I have read the book and seen the musical on Broadway. I read the book first and I am glad I did. The book explains the political world of OZ and the politics play a part in the events after Dorothy's arrival. The book is so much more than politics. It describes the love/hate relationships in friendships and families. The book tells an impossible love story and the guilt associated with forbidden love. It is a wonderful, complex story- that, in all fairness, can not be completely shared on stage in a few hours. Having said that, the play was great- if you can take it as its own story. I had a hard time with some of the characters. The play focuses primarily on the relationship between Glinda and Elphabia, and only touches on the political realms of Oz. Unfortunately, the political realm is where the tie ins occur, between Wicked and The Wizard of Oz. So, I think the play loses some of its call-back (to the original) opportunities. I think it's kind of like books and movies. The movies are often fine on their own, but rarely is a movie better than the book. This is the same. I absolutely love Broadway and the play was good, but the book, as usual, was soooo much better.

They have the same title... and that's about it.

I'm in the middle of reading it now, and just saw the show the other night here in St. Louis. My partner finished reading it a few weeks before we went to see it, and loved the book. But, she advised there's a lot of differences. But, isn't that true for almost any play or movie? There are always a lot of changes. Still...the show was fantastic! Can't quit humming the songs...been playing the cd in the car all week....

Ok. The book is more adult explained, and the musical is more to explain for the younger set. I love both, but I love the books beginning when Elphaba is just a tiny baby.