Wicked
21 years later, Wicked finally has its big screen debut.
Wicked, an original Broadway play, had us amazed 21 years ago as we learned the back story of Glinda, Elphaba, Fiyero, and the Wizard. Loosely based on the 1995 novel by the name of "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" written by Gregory Maguire, Wicked Part 1 finally blessed our eyes after countless delays due to the Covid 19 pandemic and actor strikes.
Staring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Peter Dinklage one might think that Wicked didn't have any other cards to play with such a stacked cast. However, there are two very gracious cameos that give an ode to the very beginning of our journey to Oz. Be sure to pay attention to the musical number when our favorite pink and green ladies arrive to see the Wizard. You just might be surprised at who you see. I know I was. Pleasantly so I might ad.
Down the Yellow Brick Road.
While Wicked introduces us to the back story of Oz, it is important to remember that Wicked is only the first part of this story.
Wicked: For Good is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 21st, 2025. Viewers will be able to see the conclusion of the relationships between Glinda, Elphaba, and Fiyero. It will also include two new songs written by Tony award winner Stephen Schwartz.
Defying Gravity...and then some.
Speaking of music, Jonathan Bailey took my breath away with his adaptation of ‘Dancing Through Life’. From his voice to the chorography that he decided to do all on his own. Every move, slide, and backflip are all Jonathan. It reminded me of the same feeling that I had when I watched “Chicago” in theaters for the first time.
Ariana Grande’s ‘No One Mourns the Wicked’ starts off the film in the most glorious way. If viewers are familiar with her music, rest assured that her voice is softer, stronger, and she can project like never heard for her before. While her version of ‘Popular’ includes new riffs, they don’t take away from the film or the original song at all.
Cynthia Erivo’s ‘The Wizard and I’ and the closing ‘Defying Gravity’ ripped at my heartstrings. With the themes throughout the film, you can sense the need to belong as she is gliding through Shiz University while performing ‘The Wizard and I’. To the point where myself, my sister, and my mother to tears. By the end of the film, you can feel the emotion portrayed in “Defying Gravity”. Elphaba isn’t scared, she understands what has happened. She will do her best to defy gravity regardless, as we all should.