Storytelling has always been a means of exploring the human condition. In the world of Broadway, this exploration often takes the form of antiheroes - complex, flawed, and often morally ambiguous figures who defy conventional notions of heroism. These characters make us question our own senses of right and wrong, yet we can't help but root for them.
He Had It Coming: Roxie and Velma of Broadway's Chicago
Set in the Roaring Twenties, Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two women who find themselves on death row for the murders they committed. Roxie, a housewife with dreams of stardom, and Velma, a vaudeville star on the decline, are manipulative, cunning, and unapologetically self-centered. However, beneath this hardened exterior lies an unyielding desire to survive - a trait that makes them relatable to audiences.
The music in Chicago does more than just entertain; it provides an intimate look into the minds and emotions of its antiheroes. Take, for instance, the iconic “Cell Block Tango.” This number, performed by Velma and the other women on Murderess's Row, is a chilling and powerful exploration of their crimes. Yet, as each woman tells her story through song and dance, we begin to see them not as cold-blooded killers but as human beings, each with her own story of betrayal and survival. As for Roxie Hart, the song "Roxie" is a testament to her dreams and her unyielding determination to achieve them. As she sings about the fame and adoration she craves, we catch a glimpse of the vulnerability beneath her tough exterior in her words, “We love each other. That's because none of us got any love in our childhood.”
Roxie and Velma’s moral shortcomings, while significant, are overshadowed by their will to live. They're flawed, but aren't we all? They're fighters, women who refuse to be victims, and in their struggle, we see a reflection of our own battles.
The Wicked Die Alone: Exploring the Complexity of Glinda and Elphaba
Wicked, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, offers a fresh perspective on the character of the Wicked Witch of the West, known as Elphaba. Born with emerald-green skin, Elphaba is immediately marked as an outsider. However, as the story unfolds, we see her evolve from a misunderstood outcast to a formidable, albeit controversial, figure in the land of Oz.
Is Elphaba an antihero or perhaps an unconventional underdog? Although feared and shunned, she possesses an innate kindness and a strong sense of justice. She's labeled wicked, but her actions are driven by a desire to protect those who can't protect themselves. She's an outsider, yet she refuses to let the world's perception define her, as evident in her showstopping song “Defying Gravity.”
However, another character in the show exhibits traits of an antihero in an arguably more pronounced manner - Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. Glinda is self-absorbed and gives in to her jealousy instead of doing what’s right. She's willing to sacrifice her friendship with Elphaba for her social status and personal gain. Throughout the show, she learns from her mistakes, becoming a true leader by the end.
Interestingly, Glinda's transformation from a self-absorbed socialite to a leader is more in line with the traditional antihero narrative than Elphaba's journey. Elphaba, despite being labeled "wicked," maintains a strong moral compass throughout the show, fighting for what she believes is right, even if it makes her an outsider. In contrast, Glinda's moral compass fluctuates, and her journey toward doing the right thing is a bumpy one, filled with self-imposed obstacles.
Unmasking Gatsby: The Elusive Anti-hero in The Great Gatsby on Broadway
Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic lead of the Broadway adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, The Great Gatsby is another iconic anti-hero. The show takes us into the Roaring Twenties, where everything is in excess, and the American dream is within everyone's grasp. At the center of it all is Gatsby, a wealthy socialite with a mysterious past, who is not your typical hero.
Gatsby's character is complex and multi-dimensional. He's charming and charismatic, yet there's a sense of mystery and intrigue that surrounds him. Unlike a traditional hero who is morally upright and noble, Gatsby's actions are driven by his obsession with a single goal - to win back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. He goes to extravagant lengths, including hosting grand parties and amassing a large fortune, all in the hopes of capturing Daisy's attention. Yet, his methods are questionable and his motivations self-serving, making him a quintessential antihero.
A musical number that perfectly showcases Gatsby's character is "The Past is Catching Up to Me." This poignant song delves into Gatsby's internal struggle, highlighting his obsessive love for Daisy and how it shapes his actions. The lyrics, "I’ve become the man her world demanded me to be," underscore the lengths he is willing to go to to win her over. And yet, in this song Gatsby is blind to the questionable actions that brought him to where he is now, thinking only of rekindling his romance with Daisy. By highlighting Gatsby's flaws and his relentless pursuit of a love that might never be his, the song makes us empathize with him and understand his motivations, even if we don't condone his actions.
Now that you've delved into the world of Broadway's compelling antiheroes, it's time to experience their stories firsthand. Whether it's the jazz-filled streets of Chicago, or the magical world of Wicked, these shows provide a fresh perspective on what it means to be a hero.
And for those who want to explore these stories with friends, family, or colleagues, Broadway Inbound is ready to help, providing group discounts that make Broadway accessible to everyone. So gather your group, book your tickets, and prepare to meet Broadway's antiheroes.