The Wizard, Madame Morrible, and the Monkeys!

There's no place like home . . .

These Characters are complex enough to each get their own page, but I don't have the space yet! Here's as much info as I can cram into this tiny area . . .

The Wizard wears the same costume throughtout the play (technically he wears two, but who wants to spoil it for everyone!) It is strangely colorless, as though suggesting he is still an outsider in Oz.

A decent shot of Morrible's final look, showing the wired edge of the jacket, making it stand out.

The Wizard, unlike everyone else in the Emerald City, wears black and grey. It is a tame costume compared with the others, rather like a politician who rolls up his shirt-sleeves and wants to seem like a common "everyman" to his constituents. The coloring also draws a subtle connection between he and Elphaba. The two faces of the Wizard are pronounced; on one side, he is approachable and easy, with his work-gloves and coat and goggles. The other side is the giant head that terrifies and amazes all. I wish we got to see more of him in the show; he's a fascinating character!

Gene Weygandt in Chicago.

The incomparable Carol Kane as Morrible on Broadway.

A good look at the bustle on the back of the Shiz dress; it doesn't train, but there is a lot of fabric in it!!

This costume begins to suggest a duality and transformation in Morrible; it is half soft lace and half more structured material, though still rather romanticized and clearly Victorian-inspired.

Madame Morrible is another fascinating character that I wish we could see more of. She undergoes a huge transformation in the show, starting in a rather frilly, pretty costume and looser hairstyle, and ending up terribly harsh-looking as she gains power and position. Her Act One Shiz gown is rather Victorian in appearance, but as she goes further and further from Shiz her costumes become more and more outlandish and posh, becoming heavily embroidered and feathered and opulant.

Morrible's final look, and the harshest. Her hair is tightly pulled back, there are no ruffles and frills, and the embroidery is heavy and almost militaristic. It almost looks as though she has golden dragons embroidered on her jacket!

Chistery; the only flying monkey who retains his ability to speak, and wears clothes. I will try to get some more pics of the monkeys soon!

Last updated 1/5/2007