The phrase "Wicked Witch of the East" is a reference to the character from L. Frank Baum's popular novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," which was published in 1900. This novel tells the story of a young girl named Dorothy Gale who is transported to the magical land of Oz by a cyclone. Upon arrival, Dorothy's house accidentally lands on the Wicked Witch of the East, killing her instantly. The Wicked Witch of the East is portrayed as an evil and powerful sorceress who rules over the eastern part of Oz, known as the Munchkin Country. She is known for her tyrannical rule and cruel nature, causing fear and despair among the Munchkins.
If you're going for an intense dramatic look, this tutorial is for you. It may look complex at first glance, but she breaks it down into super simple steps that are easily achievable.
When I performed as the witch, we actually built a quick-change costume based on quick-change magic act costumes, so it took literally 2 seconds to change. I am working on Into the Woods, and was hoping if anyone has any ideas or suggestions on how to complete the witch s transformation as seamlessly as possible.
She is known for her tyrannical rule and cruel nature, causing fear and despair among the Munchkins. The Munchkins celebrate her death and thank Dorothy for freeing them from her oppressive regime. In the 1939 film adaptation of the novel, "The Wizard of Oz," the Wicked Witch of the East is famously portrayed as having magical ruby slippers.
Witch's Transformation for Into the Woods
I am working on Into the Woods, and was hoping if anyone has any ideas or suggestions on how to complete the witch's transformation as seamlessly as possible. Also, I am debating whether or not I want to make a cow or rent one. I need the cow to be calf size (obviously) and a contact I had to rent a cow, was trying to give me a 6 foot long cow. Any ideas or suggestions on the how-to or best way to construct milky-white or a good company to rent a calf-sized cow.
Anything helps, Thanks!
SHCP
Well-Known Member
I am building this show as well, and am doing the same effect as I did with Beauty and the Beast.
I built a raised platform with a steel grate that has lights and a strobe beneath it. It also has a smoke machine rigged. We just have the actor stand on the unit while we use the smoke and light effects, which look really nice streaming from the steel grate, and give her time to remove the makeup appliances and costume to appear changed.
Can't help with the cow, we rented ours from a local college. Good luck with your show.
I am working on Into the Woods, and was hoping if anyone has any ideas or suggestions on how to complete the witch's transformation as seamlessly as possible. Also, I am debating whether or not I want to make a cow or rent one. I need the cow to be calf size (obviously) and a contact I had to rent a cow, was trying to give me a 6 foot long cow. Any ideas or suggestions on the how-to or best way to construct milky-white or a good company to rent a calf-sized cow.
Anything helps, Thanks!
Tim MahoneyTechnical Director/Scenic Designer
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
San Francisco
BrianWolfe
Active Member
I have two cows, a chicken and the giant's harp from the original Broadway production that I rent out.
General Manager
Costume Armour, Inc.
Props, sculpture, vac-form and resin casting.
CatieO
Member
We made our cow a costumed actor and it worked to a pretty nice effect. Don't know if that's an option for you.
The trick to the witch's transformation (I've teched this show twice and was the witch the third time around) is practicing the costume change and coordinating with your designer to make sure everything is quick-changed to a ridiculous level. I realize that's kind of obvious, but you'd be suprized what a little velco can do.
When I performed as the witch, we actually built a "quick-change" costume based on quick-change magic act costumes, so it took literally 2 seconds to change. Depending on your prosthetics/wigs, they can be detattched backstage and kept on with a bare minimum (so the wig can be pulled off easily, ect).
One cheap and visually awesome trick is to build a cape with a large sweep, so the witch can sweep it up and around to hide the transformation. If you time it right, it can look amazing.
Into the Woods is a beast! Good luck!
StewTech
Member
During a local production of Into the Woods I helped with, they originally staged the witch to swap out with a body double during the song and just mouth the words. With the wig and heavy prosthetics, no one would be able to tell the difference.
However, the effect simply didn't work. The director wanted the witch to be visible fully the entire time. So the body doubles switched places.
The double was dressed as the young witch and would hide behind a tree flat which was beside a trap door. The real witch would hit her mark, drink the goblet and go down in the trap, and in a cloud of fog and flash of light, the double would jump out from the tree flat, and strike an identical pose right behind the trap. With proper back lighting, the effect was that an old body melted off the witch.
If you can figure out a way to do it, I highly recommend a trap door.
Branden Scott Stewart
Non-AEA Stage Manager
"Do you know what a dog clip is rated for? One dog!"
--"Or two pomeranians!"
The spider web detailing may look really hard to do but it's actually incredibly simple. Plus the rhinestones add a pretty glamorous touch.
These slippers, originally silver in the book, play a significant role in the story as they possess great power. In the movie, the Wicked Witch of the West, the sister of the East Witch, seeks to reclaim the slippers to increase her own power. The phrase "Wicked Witch of the East" has since become a cultural reference, often used to describe a villainous or malicious character. It is often used in a tongue-in-cheek or humorous manner to evoke a sense of cultural recognition or as a nod to classic literature and film. In recent years, the concept of the Wicked Witch of the East has been expanded upon in various adaptations and spin-offs, such as the musical "Wicked," which tells the story of the witches of Oz before the events of Baum's novel. This exploration of the character's backstory has added depth and complexity to the once one-dimensional villain, shedding new light on the motivations and struggles of the Wicked Witch of the East. Overall, the Wicked Witch of the East is a well-known and enduring character in popular culture, serving as both an iconic antagonist and a symbol of the power of good triumphing over evil. Her legacy continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, reminding us of the timeless themes of bravery, friendship, and the quest for home..
Reviews for "The Wicked Witch’s Feet: The Dark Magic Behind the Legend"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Wicked Witch of the East Feet". The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters were underdeveloped. I felt like the plot was all over the place and there were too many unnecessary subplots that didn't add anything to the overall story. The writing style also didn't captivate me, and I found myself getting bored and skimming through the pages. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to others.
2. John - 1 star - "Wicked Witch of the East Feet" was a complete waste of time for me. The characters were one-dimensional and unlikable, making it hard for me to engage with the story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural. Additionally, the pacing was off, with the first half of the book being extremely slow and the second half feeling rushed. The author tried to incorporate too many themes and ideas into the plot, resulting in a chaotic and messy storyline. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well-developed characters and a coherent plot.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Wicked Witch of the East Feet", but sadly, it fell short. The writing style was bland and lacked the necessary description and depth to truly bring the story to life. The protagonist was unrelatable and made questionable decisions throughout the book. The plot had potential, but it wasn't executed well, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and confused. I was hoping for a gripping and thrilling read, but this book failed to deliver. I wouldn't recommend it to readers looking for a captivating fantasy novel.
4. Michael - 2.5 stars - While "Wicked Witch of the East Feet" had some interesting elements, overall, I found it to be lackluster. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by sudden bursts of action. The world-building felt incomplete, leaving many unanswered questions. The main character didn't undergo much development, and their motivations were unclear. Additionally, I found the writing to be mediocre, lacking the descriptive language and vivid imagery that would have made the story more engaging. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed by this book.