Why does Nessarose have arms in the musical 'Wicked'?

Answer 1

There tend to be differences between the written and the filmed/staged versions of a story. Sometimes the difference may be due to artistic license, in which creators put in their distinct, individual interpretations and marks. At other times, the difference may be due to the limitations of the form of expression. For example, it's easier in the book form of 'Wicked' to have Nessarose born without arms. A film actress may carry off an armless part, through savvy shooting of scenes or through uncomfortable binding or costuming. But it's much more difficult for a stage actress to sustain such an armless part. A film actress knows that the uncomfortable role will be broken down into many, small filmed segments. In contrast, the stage actress must sustain an already physically and vocally taxing role with courage and persistence throughout each and every time on stage for the duration of the entire performance.