A tip of the proverbial hat to a great mind-tingling exploration of hospitality amongst Elphaba and Glinda
Okay, it's official -- I finally saw Wicked, and I loved it! I was bucking the hype of "must-see" status for this musical, and I figured that there would be no way that I could be engaged by this particular storyline.
But of course, things have a way of working out differently than we planned! So, in lieu of a traditional birthday gift, I took my child to see Wicked in Chicago. We got great seats in the first row of the loge, and as we settled in for a matinee performance, I started stressing about fulfilling my weekly writing commitment for this blog.
But within the first several songs of Act 1, I was inspired by what I was watching. There, in front of me – all wrapped up in glittering, pure, white taffeta and shrouded in dowdy black fabric (with a greenish complexion) -- was my moment of inspiration. Elphaba and Glinda represented what true hospitality should be. Okay, I know you’re thinking I’m crazy, but just stay with me a moment here, and open your mind to possibilities (or to use the cliché – defy gravity!).
Traditionally, we believe that a hospitable person has a gorgeous home that is filled with beautiful things, tantalizing aromas, and a full complement of professionally-prepared food and beverage, (i.e. the Glinda of this entertaining metaphor).
But in reality, the more hospitable person may not have a beautiful home, may only be able to offer beer and chips with salsa to his/her guests, and may encourage the guests to serve themselves, (the Elphaba of this clever analogy).
But, which option is the better one….. my bet is on the Elphaba option. It may not be the prettiest, but it’s the most sincere and genuine form of entertaining. Remember that beauty is only skin deep, and that what’s at your core is the most important. So, go ahead and eat the tortilla chips out of the bag, with the pre-made container of salsa. Just make sure that you offer it first to your guests!
