining the novel's complex plot and centering the story on the powerful friendship between Elphaba and Glinda.
- Idina Menzel (Original Elphaba): The Tony Award-winning actress and singer who originated the role of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, on Broadway in 2003, setting the standard for the character's emotional depth and vocal power.
- Kristin Chenoweth (Original Glinda): The Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress who originated the role of Glinda, the Good Witch, on Broadway, defining the character's bubbly personality and underlying vulnerability.
- Cynthia Erivo (Movie Elphaba): The Academy Award-nominated actress and singer who takes on the role of Elphaba in the two-part film adaptation, bringing a fresh, powerhouse interpretation to the green witch.
- Ariana Grande (Movie Glinda): The pop superstar and actress cast as Glinda in the film adaptation, marking a highly anticipated return to her musical theatre roots.
- Jonathan Bailey (Movie Fiyero): Known for his role in Bridgerton, Bailey plays Fiyero in the film, the love interest caught between the two witches.
- Elphaba Thropp: The protagonist, born with green skin, who becomes the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West. Her journey is one of social injustice and fighting for what is right.
- Glinda Upland: The popular, initially shallow student who becomes the revered Glinda the Good, ultimately choosing duty over personal happiness.
- Fiyero Tigelaar: The Vinkus Prince and romantic interest, who transforms into the Scarecrow to save Elphaba.
- The Wizard of Oz: The deceptive, corrupt leader of the Emerald City, revealed to be a powerless man from Kansas.
- Madame Morrible: The manipulative headmistress of Shiz University and the Wizard's co-conspirator, who possesses the power to control the weather.
- Nessarose Thropp: Elphaba's sister, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the East and whose death sets the events of The Wizard of Oz in motion.
- Doctor Dillamond: The sentient Goat professor whose persecution by the Wizard sparks Elphaba's rebellion.
- The Grimmerie: The ancient, magical book of spells that only Elphaba can read.
- The Silver Slippers: Nessarose's magical shoes, which are stolen and end up on Dorothy Gale's feet.
The Definitive Ending of Wicked The Musical, Scene by Scene
The musical’s conclusion is a masterclass in dramatic irony and revisionist history, directly setting up the events of the classic 1939 film while providing a satisfying, albeit bittersweet, resolution for its main characters. The final moments take place at the Wizard's palace, where a mob is closing in on Elphaba.
The Fake "Melting" and Elphaba's Great Escape
The climax of the musical revolves around Elphaba's supposed "melting," a moment Glinda witnesses from behind a tapestry. In the stage production, this is a meticulously choreographed deception.
- The Setup: Elphaba, having been hunted as the "Wicked Witch of the West," arranges a secret meeting with Glinda. She gives Glinda the *Grimmerie* and asks her to use its magic to fight the Wizard and Madame Morrible.
- The Sacrifice: Elphaba tells Glinda that the only way to save her reputation and allow her to become "Glinda the Good" is for the world to believe Elphaba is truly gone.
- The Deception: When Dorothy Gale throws a bucket of water on Elphaba, the green witch is actually hiding beneath a trap door on the stage. She has used a potion to create the illusion of her melting, leaving behind only her black hat and cloak.
- The Twist: Glinda believes she has witnessed the death of her friend, solidifying the public's perception of her as the Good Witch who helped defeat the Wicked Witch. This is the ultimate act of friendship, ensuring Glinda's safety and power.
The Fate of Fiyero: From Scarecrow Back to Prince
One of the most satisfying reveals for fans is the true fate of Fiyero. Earlier in Act Two, Fiyero is captured by the Wizard’s guards while helping Elphaba escape. To save him from torture, Elphaba casts a spell to protect him, believing she has turned him into a heartless, straw-stuffed Scarecrow.
- The Transformation: The spell Elphaba casts to "protect" Fiyero actually transforms him into the very Scarecrow that Dorothy Gale later encounters.
- The Reveal: In the final scene, after the mob has dispersed, the Scarecrow is seen approaching Elphaba's "melting" spot. He is revealed to be Fiyero, who, having been immune to the water and the mob's attack, regains his human form.
- The Happy Ending: The final image of the musical is Elphaba and Fiyero walking off together, alive and in love, to an unknown place where they can be free from the judgment of Oz.
The Bittersweet Resolution: Glinda’s Choice and the Meaning of "For Good"
While Elphaba and Fiyero achieve a private happy ending, Glinda's fate is one of public triumph and personal tragedy. She is left alone to confront the moral responsibility of her new role as Glinda the Good.
The Fall of the Corrupt Regime
Glinda uses the political power she has gained and the evidence provided by Elphaba to depose the corrupt Wizard and Madame Morrible.
- Madame Morrible’s Punishment: Glinda exposes Madame Morrible’s lies and manipulations, including the creation of the Flying Monkeys and her complicity in the Wizard’s deceit. Morrible is stripped of her power and sent to prison.
- The Wizard’s Exile: The Wizard, revealed to be a powerless charlatan from another world, is forced to leave Oz in his hot air balloon, returning to the anonymity he deserves.
- Glinda’s Ascension: Glinda is left as the sole, legitimate ruler of Oz, now truly earning the title of Glinda the Good Witch. She promises to rule with integrity and to correct the social injustices Elphaba fought against.
The True Meaning of "For Good"
The song "For Good," sung by Elphaba and Glinda just before the "melting," is the emotional core of the finale. It is a powerful testament to the theme of friendship and its lasting impact.
The song's lyrics reflect the understanding that even though their paths diverge, they have changed each other "for good." Elphaba taught Glinda to look beneath the surface of people and politics, while Glinda taught Elphaba to embrace her unique identity and find a sense of belonging. The true ending is not about good versus evil, but about the profound, transformative power of this unlikely bond.
The New Twist: How the Wicked Movie Ending Compares to the Musical
The release of the two-part film adaptation, Wicked: Part One and Wicked: For Good, has brought renewed attention to the finale, with the second movie offering a slightly different emphasis than the original Broadway show. This is a crucial distinction for modern fans.
While the core plot—Elphaba fakes her death, escapes with Fiyero, and Glinda stays behind—remains intact, the film reportedly adds a significant coda. In some interpretations of the movie's ending, the magical book, the Grimmerie, opens for Glinda, suggesting that she may now possess magical abilities or that her journey as a powerful witch is just beginning.
This subtle change shifts the focus. The musical’s final image emphasizes Glinda’s solitude and sacrifice: she stands alone, a powerful but heartbroken figure. The movie’s potential addition of the *Grimmerie* opening for Glinda puts a greater emphasis on her future as a magical protector of Oz, suggesting a more hopeful and magically empowered path for her than the original stage production explicitly showed.
Ultimately, the definitive ending of Wicked the musical is a brilliant subversion of the classic fairy tale. The Wicked Witch of the West is not defeated; she is liberated. The Good Witch is not simply born; she is forged through heartbreak and a commitment to justice. Elphaba and Fiyero live happily ever after, while Glinda fulfills her destiny, proving that the most powerful magic of all is the bond of friendship that changes you "for good."
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