It took a 21 year run on Broadway and 12 years in development hell, but it is finally here. And, let me be the first to say, it is absolutely Wicked (ba dum tss)!
“Wicked” tells the story of Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, a misunderstood young woman cast out by society due to her green skin and emotionally-charged magic. Despite their differences, Elphaba and popular it-girl Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, become friends during their time at Shiz University, unearthing the injustice around them and realizing the Wizard may not be as wonderful as he appears.
Erivo and Grande as Elphaba and Glinda Photo credit: IMDb.com
Erivo gives a raw and rich authenticity to her performance as Elphaba. Her level of empathy, humility and sarcasm are perfect for the role, giving it a unique and natural mix of both the character and herself. Her vocals and riffs in “The Wizard and I” showcase Erivo’s true prowess as a powerhouse worthy of donning the Elphaba helm. Seeing the clips of her performing her own stunts while singing was incredibly impressive, giving her role a new sense of definition and dedication.
Erivo as Elphaba Photo credit: IMDb.com
Grande gives her all to her performance as Glinda, providing the perkiness, poise and precision her dream role requires. The practice to make her voice sound more operatic for the film is especially prevalent in “No One Mourns the Wicked,” donning such silent sorrow that brought me to tears only five minutes into the film. Her bubbliness and rasp in “Popular” as well as high kicks and humorous dancing made the song one that stood out in my mind. Grande makes this role her own, reminding viewers she is a theater girlie first with her singing and acting.
Grande as Glinda Photo credit: IMDb.com
Erivo and Grande have so much chemistry, bouncing both comedic and emotional beats off each other perfectly, especially in the Ozdust ballroom sequence and “Defying Gravity.”
Grande and Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba Photo credit: IMDb.com
Director Jon M. Chu, best known for “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In The Heights,” strikes gold among the yellow brick roads of “Wicked.” “Wicked” is exactly the holiday musical release audiences have been waiting for, with showstopping performances, incredible ensembles, and a theatricality and grandeur that is not often seen in modern musical adaptations. In a sea of endless sequels, prequels, and pure CGI films, “Wicked” stands out as a creative reimagining that, although both prequel and musical adaptation, shines in its individuality.
The Wizard's palace Photo credit: IMDb.com
The practical sets of “Wicked” were jaw-dropping. The incredible detail taken in the classrooms at Shiz, Elphaba and Glinda’s room, the Ozdust ballroom, and the Wizard’s palace had vibrant colors that put all Twitter and Letterboxd naysayers to shame. I was also incredibly impressed by the choreography, especially in “What Is This Feeling” with Glinda and her classmates, “One Short Day” with the Ozians, and “Dancing Through Life” with Fiyero, played by Jonathan Bailey, Boq, played by Ethan Slater, Glinda and the other Shiz students in the rotating library. I also loved the power of the instrumental backing added to the soundtrack in its transition from stage to screen, making the ever-iconic songs sound more grand than ever.
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero performing "Dancing Through Life" Photo credit: IMDb.com
I also appreciated the small Easter eggs and nods to the existing “Wizard of Oz” film and novel and “Wicked” musical lore. The lion cub and poppies that put everyone to sleep in Dr. Dillamond’s classroom, Nessarose’s slippers, the origins of the yellow brick road, the flying monkeys, the infamous hat, cloak and broom, the bikes with baskets, cameos, and the small lyrical references to the fates of the characters were well added touches.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Photo credit: IMDb.com
The animal rights vs. the wizard’s rule plotline was incredibly powerful and an allegory that is ever-present in modern day. Seeing Dr. Dillamond, played by Peter Dinklage, in fear as he read the words on the chalkboard, the weaponized pain of the flying monkeys and the animal gathering in “Something Bad” gave prominence to Elphaba’s struggle and empathy and gave the story a sense of added relevance.
Peter Dinklage as Dr Dillamond Photo credit: IMDb.com
“Wicked” is all I wanted to see in an adaptation of one of my favorite musicals and more. Erivo, Grande, Chu and everyone else involved brought their whole heart and dedication to this project, using an extended runtime to its full potential to build on the characters and plot as a whole. I felt so invested watching the film, to the point I bawled at least three times, and it did not feel remotely close to its length. “Wicked” made me feel magical and unlimited, and I cannot wait to see what “Wicked Part Two” entails.
