“Are people born WICKED? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”
WICKED is powerful, POPULAR, and defies your wildest imagination. It delved deeper into the original novel written by Gregory Maguire and inspired by the successful, Broadway musical production. It is a spectacular, extravaganza that delights and entertains audiences who have already memorized the lines and score.
For WICKED to mesmerize its fans again, the perfect ensemble had to be gathered together. This was brilliantly achieved by pairing Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Bravo to the producers and especially director, Jon M. Chu for this triple-threat coupling of extraordinary talent. These women bared their souls while guiding viewers on an intimate journey of discovering real friendship and acceptance even if your skin is a lovely shade of green. They accomplished their characterizations through their amazing voices, facial expressions, physical stature, and body movements. We believed Galinda’s pompous, pink, attitude as she DANCES THROUGH LIFE. We ached for all the neglect Elphaba suffered and shed tears as she experienced joy when someone showed they cared. Their chemistry was palpable and carried us throughout their school days at Shiz and beyond to Oz.
Chu’s brilliance did not end there. His casting of the hunky Jonathan Bailey, the commanding Michelle Yeoh, the quirky Jeff Goldblum, the sure-footed Ethan Slater, the inspiring Marissa Bode, and the unforgettable voice of Peter Dinklage completed the WICKED package. But Chu continued to visually give even more. The elaborate production and art design together with the clear, intentional cinematography brought every aspect of this film to life. The phenomenal choreography created by Christopher Scott was gloriously, breathtaking. The exquisite details of every costume culminated in visceral visions. The pacing and the rise to DEFYING GRAVITY were worth every second of film time.
I must admit that I was a little reticent about seeing this version of WICKED. I was one of the very fortunate ones who saw the original stars in the Broadway production. I am talking about Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, and Joel Grey. It was a moment I will never forget, and what made it even sweeter was that I was surrounded by 45 of my former Theatre Arts students. I thought nothing could ever come close to that level of greatness in my lifetime. I was wrong. Who’s to say that two things can’t be true at the same time even though both are very different in composition? The Broadway’s WICKED was sublime and can happen only once. This is the power of the stage. The movie version of WICKED surrounds every frame with care and love and can be enjoyed again and again forever.
I am determined not to give away a single, solitary spoiler, and there are many I would love to rant and rave about. Please dear readers, just know WICKED is one of the best holiday treats your family can share together this season. It reinforces concepts of not being led by our differences, but rather by uplifting morals and good values. It will set your toes a-tapping and make you want to burst out singing. This is only the first half of WICKED. Part two will be released next year. Since seeing WICKED, I am reminded of one of the of the song lyrics…”I hope you’re happy…” I am. I saw WICKED and “I have been changed…”
WICKED is playing in theaters everywhere.
