Hello my Wicked Lovers! Please enjoy the next weekly activity with a word scramble with words from the Gillikin section of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Have you been enjoying our celebration of 25 years of Wicked? Comment below what you would like to see more of or what has been your favorite part as more is to come.
0 Comments
As we traverse from the Munchkinland into the Gillkin Country, we are introduced to a place that is vastly differently and far more intriguing then the schools from Baum's universe. In Baum's universe, Professor Wogglebug has the College of Athletics and Perfection, which I discuss more of in this post. The main school in Maguire's world is Shiz University, a college that has different buildings and places and where a bunch of fun and intriguing stories occur. So, let's start our university tour with a map of the town of Shiz (and the focal university).
As you can see, the town of Shiz has a lot to offer, including multiple academic buildings, two children's academies, multiple dormitories, entertainment and shopping districts, and quite a few pubs to go drinking at like The Philosophy Club across from The Boar and Fennel Club, two places mentioned in this section of the book. where significant events happen. So, when you are not studying, you can always check out the Shiz Boutique and get acquainted with the latest accoutrements, as imaged below to the right or one of the extensive libraries where many students spent their time, including Elphaba. Even more so, there are tons out there to wear in terms of Shiz University inspired wear, so feel free to look through Google Shopping list (or wherever you online shop) and check out some great Shiz University inspirations from local shops. Even Wicked: the Musical got on board and created some great Shiz University loungewear like these from their website.
We also get to meet quite a few interesting faculty members from Shiz university like Dr. Dillamond, one of the renowned animal professors at Shiz University who taught Life Sciences, who has quite story to tell as well as Madame Morrible, Headmistress to Crage Hall (the all-girls dormitory) and Shiz University. Other noted faculty members include Dr. Nikidik (substitute Life Sciences teacher), Miss Greyling (Sorcery), Mister Mikko (History), Professor Lenx (Mathematics), and Miss Quasimoda (Art and Drawing).
After you have done familiarizing yourself with the campus and its surroundings, it would be great to learn the school song (or "Ozma-mater", as it is called by students and faculty) that has been around for ages. So, check out the song below, as was written just for the musical and appears nowhere in the book, and enjoy! Also, you can listen to it here as you read along with the lyrics.
Read “Dear Old Shiz” by Kristin Chenoweth on Genius
Now, if you are looking for more, then there is always the possibility of visit our one of our extensive libraries which also houses one of our largest painting of a historic Kumbric witch, which you can find out more here and see what inspires you. Also, if you would like a student's perspective, check out this puzzle below that portrays how students at Shiz University spend their time. This is from the musical, not but definitely is inspired by the book.
Another way that students spend their time at this campus, according to the musical, is go to dances at the OzDust Ballroom. Now, this was created just for the musical and definitely makes some scenes from the book more digestible for families such as the incident at Lake Chorge where Elphaba was convinced to go under false pretenses, the dormitory scene where Galinda gives the hat to Elphaba, and The Philosophy Club, where everyone has a "wild and crazy" experience. Now, to give you an idea of the good times, check out the clip from the musical to see how many of the dances were put together, specifically both Elphaba's dance and the Dancing through Life/OzDust Ballroom choreography.
Well, that's all on our Ozian tour of Shiz University and we know, its a lot to take in here, but it’s always a good time and we sure hope to see you again. Please feel free to comment below your favorite part of the tour or something that was not mentioned on our tour that really excites you about Shiz University. Also, for your availability, if you would like a copy of a Shiz University student newspaper, consider purchasing the book below to the left. If you are looking to decorate your living room like a Shiz University dormitory, consider these great coasters, below to the right, that will add that Ozian touch. Don't forget your loungewear with the link above and you will be all set. So, until next time, we'll be seeing you somewhere over the Vinkus.
Answers to Gillikin Quiz: 1) Glinda; 2) Ama Clutch; 3) Frottica in Pertha Hills; 4) Shiz University; 5) Madame Morrible; 6) Briscoe Hall; 7) Crage Hall; 8) Munchkinland; 9) A tik-tok machine; 10) Lake Chorge.
Today's activity for our celebration of 25 Years of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, we move into the next section of the book: Gillikin. In this section, we meet Galinda (and her circle of friends), Boq (and his circle of friends) and how Elphaba adjusts at life in college. It can be easy for someone who is green, as Kermit the Frog always says. So, without further ado, let's get started. **************************************** |