The Broadway show Wicked was adapted from the classic movie The Wizard Of Oz. This play has been on Broadway since 2003 and has been the 2nd best-selling show earning 1.6M. On November 22, 2024, a two-part movie adaptation of this show was released in theaters. This story follows Elphaba, a green-skinned outsider with a mysterious power, who later becomes the wicked witch of the West and Glina, the good witch. We get to see their relationship evolve as they get paired up to be roommates at their school, Shiz University.
The show-stopping academy award winner Cynthia Erivo uses her amazing vocals and puts her all into this role of Elphaba. Ariana Grande had an astounding performance playing her dream role of Glina. The cast is also filled with other stars such as Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, and Jeff Goldblum. Marissa Bode in her debut role playing Nessarose brings a sense of diversity as she is in a wheelchair. This cast did an amazing job bringing these characters to the big screen while also making it their own.
Many people watch this movie for the entertainment and the soundtrack. Since it came out, the songs have blown up on social media and have become memes all over TikTok. The whole cast sings the hit songs such as ‘Popular’, ‘Dancing Through Life’, and the most popular, ‘Defying Gravity.” The high notes and the vocal work in these songs show the talents of all of the cast; however, there has been controversy circling social media about how seeing the movie in theaters can be interrupted by fans loudly singing along. This has angered many viewers and started major drama online.
Ariana and Cynthia both have incredible vocals that match perfectly together. As they sing, their voices sound like one person. The bond between Elphaba and Glinda has not only been created in the film but in real life too. Cytnia said that she was blessed to have Ariana as her castmate. Cynthia spoke to the New York Times, saying “thank goodness because it was not the two ladies I was auditioning with.” These two have become a powerful duo after working together and making headlines for her incredible performance.
Junior Evelyn Clewley, a Wicked and Ariana Grande fan, saw the movie and has nothing but good things to say about it. “Wicked was such a good movie. I loved the soundtrack and the casting was perfect. The movie was so enjoyable and I never got bored even though the movie was long. Overall I loved it and would definitely recommend watching it to others.”
Junior Julia Basilicato hasn’t seen the movie yet, but said “I love the Wicked Broadway show and I can not wait to see it in the movie theater because it looks sooo good.”
Wicked is a movie that many people are looking forward to seeing this year, as both previous fans of the famous Broadway show and newcomers want to experience this adaptation on the big screen. With this movie leaving off on a ‘To Be Continued’ ending, many are excited to see what comes next for this franchise.
