Elphaba and Me

By Caroline Lizares

I have watched ‘Wicked’ twice since its release last November. I recommend watching it. My mom and I decided to watch it a second time even if it was almost three hours long. That was when we brought my dad along. He doesn’t really watch musicals but he had heard the good reviews, which included mine. The second time around, I got to sing along to my favorite songs like ‘Defying Gravity’, ‘What is This Feeling’ and ‘Popular’ among others. I will also mention my other favorite song ‘Dancing through Life’. While it’s a song that tells us to enjoy life, it reminds us that life is short and “dust is what we come to… so keep dancing through.”

‘Wicked’ is a story about the friendship of Elphaba and Glinda. Elphaba has green skin and is feared by most people because she looks strange. Sometimes I feel like I’m Elphaba. I don’t have green skin or get angry like her but there are challenges I face so I can relate. Elphaba also reminds me of Lola Lina because they both stand up for what they believe in. I was telling my mom that I would have wanted to sing the songs from ‘Wicked’ to Lola Lina. She would have enjoyed it. I can only wish she heard me sing the songs from the movie. I wish for even ‘one short day’ more with her.

What is this feeling? So sudden and new.

I would like to share the feelings I am going through; the sadness and grief are sometimes too much. I feel as if I have green skin. I am trying my best to cope and sometimes I don’t feel as sad. But then there are times I feel the emotions come back again. I don’t want to focus on the sad feelings so much. I want to be positive. I want to put my energy into making this birthday tribute for Lola the best I can make it. My mom keeps telling me that’s what Lola Lina would want me to do.

It’s time to try defying gravity ….

When Elphaba sings “everyone deserves a chance to fly” it’s as if Lola Lina is encouraging me. No matter what obstacles I will face, I will be positive. I know my Lola will want me to keep trying and not to be afraid. And it is really possible that I can defy gravity. As Elphaba says “I’m through accepting limits, cause someone says they’re so, some things I cannot change, but ‘til I try I’ll never know”.

I got the idea to do a Cosplay of Elphaba. This is something I wouldn’t normally do. I had so much fun making my costume from the clothes in my closet. I put it all together. When we were taking photos for this article, my mom and I were laughing so much. I haven’t laughed like this in a long time. Yes, I cry from time to time. But that’s ok because

I will always miss my Lola Lina.