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The people of Oz are celebrating the death of the Wicked Witch of the West (No One Mourns the Wicked). Glinda the Good seems to reassure the folks that goodness has indeed prevailed over evil. One of the citizens questions if it is true that Glinda was her friend. She admits it, and tells the story of how they met.

Elphaba (later known as the Wicked Witch) was the daughter of the governor of Munchkinland, and was born a rather unnatural shade of green. Her father hated her, and showered his affection on her younger sister, Nessarose, who was confined to a wheelchair. The two girls go together to Shiz University, where the pretty and popular Galinda is also in their class (Dear Old Shiz). The headmistress, Madame Morrible, decides to take Nessarose under her protection, in spite of Elphaba’s arguments. Elphaba is now with out a roommate, and ultimately ends up with Galinda, to the satisfaction of neither of them. When Elphaba’s protectiveness of her sister manifests itself physically, Madame Morrible recognizes that she has special powers and makes a decision to teach her sorcery – and to teach no one else, even though Galinda had her heart set on studying with her. She even informs Elphaba that her powers might allow for her to work with the Wizard, some thing which Elphaba has dreamed of (The Wizard and I)

All this does little to endear Elphaba to Galinda, and the feeling is much more than mutual (What is this feeling?). Their dislike of each other is apparent even in their classes, like their history class with Dr. Dillamond. The professor is the only animal professor at the university, and is starting to be affected by discrimination, even from the students. He tells Elphaba that there’s a conspiracy to prevent the animals from conversing, and she wants to let the Wizard know, for he would really stop it (Something Bad).

In the mean time, a young roguish prince, Fiyero, has arrived at Shiz. Galinda is thrilled when Fiyero shares his life philosophy (Dancing Through Life). They all decide to have a party that evening. Boq, a Munchkin that has developed a crush on Galinda, endeavors to invite her to the party, but she persuades him rather to ask Nessarose, leaving her free to go with Fiyero. Nessarose is delighted, and informs her sister how she and Boq are meant to be together, and how Galinda helped it happen. When Galinda offers Elphaba a hat to wear to the party, Elphaba begins to wonder if she was incorrect about her roommate.

At the party that evening, Boq tries to share with Nessarose the real reason he asked her, but is unable to harm her feelings. She is getting besotted with him. Madame Morrible arrives to tell Galinda that she can join her sorcery class – because Elphaba requested it. Elphaba herself arrives, wearing the hat Galinda presented her, which was basically a cruel joke. All the other students giggle and stare whilst Elphaba dances on her own. Galinda feels terrible, and goes to dance with Elphaba. Before long everyone is dancing, and the two girls look at each other in a new light.

Back in their room, the bonding continues. Galinda decides that she will help Elphaba become Popular. When Elphaba arrives at class the very next day, Fiyero sees Galinda’s impact, and informs Elphaba that she doesn’t need to change. Dr. Dillamond arrives to inform the class he is going – he is no longer permitted to teach. Elphaba really wants to help, but no-one will stand up with her. The students are introduced to the new technological advancement of the cage, which will keep animals controlled, so that they never learn to speak. Elphaba’s outrage can’t be contained, and in the ensuing chaos, she and Fiyero grab the lion cub in the cage and break free.

Fiyero is confused by what he has just seen, and what he is doing, but he is involved in Elphaba’s passion. She thanks him for helping her, and they share a little moment before he has to leave. Elphaba reminds herself that it’s pointless to wish for something to happen between them (I’m Not that Girl). Madame Morrible comes and tells her that the Wizard has asked to meet her. Nessarose and Galinda come to see her off, and Fiyero arrives too. Galinda is saddened by Fiyero’s emotional distance from her, and tries to win his respect by changing her name to “Glinda”, in solidarity with Dr. Dillamond. But Fiyero hardly notices, saying goodbye to Elphaba. Elphaba invites Glinda to the Emerald City with her (One Short Day).

At last, the two girls stand in front of the Wizard. He turns out to be not quite as frightening as they believed (A Sentimental Man). He promises Elphaba that he will grant her request if she proves herself. Madame Morrible appears – she is the Wizard’s new “Press Secretary”. She gives Elphaba an ancient book of spells, and asks her to test a levitation spell on the Wizard’s monkey servant. Yet, the spell doesn’t go the way Elphaba plans, and she realizes that the Wizard is the one behind the suppression of the animals. He offers her and Glinda everything they’ve ever desired if they will help him, yet Elphaba is unable to conform. She runs away, and in order to avoid the truth from getting out, Madame Morrible spreads reports that Elphaba is “wicked” and not to be trusted. This only reaffirms Elphaba’s notion that she must go out on her own to attempt to make things right (Defying Gravity).

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