Local elementary schools use Broadway play 'Wicked' to teach about prejudice

When “Wicked: The Musical” begins its run on Wednesday, thousands of Louisvillians will again pack the seats of the Kentucky Center’s Whitney Hall to take in the rousing music and inspiring story of this touring national production.

“Wicked,” based on a novel by Gregory Maguire, fills out the background for the characters of “The Wizard of Oz,” helping to put the famous story into context. In Maguire’s version, the Wicked Witch of the West didn’t start out bad, but suffered from bullying and persecution at the hands of Glinda the Good Witch.

Inspired by the musical’s message against judging people by their appearance, some local educators plan to incorporate its message into their anti-bullying efforts this year.

Read more: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120910/FEATURES/309100019/1010/features/wicked-musical-bullybust?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7Cfeatures%7Cp