Wicked the Musical first took the Broadway world by storm on June 10, 2003. The musical starred Idina Menzel (Frozen), coming hot off of RENT, and her stint in Aida, as Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West. Kristen Chenoweth, who made a name for herself in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, tackled Galinda the Good With of the North. Norbert Leo Butz from The Last Five Years took on the role of Fieryo. While Broadway Legends, Joel Grey, was our Wizard of Oz and Carole Shelley played Madame Morrible. 

The story is loosely based on the novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire. Telling the story of Elphaba and Galinda (yes, GA-Linda) before they became the witches of Oz we knew them to be. It turns out the women were best friends at school, and because of ideological differences went their separate ways. Overall, Wicked can be seen as a reflection on the complexities of political systems, the nature of freedom and oppression, and the importance of empathy in understanding diverse perspectives.

WICKED THE MOVIE PART 1

If you’ve read the novel, you know the musical is very different. I preferred the musical over the book. That said, some of the major complaints are the glossed-over storylines of the persecution of Animals, as well as Fieyro turning into a rom-com-rushed love story. While not all of these complaints will be fully rectified, the extended runtime does a great job of expanding them and adding more moments from the novel.

I love that we are allowed the time in the film to not feel rushed and really dig into the theming and politics that the Broadway Musical didn’t have time for. As for the rushed storyline, there are additional moments, as well as fantastic character building from Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton) that really allow the viewer to see their relationship form from the beginning. 

WICKED IS UNAPOLOGETICALLY A MUSICAL

I need to give props to the ensemble cast. Every single person on screen has a fully developed character. The choreography and performances of the ensemble make the film feel like a musical from the ’60s. The practical sets and whimsical costumes truly envelop the viewer in this new world. Thank you for making Wicked unapologetically a musical from top to bottom. 

As for the cast, I want to start with Jonathan Bailey. What an incredible job. I knew he would be good, but I wasn’t expecting him to be great. Bailey has made a name for himself on the West End Stage winning an Olivier Award. Also by portraying the Rake Eldest Son of the Bridgerton family, and the sweet Tim Laughlin in the period mini-series Fellow Travelers. This man is unstoppable. His chemistry with others is unparalleled, as is his extraordinary talent. He brought Fieryo to life in a way I’ve never encountered before, despite having seen the show six times. Truly, I think he could have chemistry with a chair and we would all root for it.

Cynthia Erivo (Harriet) is heartwrenching as Elphaba in Wicked. This is a character I related to from the moment I read her and saw her on stage. Erivo’s passion and hidden vulnerability resonate in every scene, creating a truly magnificent performance.  Ariana Grande is known for having a fantastic pop voice. I think her fans are going to be shocked by this performance. Grande has the difficult job of performing the blueprint left for Galinda by Kristen Chenoweth. Galinda sings through her nose, is over-the-top bubbly, and hilarious. She cannot perform this role as herself or as a pop star, and she delivers. Grande embodies the exuberant personality, and comedic flair, stepping far beyond her pop star persona. Then when these two powerhouse women come together it’s truly special to watch. Their performances moved me to tears twice, and I am not a crier. 

At this point in the Wicked story, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), Boq (Ethan Slater), and Nessa Rose (Marissa Bode) don’t get to shine. That’s saved for part 2. That said, each actor is setting up their stories incredibly well. It makes me even more excited for next year. 

THE WORLD BUILDING IS MAGICAL

Wicked is a giant undertaking and every person in every department delivers. The costumes are exquisite. Every detail, including a handful of what seemed to be easter eggs, was not overlooked. The set design is truly exceptional, and every editorial choice is intentional and impactful. Even the lighting tells its own story. 

Honestly, my only issue is there are times with certain important moments, conversations, and songs are backlit. So much so that I couldn’t see what was going on. I want to see the hard work of every person on my screen, not squint my eyes or miss the incredible footwork. Also, the Emerald City should be more green. If the song lyric says, “It’s all grand. And it’s all green” maybe don’t show a blue building.

That’s truly nitpicky stuff. Wicked is special and truly a magical experience. I went in wanting to hate it and I can’t. Give it all the awards!

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