Is “Wicked” different from the book?
The musical is very, very different from the book. The musical does not have the same philosophical undertones which are present throughout the book. It also only touches on the struggles of a/Animals which becomes an important part of Elphaba’s character in the book. Major parts of the book are omitted, others are drastically changed to, as you said, make the musical family friendly. The musical ending and the book ending are completely different. The book is powerful, the musical although enjoyable cannot compare to it.
