Glinda and Elphaba, the very different witches of Wicked, are close to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the musical’s opening. Since October 30, 2003, Wicked has enchanted more than seven million Broadway theatregoers who have fallen under the spell of the book and film versions of The Wizard of Oz and/or the Gregory Maguire novel upon which the musical is based. Yet ultimately, the production that has “held court” at the Gershwin Theatre for a decade and counting is its own unique entity: a thrilling tale about friendship, fascism and prejudice.

Lindsay Mendez as Elphaba. Photo: Joan Marcus

Glinda is the good witch — blonde, spoiled and popular (think Elle Woods in Legally Blonde). When she arrives onstage at the top of Act I, she is perched on a swing, dressed in a white gown and tiara, soap bubbles surrounding her, channeling the movie scene in which Billie Burke arrives in Munchkinland to welcome Judy Garland’s Dorothy.

Elphaba, Glinda’s roommate at Shiz University, is the wicked witch — green and reviled but powerful (think of the young, idealistic version of Margaret Hamilton in the film) with a killer vocal range and murky family backstory. Played by Lindsay Mendez, she too defies gravity on occasion, rising to the top of the stage before the curtain falls on Act I on her flying broom — but she’s not a malevolent, cackling harridan; rather, she’s an impassioned defender of the oppressed (the animals of Oz) destined for a memorable face-off with the manipulative Wizard (Tom McGowan) and his henchwoman, Madame Morrible (Carol Kane).

“I grew up with The Wizard of Oz,” says Alli Mauzey, who is playing Glinda for the third time on Broadway. “‘Over the Rainbow’ is my favorite song.”

Alli Mauzey as Glinda

At the stage door, she hears from fans emotionally affected by the musical. “They’re all ages, male and female, who are touched by the heart of the story. It’s hard to put into words but they’re either living through it or are encouraged to live a different way after seeing it.”

Being Glinda again — the 10th anniversary Glinda, no less — gives Mauzey a chance to reprise a favorite role with a cast that’s in constant flux having welcomed many Glindas, Elphabas, and Wizards over the years, both on Broadway and on tour. “That makes it interesting,” Mauzey says. “It’s not a challenge, but it’s fresh.”

She goes on to reveal how much fun she’s having playing against type. “I’m typically a character actress, but in Wicked I get to be the ingénue and use my vocal skills. The music has so much range. I love singing the score, most of all. And I get to be funny.”

Indeed, Glinda has most of the laugh lines and Mauzey delivers them with an assurance that recalls Kristin Chenoweth, Broadway’s original Glinda. Like Chenoweth, Mauzey is a gifted physical comedian. “No one says we have to do it like Kristin,” she says. “We’re encouraged to be ourselves. But we’re playing the same character so we’re going to sound the same. That’s the author. We’re paying homage to what’s written.”

Chronologically, Wicked precedes The Wizard of Oz (most of it is a flashback), but also parallels the film and novel with allusions to Dorothy, Toto, and clever introductions to the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. But being based Maguire’s novel, it also provides a rich, dark, and complex pre-history of Glinda, Elphaba and the Land of Oz.

The company. Photo: Joan Marcus

“Gregory’s book has a lot of depth to it,” Mauzey said. “It’s very dense. If you read the book, you can [read] more into the musical, especially when it touches on politics.” (It also touches on romantic issues, which opens the door to some most excellent plot twists.)

Winnie Holzman adapted the sources into Wicked’s book and Theatre Hall of Famer Stephen Schwartz (Pippin; Godspell) wrote the music and lyrics that includes the breakout song “Popular.” Tony recipient Joe Mantello (Take Me Out; Assassins) directed the show.

Mauzey recalls seeing Wicked well before her first stint on Broadway in 2008. “It was the original company and I remember just being on that ride,” she says. “I was invested in all of it: it was great storytelling, music, costumes and props. I personally love the world that it’s in, a sort of fantasy world that’s relatable.”'

Wicked is playing at the Gershwin Theatre, 222 W. 51st St. For tickets, call 877-250-2929 or click here.