The vibrant citizens of the Land of Oz are engulfed in celebration as news spreads about the demise of the Wicked Witch of the West. Amidst the festivities, Glinda the Good takes center stage, offering an insight into the complex history of the wicked witch. She recounts how the witch’s mother, during a period of infidelity with a traveling salesman, gave birth to a daughter with striking green skin—fated to be shunned by her own father, the Governor of Munchkinland. This rejection lays the foundation for a tumultuous childhood, as the haunting refrain echoes, > “No One Mourns the Wicked.” A curious man in the crowd prompts Glinda to reflect on her friendship with Elphaba.
Flashback several years, where we encounter the ambitious Elphaba Thropp arriving at Shiz University alongside her sister, Nessarose, who relies on a wheelchair due to her paraplegia. The headmistress, Madame Morrible, believes in Elphaba's potential and assigns her to share a dorm with the effervescent and popular Galinda Upland, though neither girl is thrilled about the arrangement. Elphaba, fearing for her sister's well-being when Madame Morrible attempts to take Nessarose away, utilizes her emerging magical abilities to ensure her sister's safety. Recognizing Elphaba's prowess, Madame Morrible offers to mentor her in sorcery—a golden opportunity for Elphaba, who has longed to meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Their relationship starts on rocky ground, as Galinda looks down on Elphaba, who reciprocates the sentiment, leading to friction-filled interactions that punctuate their early acquaintance. The campus is charged with the tension of newfound friendships, as they navigate shared spaces and initial misunderstandings in the song "What Is This Feeling?". In the midst of their rivalry, the wise Dr. Dillamond, the only Animal professor at Shiz, faces discrimination from the very students he enlightens. He unveils a dark conspiracy to Elphaba, revealing a plot to silence all Animals, igniting her determination to inform the Wizard and put an end to such injustices.
As the tale unfolds, the arrival of the roguish prince Fiyero adds another layer to the story, quickly capturing Galinda's attention with his charm. Fiyero's social gatherings lead to a cascade of decisions that further stir emotions among the students, such as Boq’s unreciprocated crush on Galinda. In a turn of events, Boq's decision to invite Nessarose instead leaves Elphaba irked yet intrigued. At Fiyero’s party, Madame Morrible arrives with news that Elphaba had requested Galinda be included in her sorcery class, enabling a surprising shift as Galinda extends an olive branch for a dance, forging a bond between the girls during the song "Dancing Through Life".
In the privacy of their shared dorm, Galinda chooses to give Elphaba a life-changing makeover, showcasing her desire to reshape Elphaba’s image further. However, tragedy strikes when Dr. Dillamond announces he must leave due to the oppressive rules silencing Animals. Elphaba stands up, defiant against the injustice, compelling a desperate escape alongside Fiyero, stealing the lion cub imprisoned in a cage—a bold act of rebellion. In a moment of vulnerability, Elphaba expresses her unrequited love for Fiyero and her fear that he will never love her as he does Galinda in "I'm Not That Girl".
Then comes the moment of farewells at the train station, where Galinda, hoping to impress Fiyero, alters her name to “Glinda” in solidarity with Dr. Dillamond, yet Fiyero’s disinterest sows further discord. Elphaba, holding on to her dreams, extends an invitation to Glinda to journey to the Emerald City together—a prospect filled with hope and uncertainty, interwoven with the echoing sentiment of "One Short Day".
Their fateful meeting with the Wizard of Oz reveals a façade far from fearsome; instead, he embodies a sense of affability, promising that if Elphaba can prove her worth, her long-held wishes will be fulfilled. Madame Morrible enters the scene as his new press secretary, handing Elphaba the Grimmerie, a rare book of spells only those with magical talents can decipher. As the events conspire, Elphaba must demonstrate her abilities by performing a levitation spell on the Wizard's monkey servant, Chistery, although what ensues is a painful transformation.
The revelation hits hard as Elphaba uncovers the Wizard’s involvement in the suppression of Animals—an illusionist masquerading as a leader, wielding influence through deception. Shocked and disillusioned, she escapes, while Madame Morrible seizes the moment to brand Elphaba as a wicked witch. In a last plea, Glinda finds Elphaba, but as her friend stands resolutely against the injustices, she declines Glinda’s proposal to return. Instead, Elphaba soars away—defiantly claiming her fate—leaving Glinda behind, the tension of their friendship stretched to its limits as the poignant themes of ambition and loyalty resonate through "Defying Gravity".
