In this enchanting and eerie episode, Alissa and Lina pull back the emerald curtain to explore the deep connections between Wicked and The Wizard of Oz. From the dazzling musical to the darker realities behind the original film, they uncover the hidden struggles faced by actors, including Judy Garland’s heartbreaking story, the grueling demands on Broadway performers, and even stunts gone horribly wrong.
They also dive into the unsettling coincidences and tragedies that have sparked whispers of a curse surrounding the world of Oz. Is there truly a dark force lurking in this iconic story? Or is it simply the cost of creating magic on stage and screen?
Tune in as Alissa and Lina unravel the myths, history, and ongoing legacy of this beloved yet possibly cursed tale!
Key Takeaways:
- Judy Garland endured harsh dietary restrictions and mistreatment during The Wizard of Oz.
- Broadway and film actors in Wicked faced intense physical challenges and health concerns.
- Stunts in both the original Wizard of Oz film and the Wicked musical resulted in serious injuries.
- Kristin Chenoweth’s bubble performance raised safety red flags.
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- Idina Menzel is glad they are still alive!
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- The enduring legacy of Oz continues to influence—and challenge—actors today.
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Sources:
https://www.nickiswift.com/1717165/tragic-truth-cynthia-erivo/
https://transcendencetheatre.org/break-a-leg/#:~:text=In%20the%20early%20days%20of,to%20perform%20and%20get%20paid.
https://www.slashfilm.com/852272/how-the-wizard-of-oz-changed-margaret-hamilton-and-her-stunt-double-forever/
https://time.com/5647491/wizard-of-oz-curse/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOpsOnFC_rU
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:39 Our Wicked Movie Review
05:14 Pink & Green Is So Brat
06:33 Trivia Q1: Judy Garland Restricted Diet
07:15 The Dark Side of Early Hollywood: Judy Garland's Diet
09:12 Judy Garland Early Death
11:41 Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland's Daughter
12:35 Comparing Modern Performers: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
15:17 The Curse of Oz: Physical and Mental Toll on Actors
17:04 Evidence of Physical and Mental Damage
18:09 Trauma Bonds and Tattoos
19:17 Trivia Q2: Matching Oz Tattoos
21:38 Ariana and Cynthia Interviews
25:06 Trivia Q3: Academy Awards for Wizard of Oz
28:34 Live Singing During Defying Gravity
31:04 Wicked Witch Stunts Gone Wrong
38:14 Trivia Q4: "Break A Leg" Origins
39:27 Broadway Wicked Stunts Gone Wrong
40:02 Kristin Chenoweth Bubble Juice
42:55 Trivia Q5: Idina Menzel Broken Bone
44:39 Is The Story Of Oz Cursed?
47:18 Jon Chu's Connection with Local Restaurant, Chef Chu's
51:02 Concluding Thoughts on the Curse of Oz
52:18 Wicked Part 2
