My relationship with the Oz universe.

Jadd J.A.D.D. Jadd

The universe of Oz is one of my favourite fictional worlds and franchises. I regret not putting in one of my favourite franchises because it's important and significant to cinema and musicals. And in hounor of Wicked: For Good coming next week. I wanted to explain where i started on my Oz journey till now and the impact it has had on me.

When I was younger, I saw bits and pieces of "The Wizard of Oz" on TV, but I never really watched it all the though. My mum was terrified of the monkeys and the Wicked Witch of the West, along her iconic music.

In 2010, I was 15. I saw the show and the tagline, and it intrigued me after I watched 'The Wizard of Oz', I was in love with the movie and have been ever since. When I first 'Wicked' for the first time. I was blown away with literally everything.

I strongly related and was seen by Elphaba on so many personal levels that have resonated with me for years. She has left and will be a handprint on my heart.

Whoever sees the show will be introduced to their first experience actresses to play Elphaba and Glinda and be their OG. To my OG, Elphaba, and Glinda are Jemma Rix and Lucy Durack. I love Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth they started it all.

From the story, characters, themes, costumes, set design, and the songs and score by the great Stephen Schwartz. Every single song is catchy, up-beat, profound and incredibly powerful, and moving. The themes and messages are still as relevant as they were when the show came out. Elphaba and Glinda are icons for generations.

As for the spin-offs and sequels. I love 'Return to Oz' it is much darker than the original movie, but it still really holds up. I love Sam Raimi. He's one of my favourite directors, but Oz the Great and Powerful isn't among his best. It has moments. It could've been better. The Wiz movie with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson had strong and memorable moments but had tons of issues, I strongly admire the fans who love this movie and grew up on it. The Wiz Live! is so much better flows better and a clearer narrative. I want a remark of The Wiz, that is given the respect it deserves.

If you are on the spectrum, disabilitied, LGBTQIA+, race, gender or all in one. We all belong and are a part of the rainbow, and we all desvese a chance to fly and defy gravity. There is no place like home and that hone is Oz.