The name 'Elphaba' in 'Wicked' is a clever nod to 'The Wizard of Oz' creator L. Frank Baum, revealing an Oz-centric Easter egg for fans.
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Author Gregory Maguire revealed that he intentionally crafted Elphaba's name to honor Baum, using the initials 'L.F.B.' as the basis for the unique moniker.
Maguire noted that Elphaba is an 'unusual' and 'not particularly pretty' name, but one that is 'memorable' - a trait that has helped make the character an iconic figure in modern musical theater.
call sheet
L. Frank Baum, Gregory Maguire, Idina Menzel, Cynthia Erivo, Kristin Chenoweth, Wicked, Wicked, The Wizard of Oz
The name 'Elphaba' in 'Wicked' is a clever nod to 'The Wizard of Oz' creator L. Frank Baum, revealing an Oz-centric Easter egg for fans.
beat sheet
Author Gregory Maguire revealed that he intentionally crafted Elphaba's name to honor Baum, using the initials 'L.F.B.' as the basis for the unique moniker.
Maguire noted that Elphaba is an 'unusual' and 'not particularly pretty' name, but one that is 'memorable' - a trait that has helped make the character an iconic figure in modern musical theater.
call sheet
L. Frank Baum, Gregory Maguire, Idina Menzel, Cynthia Erivo, Kristin Chenoweth, Wicked, Wicked, The Wizard of Oz