Some of the names in Wicked aren’t immediately obvious in their pronunciation. Here’s a guide to some of the most common ones:
Elphaba: This is probably the most commonly mispronounced name. It’s pronounced EL-fa-ba, with the emphasis on the first syllable. Think of it as “El-fah-bah,” not “El-fay-buh” or “El-fa-bay.” It’s derived from L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, using his initials (L.F.B.).
Glinda: While in The Wizard of Oz it’s pronounced “GLIN-da,” in Wicked, it’s GLI-nda, with a short “i” sound.
Fiyero: This one can also be tricky. It’s pronounced fee-YAIR-oh, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
Here’s a table summarizing the pronunciations:
Name Pronunciation Notes
Elphaba EL-fa-ba Emphasis on the first syllable.
Glinda GLI-nda Short “i” sound, unlike in The Wizard of Oz.
Fiyero fee-YAIR-oh Emphasis on the second syllable.
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It’s important to note that these are the generally accepted pronunciations within the context of the musical Wicked. There might be slight variations depending on different productions or regional accents.
If you’re ever unsure, the best way to confirm is to listen to the cast recording of the musical. This will give you a definitive example of how the names are pronounced in the show.