How STEM Steals the Show in Wicked

Image from Broadway in Detroit

Even if you are not a musical theater nerd such as myself, you cannot escape the hype around the newest release of the movie adaptation of the broadway musical Wicked. While I was watching the film, I could not help but notice the amount of STEM that surrounded the creation and concepts of the musical. So here I am, ready to share some fun facts and some ways that you can incorporate these facts into lessons for your classroom. 

It’s Time to Try Defying Gravity!

As the song goes, “Everyone deserves a chance to fly,” but how does this happen? Elphaba’s iconic moment during “Defying Gravity” isn’t just a theatrical illusion – it’s based on the principles of physics. Her flight is powered by a system of pulleys, counterweights, and harnesses, which gives her the ability to float above the stage. The magic of flying is actually based on mechanical engineering and the basic laws of physics.

STEM Connection

• Tension: In the flying system, cables or ropes are used to lift Elphaba off the ground. The tension in these cables counteracts the pull of gravity, allowing her to rise into the air. By adjusting the tension, the speed and smoothness of her ascent can be controlled.
• Force: The force of gravity constantly pulls everything towards the Earth. For Elphaba to float, the force of gravity must be countered by an equal or greater force. The mechanical system of pulleys and counterweights creates this balance, making her rise or descend based on the forces acting on her.
• Balance: The key to making Elphaba’s flight look seamless is the perfect balance between the lifting force (from the pulley system) and the weight of the actress. If the counterweights aren’t correctly calibrated, Elphaba might float too fast or not high enough. The balance between these forces is what creates the illusion of effortless flight.

Classroom Activity: Build Your Own Pulley System to Defy Gravity

• Objective: Students will create a simple pulley system using household materials to lift an object and explore the physics of tension, force, and balance. This hands-on activity will allow them to experiment with these forces to understand how systems like the one used in Wicked allow for controlled lifting and “defying gravity.”

Unlimited: The Green Glow

One of the most visually appealing elements of Wicked is the green light that symbolizes Elphaba’s character. From her emerald complexion to the dramatic stage lighting, green becomes a symbol of her uniqueness and power. Behind the color lies some fascinating science. Lighting designers and stage technicians carefully manipulate the properties of light and color to create mood, emphasize character traits, and transport audiences to the magical land of Oz.

Color science, specifically how light interacts with materials and our eyes, is essential to achieving the visual brilliance of the stage. Wicked’s green glow is a perfect example of how STEM and the arts blend seamlessly to enhance storytelling and create memorable theatrical experiences.

STEM Connection

• The Physics of Light: Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that travels in waves. Visible light contains many wavelengths, which we perceive as different colors. Green light, for instance, has a wavelength of about 495–570 nanometers.
• Filters and Colored Light: In theater, lighting designers use filters, gels, or LED systems to produce specific colors. For Wicked, filters create Elphaba’s signature green ambiance, bathing her character and her surroundings in light that symbolizes her individuality.
• Reflection and Absorption: Elphaba’s green makeup works by reflecting green wavelengths while absorbing other colors, reinforcing her vibrant appearance under the stage lights.
• Emotional Impact of Color: Green is often associated with nature, growth, and uniqueness, but in Elphaba’s case, it also represents her “otherness” and resilience. This use of color in storytelling demonstrates the power of combining art with science.

Classroom Activity: Exploring the Science of Color and Light

• Objective: Students will explore how light interacts with objects and how colored filters and light can create mood, emphasis, and symbolism.

“For Good”: The Magic of STEM and Wicked

Just like Elphaba and Glinda’s journey, the blend of science and art in Wicked reminds us that innovation thrives at the crossroads of creativity and technical expertise. From the breathtaking physics behind Elphaba’s flight to the vivid green glow that symbolizes her resilience, STEM is an invisible, yet essential force shaping the magic of the musical.

So, as Elphaba sings, “It’s time to trust my instincts, close my eyes, and leap!” Encourage your students to leap into STEM, where they, too, can defy expectations and create something truly Wicked.