A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Hit Broadway Musical

For lovers of the musical "Wicked", this book is a must-have! The look of the book from the padded, distressed appearance of the cover, the foxing on the pages, the photos, the history of the show... it all adds up to a wonderful read and a great addition to other theatre books.

The Grimmerie is a must have for all Wicked fans. It is a GREAT collectible. This is a deal of a price! This was being sold for twice the amount at the shows. Buy it NOW.....you will be happy you did.

The Grimmerie is a must have for all Wicked fans. It is a GREAT collectible. This is a deal of a price! This was being sold for twice the amount at the shows. Buy it NOW.....you will be happy you did.

'Wicked - the Grimmerie' is a stunningly beautiful book which provides behind-the-scenes access to all aspects of the musical. It describes what went into writing the musical; how the sets and costumes were designed; and contains a full copy of the story's script, so one can relive it over and over again. The photography is beautiful and the design of the book is very unique - you almost feel as though you are holding a yearbook from Glinda and Elphaba's days at the Shiz!

I first saw Wicked in Philadelphia, so many of the characters were portrayed by different actors or actresses, but this really doesn't matter. The important thing about this book is that it gives you a remembrance or keepsake of this magnificent musical. Often times, the playbill just isn't enough - you wan't something more robust to have for the future so you can look back and remember a particular musical. The Grimmerie is just that - a keepsake that you will cherish for years.

I got this for Christmas. I ADORE this book. Yes, you are all right. It doesn't have the full libretto, but I guess I wasn't too dissapointed about that for two main reasons- I have a copy of the full libretto, script and all, and the stuff inside the book (in my opinion) totally made up for not having the full libretto. I do completely agree that it should not be advertised as having a full libretto when it really doesn't. It's bad advertising. But I have to say it a definite must for and fan of Wicked! Whether you have seen the show or not, get it. There are spoilers in it, so someone who doesn't know the ending or a whole lot about the show, be careful reading this if you come across one. But other than that, I LOVE this book. Thank you Alex, my love for giving this to me!!! I love you with my whole heart!

My daughters and I went to see Wicked in November and we had so many questions about the story (I had read the book) and the show. The kiosks at the show were selling 'The Grimmerie', but I didn't see it. So, when I did a search on the store and came across this book, I ordered it for my daughters for Christmas.

When the book was delivered, I was so impressed with its quality and inital appearence. The image doesn't do the book justice, but the cover is padded and 'faux distressed' to make is look like it had been discovered well-worn in someone's attic. I had to touch it several times because it looked as if it was very textured, but wasn't. The pages are antiqued with lots of artwork and detail - much like a fine manuscript.

I flipped through the entire book the first night and LOVED it - so much, I didn't want to give it up!!

The book has a lot of history about the origin and development of the original show, interviews and pictures of original cast members, lyrics from songs, script excerpts, meanings behind some of the props and lots of behind the scenes information (like how the green makeup stays on the Alphaba).

Needless to say, my daughters consumed this book. They look at it almost every day. It will be a treasured addition to our library. (Notice I said 'OUR' and not 'THEIR'- LOL)

If you saw the show, don't hesitate to buy the book!

This book is as amazing as the musical-
Large hardback book with an amazing cover and full length photos of the original cast and behind the scenes look of the stage and props-
Although the WHOLE script is not included MOST of it is- including the lyrics to all the songs and the dialogs leading up to the song-
If you haven't seen the musical- this book would walk you through the premise and give you a behind the scenes look at what to expect-
If you have seen Wicked already- this is a must have to re-live that night over and over again- A GREAT book for collection and would make a great gift!
Also- tip- it retails for $50 at the Gerswin Theater in NYC- much cheaper on the store-

For anyone who may have been swayed by the incredibly innacurate review of this book by Shari Anderson, I would like to clarify something: Her review was not that of "Wicked: The Grimmerie", but of Gregory Maguire's novel "Wicked". She is right in saying that the originaly "Wicked" is a very slow piece of literature, I myself couldn't even stand to read the whole thing. You're better off just seeing the live show.

However, "Wicked: The Grimmerie" is an incredible look at every little bit and piece of "Wicked" the SMASH HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL. I was counting the days until this book came out and I continue to pour through it several times a week, each time finding something new and interesting, even exciting about this show. I used to be really into Brodaway shows, but the poor content coming out of Brodway the last couple of years had made me lose interest. That changed when I discovered "Wicked". I was lucky enough to see it on the touring production and I plan on taking a trip to New York to see it again. I have read every page of text in this book and every time I learn something new. Don't hesitate to pick up this book. Even if you haven't seen the show, this book will help you learn what to look forward to, maybe even get you motivated to see it! Buy the cast recording CD too. It's all worth it in the end!

I just recently saw the smash-hit musical Wicked and was completely blown away by the way this broadway musical was performed and the intricate set and costume design. Which is why I am reccomending this book to any fan of Wicked (and to those who have yet to see the show). The outside cover is the first thing you see. It captures the eye in intricate lines and the aged, worn look on the spine and corners. But what really makes the book complete (obviously) is the contents within the cover. The Grimmerie includes many in depth, historical facts about Gregory Maguire and the actual book, Wicked. The book even includes a handwritten copy of the first few pages of the amazing novel. Even the inside pictures and pages looked worn. It's 191 pages consume the reader with notes, interviews, a partial libretto, and captivating behind-the-scenes photos. This book also includes costume and set sketches which are set next to the actual on-set design pictures. In the back, there is even a glossary if you don't quite understand all the Galinda-isms. Basically if you loved the musical, this is the perfect book for you. Definitely worth the money with all the color pictures and revealed secrets. I hope you all enjoy this book!

Finally, after months of waiting (and a whole week early!). Wicked: The Grimmerie is here. Some may be wondering if they should buy this book, and I'm here to tell you.

The Good News: The cover and design of the book is amazing. The cover looks old and worn and is even padded. The intricate designs are textured and the book is nice and heavy and thick. The inside design is incredible. Each page (printed on very heavy paper) is made to look old, worn and stained and it's wonderful to look at. As for the actual contents... wow. The production photos are brilliantly printed and include photos from the following casts: Original Broadway Cast, 2nd Broadway Cast (Jennifer Laura Thompson and Joey McIntyre), Original Tour Cast (Stephanie J. Block and Kendra Kassebaum), and the 3rd Broadway Cast (Shoshana Bean and David Ayers). There are very few new photos but there are some. Most of them are from the tour cast (most of Kendra and some of Stephanie and one small one of Carole Kane). There are many interviews with every cast member and many from Gregory Maguire (writer of Wicked the novel) and Stephen Shwartz and Winnie Holtzman (writer of script). There is a step-by-step page of how Stephanie gets green before each show. They have a page dedicated to the dance Elphaba does in "Dancing Through Life" and they teach it to us step-by-step. They have many photos of props and sets and wigs, as well as original costume and set sketches. There is a handwritten page from the book and an early version of Defying Gravity. There is commentary on each song by Mr. Shwartz and this isn't even all of it. So much information to soak up!

The Wicked News: Unlike what some people are saying, the book DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FULL SCRIPT. There are bits of dialogue and a lot of it is summed up in a few sentences. (The Cornfield Scene is completely gone) They cut whole scenes (which is dumb, they are all spoiler free about it, even though they talk about the same parts in interviews). I was so hoping they would make a huge deal about the script and splash the libretto with tons of photos from each scene... It's very, very disappointing, yes. Very. But... ah, well. They also didn't include Elphaba's spells like they said they would. There is also a sad lack of production photos. There are so many wonderful photos and they don't use NEARLY as much as they should have... You should also know they don't include the 4th Broadway cast (Megan Hilty, Ben Vereen) or ANY of the Chicago cast (Ana Gastyer and Kate Reinders)... that really bites. The Chicago sit-down cast is only mentioned and that is a shame. If you are an Original Cast fan you may be slightly disappointed. Instead of using only the original cast photos (like the RENT "bible") they mix and match all the different casts. This would be fine except that if you are a big fan or the Chicago cast or the current Broadway cast (as of Fall 2005) you will be disappointed.

But over all, an AMAZING book. Buy it! It's a must for every Wicked fan. A MUST. This is also a wonderful gift.

Due to some cruel twist of fate, Megan Hilty, ben Vereen, and Rue McClanahan were not mentioned in the book. But aside from that I was just thrilled with the book. It is so beautiful and complette. I was especially happy that they included the dialouge embedded in the songs. This gave me a complete picture of the play's story (I've seen it once, but obviously it's nice to be reminded). While it didn't include a complete liberetto, it didn't say it did either, so I wasn't surprised. This book includes fun features such as the Elphaba or Glinda quiz, quotes from the cast, and beautiful color plates. I was happy with my purchase and think that any die-hard Wicked fan will enjoy the book.

The grimmerie is the best piece of Wicked merchandise I own. It is incredibly informative to any Wicked fan, tells you about the actors/actresses, set design, technical design, production, everything. The real gem though is the photos, they are all LARGE and colorful, a pleasure to look at. My favorite part is that they didn't limit the book to the OBC, since the majority of people who have seen the show have seen subsequent casts. Unfortunately the Original Chicago Cast is left out, which is why I only give it four stars instead of five.

This is a "must have" for any fan (read "fanatic") of the show Wicked. The cover design, which simulates an antique tome, is tragically beautiful. Inside, it's chock-full of photos, comments by the creators and cast, and insider information like how they make Elphaba green or where the name Elphaba came from. Also includes complete lyrics of the songs. My only disappointment with the book is that it does not contain a full transcript of the dialogue.

Being an Australian and with only access to the broadway cast album of Stephen Schwartz's "Wicked" . . . .the show has yet to make it to Oz (Australia that is, not the magical...... you know what I mean). I was more than eager to know more of this smash hit. "The Grimmerie" does not disappoint. Hard cover with a purposely "distressed" binding, this over 192 page book abounds with vivid color shots of the production, profiles of the characters by the actors who starred and most helpful for one who is yet to enjoy the show face to face, a condensed script linking the lyrics of each song. Whether you've seen the show, have only caught the cast album, or just heard on the grapevine; The Grimmerie, a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Hit Broadway Musical is a must have.

Upon receiving this book, I was absolutely elated. The cover was so beautiful, and flipping through the book was spectacular. However, while this book was initially flawless, I feel a victim of false adveritising. True: this book has some nice behind-the-scenes stuff (drafts of the novel and of "Defying Gravity" as well as set and costume designs) and a step-by-step of how Elphaba gets green (of course, you can find this online); it does not include the full libretto or any spells, both of which were why I so desired this book! Yes, it includes the lyrics for "Wicked Witch of the East" and includes snippets of the book: if you've seen the musical, it's nothing impressive. Some of my favourite scenes they just glance over with a few sentences, barely even managing to explain the scene. For example: What precedes "Defying Gravity" and the Elphaba/Glinda confrontation near the end.

Regardless, if you (like me) are absolutely obsessed with this musical, you will probably still appreciate the book. It does have some nice pictures (though many of them are repeated from online sources and the program) and some good comments.

I must say though: why do they think we'd care about their fan letters? I'd much rather have a full libretto.

In conclusion, if you are a true Wicked fan, get this book of course! If you are merely mulling it over as a way to spend a spare $25 bucks, well then, I couldn't tell you. (I keep telling myself: "at least I didn't pay full price.") If you are an Idina fan, I gotta say, this might not be the book for you. It seems to have much more of Stephanie J. Block.

(Just to end on a good note: one sort-of nifty thing that is included that wasn't advertised is a step-by-step for "The Elphie.")

I was lucky enough to see WICKED last April (?) in Raleigh. This show has so much meaning to me but I won't bore you with the details. Anyway, I still look at this book almost weekly. My daughters (7&8) love to read it as well even though they haven't seen it (yet)!
The book gives the reader an insight into the development of the show from the very beginning. It discusses the devleopement of costumes, script, actors, music, etc.
The photos and drawings are amazing.

You won't be disappointed! Its worth every penny!!!