The decision to not have Dorothy’s ruby slippers in the production of ‘Wicked’ has left many fans curious about the creative choice made by the costume designer. Paul Tazewell, the costume designer for ‘Wicked: For Good’, explained the reasoning behind the silver slippers in an interview with PEOPLE in 2024. He shared that the inspiration for the silver slippers came from L. Frank Baum’s original novel ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
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Tieing the Broadway show and film adaptation of ‘Wicked’ to the Wonderful World of Oz has provided a deeper understanding of the origins of The Wizard of Oz characters. Notably, Dorothy’s iconic red slippers in the original movie are portrayed as silver in ‘Wicked’. This change was a deliberate homage to the source material that inspired both productions, as explained by Tazewell.
The release of ‘Wicked: For Good’, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, brought to light several creative liberties taken during the adaptation process. While some elements of the stage show remained true to the musical, such as the color change of Dorothy’s slippers, other aspects were reimagined to fit the narrative of the sequel.
The choice to deviate from the well-known ruby slippers to silver slippers in ‘Wicked: For Good’ stemmed from Baum’s original descriptions in the novel. Tazewell highlighted that the silver boots were transformed into ruby slippers in the 1939 film adaptation of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to take advantage of the vibrant technicolor available at the time.
By drawing inspiration from Baum’s initial concept of the silver shoes, the costume designer was able to create a fresh and unique look for the slippers in ‘Wicked’. Incorporating swirls and jewels, Tazewell crafted a design that paid homage to both the original novel and Gregory Maguire’s take on the Wicked Witch of the West’s story.
In Maguire’s retelling of the narrative, the significance of the slippers was further explored, with Glinda enchanting the shoes to aid Nessarose in walking. The evolution of the slippers from silver to crystal and finally to iridescent beads in various adaptations showcased the transformative power of storytelling and creativity in bringing a familiar tale to life.
While the ruby slippers remain a symbol of cinematic history, only a few pairs are known to exist today, with one on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. The legacy of these iconic shoes continues to captivate audiences, with their auction prices reaching record numbers due to their cultural significance and historical value.
The decision to reimagine Dorothy’s slippers in ‘Wicked’ serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and the creative possibilities that come with adapting beloved stories for new audiences. Tazewell’s thoughtful interpretation of the silver slippers adds a layer of depth to the character’s journey and links the worlds of ‘Wicked’ and the classic tale in a visually striking way.