Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of the themes and characters in the musical "Wicked," as well as connections to various subjects including Art, English, History, Math, Music, Physical Education, Science, and Social Studies. The student will also create a project that reflects their learnings and insights from the musical.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pen for notes and reflections
• Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, or paints)
• Access to "Wicked" soundtrack (can be listened to online or through a device)
• Research materials (books or articles about the musical, its themes, and its historical context)
• Basic math tools (calculator, paper) for calculations in activities

Activities

• Character Analysis: The student will choose a character from "Wicked" (Elphaba, Glinda, or Fiyero) and write a character analysis. This should include their motivations, relationships, and how they change throughout the story. The student can illustrate their character with drawings or a collage.

• Musical Composition: The student will listen to a few songs from "Wicked" and analyze the lyrics. They will then create their own lyrics inspired by the themes of friendship, identity, or acceptance, and can even compose a simple melody to accompany their lyrics.

• Historical Context Research: The student will research the historical and social contexts that influenced the writing of "Wicked." They will create a timeline that highlights key events and figures related to the themes of the musical.

• Physical Movement Activity: The student will create a short dance or movement sequence that represents the conflict between Elphaba and Glinda. They can incorporate elements of storytelling through movement, focusing on how the characters express their emotions.

• Math in Music: The student will explore the concept of rhythm in music by calculating the beats per minute in a selected song from "Wicked." They will create a simple chart to show their findings and discuss how rhythm affects the mood of the music.

Talking Points

• "Wicked is a retelling of the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, but from the perspective of the witches. What do you think about this different viewpoint?"
• "Elphaba represents the idea of being an outsider. How does this relate to your own experiences?"
• "The theme of friendship is central to the story. What qualities do you think are important in a true friend?"
• "The musical includes themes of power and corruption. Can you think of examples in history where these themes have played a significant role?"
• "Music can express emotions in ways that words cannot. How do the songs in 'Wicked' convey the characters' feelings?"
• "Art can be a powerful form of expression. How do you think Elphaba's character uses her powers to express herself?"
• "Wicked challenges the idea of good versus evil. Can you think of other stories that do this?"
• "The character of Glinda evolves throughout the musical. What are some critical moments that lead to her growth?"
• "How does the setting of Oz contribute to the story's themes?"
• "Consider the role of sacrifice in 'Wicked.' What sacrifices do the characters make for each other?"
• "What lessons can we learn from the characters' struggles and triumphs?"
• "Discuss how the musical uses humor to address serious topics. Why is humor effective in storytelling?"
• "How does the concept of identity play a role in the characters' journeys?"
• "What do you think the musical says about societal expectations and individuality?"
• "Reflect on your favorite song from 'Wicked.' What does it mean to you personally?"
• "Finally, how can we apply the lessons learned from 'Wicked' to our everyday lives?"