The setting of producer David Stone’s “Wicked” takes place long before Dorothy ever walked in author L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”

Based on Gregory Maguire’s back story of Oz’s characters from his 1995 best-selling novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” the highly anticipated musical made its Iowa debut at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines last week.

At Shiz University in Oz, Glinda, the so-called “Good Witch” played by Helene Yorke, is pompous and pretentious with intermittent moments of grace. Elphaba, played by Marcie Dodd and labeled the “Wicked Witch of the West,” is humble and hopeful, but given to fits of rage.

Together, they set out on a surreal journey to find their places in a political world filled with social injustice. Taking a deep look at the characters’ origins, “Wicked” blurs the line between good and evil, dispelling outward show as a gauge of true intentions.

And when the curtain is pulled back, it becomes clear that things are not always what they seem.

Dodd captures her character’s optimistic aspirations in the “The Wizard and I,” a powerful score bolstered by the rich vocals of this passionate and energetic young actress. And if you can get beyond the abrasive demeanor of Yorke’s character, you’ll find a confident voice that can be both charming and eloquent.

Both are masters of storytelling through song and are complemented by a well-rehearsed cast and Conductor Adam Souza’s travelling orchestra.

With a “toss, toss” of her hair, Glinda tries to “Glindafy” Elphaba in the hilarious hit “I’m Popular.” But Dodd dismisses the front in her exuberant rendition of “I’m Not That Girl.”

During the nearly three-hour performance, Elphaba realizes her own power and identity are not tied to appearance or associations, while Glinda, focused on public image, tends to revert to her superficial ways in the face of conflict.

Subtleties that ring of social conflict, including animal rights and class inequality, are also apparent in “Wicked.” Elphaba, often shunned due to her green-pigmented skin, can relate to Doctor Dillamond (David De Vries), the university’s “token goat,” who lobbies for animals’ fleeting right to speak. “Something Bad” is happening in Oz, sings De Vries.

Keeping with the larger-than-life persona of the Wizard, played by Tom McGowan, the elaborate stage design of “Wicked” includes an intricate array of clocks, dials, gears and mechanical contraptions. Multiple layers of fog and lighting, including at one point a “light” rain falling on the set, create an illusionary quality and depth of field that pulls the audience in. The Vegas-like neon lights of Emerald City illuminate an all-star sunglasses-wearing cast in songs such as “One Short Day.”

Beautifully tailored costumes, including the princess and non-princess version of Glinda’s dresses; the expected band of flying-monkey spies; and words such as “bravertism,” discoverates” and “disrespectation,” are all part of the production.

The winner of three Tony Awards and chock-full of hope, revelation, magic, love, seduction, deception, heartbreak, anger, vindication and no shortage of magic slippers, “Wicked” plays at the Civic Center through Oct. 18.

Tickets are still available at www.civiccenter.org.