On a spring evening in early April, Concord’s creative community gathered under a starscape of giant whimsical poppies decorating the ceiling of The Umbrella Arts Center for an event that celebrated the arts and honored the acclaimed author of Wicked and a long-time Concord resident, Gregory Maguire. There was much to celebrate as Maguire is actively supporting the rollout of a film adaptation of Wicked, as well as touring for his fifth book in the Wicked series, Elphie.
“It’s been an incredible honor to share these stories with the world,” said Maguire. “Though I must admit that touring for my new book, Elphie, while also promoting the film adaptation of Wicked has been a whirlwind! Instead of feeling like a lazy early spring bumblebee flitting from one dandelion to another, I feel rather like a bumblebee who fell asleep on top of a musket ball just as we prepare to celebrate Patriots’ Day on April 19 – bang! I’m flying at full speed and trying to keep my wits about me!”
The Umbrella Arts Center’s community certainly thinks he’s doing a fantastic job. Their 2025 Artrageous Gala presented Maguire with the Elizabeth Cochary Gross Stewardship of the Arts Award, a recognition of his extraordinary contributions to literature, children’s literacy, and the arts.
“It’s hard to imagine a more deserving recipient,” said Eileen Williston, executive director of The Umbrella. “Gregory has been a passionate supporter of the arts here in Concord for decades. He’s not only a literary treasure—he’s one of our own.”
The evening featured dazzling performances by Broadway stars Stephanie J. Block and Sebastian Arcelus, a gourmet dinner as a centerpiece for convivial conversation, and spirited bidding on works in The Umbrella’s annual art auction. But the true centerpiece of the night was Maguire himself—gracious, eloquent, and visibly moved by the community’s embrace.
A Return to Oz: Elphie and the Heart of a Witch
The gala also marked a thrilling literary moment: the debut of Maguire’s latest novel, Elphie: A Wicked Childhood. In this poignant prequel to Wicked, Gregory Maguire revisits the life of Elphaba Thropp—the girl who would grow up to become the Wicked Witch of the West. Set in the magical world of Oz, Elphie explores her early years in Munchkinland, shaped by loneliness, intellect, and a world that didn’t know what to do with a green-skinned child.
While Wicked asked us to reconsider what makes someone “wicked,” Elphie shows us the childhood that formed a complex and compassionate soul. With lyrical prose and emotional depth, Maguire invites readers to see not a villain, but a vulnerable, brave, and extraordinary young girl.
“I wanted to go back and understand who Elphaba was before the world judged her,” Maguire shared. “So much of what makes us who we are happens in childhood—in those moments when we realize we’re different, or when the world tells us we are.”
As in all his writing, Maguire holds up a mirror to our complex, complicated, and contradiction-filled society and asks us to pause for a moment to make space for compassion and empathy to counter the pain that can be ever-present in our world.
Stephanie J. Block and Sebastian Arcelus on Stage at The Umbrella Arts Center
| ©Nick WarcholConcord Roots, Literary Branches
While Maguire’s writing takes us to faraway lands, his creative heart always finds its way back to Concord. He settled in the charming New England town in 1994 and his husband, artist Andy Newman, joined him there in 1999. Raising their three adopted children in Concord, the couple quickly became woven into the fabric of the town’s arts and civic life.
The Umbrella Arts Center has long played a central role in Maguire’s life well before he was honored on its stage. He has a working studio there and has served on the board, helping guide the organization as it expanded its programs and reimagined its role in the community.
“I often go out into Concord to find a nice spot to write when I’m working on a new project. I’ve been known to settle in at the Concord Free Public Library, Main Street Café, or Concord Teacakes,” said Maguire. “For Elphie, I discovered a wonderful spot in the mezzanine of Concord Market. They have a nice open space above the store with tables and chairs, where you can eat a sandwich or enjoy a rest. They even have a charming exhibit of items they found during the construction of the building. The bright and airy feel was inspirational for me and my work.”
“A writer, breathing in the air of Concord, feels a cousin to its solid citizenry, past and present. ‘I have traveled a good deal in Concord’ is one of Thoreau’s best-loved quotes. One can come here, put down roots, never leave, and continue to travel far, oh, so far.”
Gregory Maguire
| © Luke MaguireA Steward of Story and Community
The Elizabeth Cochary Gross Award, presented annually at The Umbrella Arts Center gala, honors those who embody The Umbrella’s mission: to steward the arts and build a creative community. Maguire joins a distinguished list of recipients, though his impact is uniquely multifaceted.
Beyond his bestselling books, he has championed children’s literacy, served on educational boards, supported young writers, and opened his life to the very themes he writes about—diversity, family, compassion, and second chances.
That legacy was palpable throughout the gala, as friends, readers, and fellow artists gathered not only to celebrate a literary icon, but to thank a neighbor who has given so generously of his time, his talents, and his heart.
Looking Ahead
As Elphie finds its way into the hands of readers, young and old, local and global, Maguire continues to write, create, and walk the history-infused streets of Concord with his characteristic quiet warmth.
The world may be enchanted with the film adaptation of Wicked and a new book in the fascinating series, but here in Concord, we’ve always known that Gregory Maguire is not just a bestselling author. He’s a treasured voice, a creative soul, and a beloved member of our community.
“I have been saying for 30 years that I’m done with Oz…but I’ve realized after all this time that maybe Oz isn’t done with me…”
And as the standing ovation at The Umbrella Arts Center proved, the story of Gregory Maguire is far from over. It may just be entering its next magical chapter.
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Elphie is available wherever books are sold, including local indie favorites like the Concord Bookshop – where you just may find an autographed copy if your wish is granted.
