WICKED Opens November 22!
I have read the whole series of books by Gregory Maguire, who by the way, attended the same university as me, SUNY@Albany, graduating a few years ahead of me! I absolutely loved the series, I always enjoy a full mythology and back story of all supernatural stories, and after watching the Wizard of Oz for so many decades, it was great to get al this other information on the lives of the characters!
I have not seen the play, so these opinions are based on having read the books and seen the movie, all of which I loved!
Cynthia and Ariana may both end up with award nominations for their roles in this movie. Both sang beautifully, and both were stad outs in their role. Again, having never seen the play, I did not know beforehand that Galinda was the comedic role. Ariana portrayed her to a tea, she was hysterical at times, her comic timing was impeccable. She was Elle Woods, except a bit of a spoiled and self-centered bratty type. She did evolve which was nice to see, and she helped our Elphaba through a difficult period of adjustment at Shiz University. Our two leading ladies were wonderful!
Jonathan Bailey was terrific as Fiyero, supporting Elphaba on as she started on her quest to right a wrong happening to the animals who started out as sentient with the power of speech. In the end (at least of part one!) she is no wicked witch, but rather the victim of strong marketing by the evil side! Hard to believe the underlying issues in this original story, written decades ago, still stand today.
As our two ladies enter the Emerald City, we are greeted with my absolute favorite singing and dancing scene of the entire movie, and no spoiler alert here, but the guest appearances gave me chills all over!
The entire theater erupted in applause when the movie ended, not because it was over, but because this was a spectacle to behold, a beautifully done movie. And the nostalgia of being transported back to Oz will always add excitement to all of us raised on the original motion picture, the Wizard of Oz!
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.
Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.
WICKED Opens November 22, Buy Tickets Now!
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And me on set!
Saw it Monday…it was awesome! Can’t wait for part 2!