December
03
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Wicked (PG)
Wicked (PG)
Runtime: 2h40m
Director: Jon M. Chu
Cast: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
Synopsis: 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.
URL: https://youtu.be/pqi45Qhq3CI?si=vyr9yQCKCgIIcbz_
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 for November 26, 2025.
Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, 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 central performances from Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. the future Wicked Witch of the West and Ariane Grande as Glinda the Good with their gravity-defying vocals hit all the right notes,
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, the big screen Wicked is a spectacular feast for all the senses.
Choreographer Christopher Scott and cinematographer Alice Brooks capture the magic as we discover- Was Elphaba born wicked or was wickedness thrust upon her?
Cynthia Erivo as- Elphaba, future Wicked Witch of the West convinces as she squares up against those who make her an outcast. Glinda (Ariana Grande), the Good Witch of the North, tells us, this will be “the whole story”.
The phenomenal vocal talents of both are supported by sincere and self-assured performances and Ariana Grande demonstrated her considerable knack for comedy (since her days on – sitcoms) and it’s here displayed with lethal, ‘mean girl’ accuracy.
Elphaba is born with green-hued skin and great, untapped potential. She is rejected by her father (Andy Nyman), governor of Munchkinland, and fiercely loyal to her sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode), who is patronised or dismissed for being a wheelchair user. Both end up at Shiz University alongside WASP-like, Galinda Upland of the Upper Uplands (who will later, become Glinda). Galinda immediately sets her sights on Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey – Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers).
The film also stars: Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; 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 beloved sister and the popular and charismatic Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James are also funny as Galinda’s minions. Paul Tazewell’s costumes and Nathan Crowley’s production design are exquisite Sequences like Galinda’s signature number “Popular” and Fiyero’s “Dancing Through Life” are especially memorable.
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 integrity and 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 songs are belters performed with note-perfect gusto by the two principles and the sing-along version will be available this month.
Wicked’s relevant themes of bullying, corrupt leaders and the demonisation of difference bring depth and darkness
Images courtesy of: UNIVERSAL PICTURES
