Elphaba Costume from ‘Wicked’ Heads to Smithsonian

The Elphaba costume from “Wicked” is heading to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History today, December 17.

Susan Hilferty, who won the Tony Award for Best Costume Design for her work on the show, will sign the deed of gift for the costume over to the museum along with an Elphaba broom. The costume currently is on display as part of the “American Stories” exhibit.

Also appearing at the ceremony is Marc Pachter, acting director of the National Museum of American History, and Dwight Blocker Bowers, curator of the museum. Additionally, “Wicked” actress alum Donna Vivino and Tiffany Haas will be on hand.

“Wicked” is based on the novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire that explores the early life of the witches in the Land of Oz, Glinda and Elphaba.

Here’s the official description of the musical:

“Wicked” is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. “Wicked” tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

The musical won two other 2004 Tony Awards, Best Scenic Design for Eugene Lee and Best Actress in a Musical for Idina Menzel. The production was nominated for seven additional Tony Awards that year, including Best Musical.

“Wicked” began previews at the Gershwin Theatre October 8, 2003. The official opening was then held on October 30 of that year.

Music and lyrics for the musical are by Stephen Schwartz, and the book is written by Winnie Holzman.

A production currently also is running London’s West End at the Apollo Theatre, and there are two concurrent national U.S. tours being performed as well.