More than just a retelling, more than parody, or fractured fairy tale, Maguire’s Wicked is a thoughtful look into the nature of evil, and the workings of society. As only subtle satire can, it takes a step back and examines the way we think and operate. And it makes us feel very deeply for the Wicked Witch of the West… and very differently about Dorothy, though her part in the tale is much smaller than we’re accustomed to.

It’s worth visiting (or revisiting) the L. Frank Baum books before embarking on this one, as it takes as much from them as from the movies.