The world of Oz returned to massive popularity in 2003 when composer Stephen Schwartz and writer Winnie Holzman premiered the stage musical Wicked on Broadway. The production focused on Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and demanded an intense vocal performance from its lead actress. Idina Menzel opened the show at the Gershwin Theatre and performed eight shows a week while delivering powerful songs like “Defying Gravity.” The role required sustained high notes and physical movement during nearly every act. Several performers who followed in the role, including Stephanie J. Block and Willemijn Verkaik, later spoke about the vocal strain that came with the schedule. Broadway safety standards look very different from the film sets of 1939, yet the story of Oz still asks performers to give everything they have each night. The yellow brick road continues to demand serious stamina.
