As a great Broadway version of the musical Chu gives All The Best Jonathan M. Chus shows off his razzle-dazzle tactics inside the show “Wicked where it puts Sheem on the display”
Whether the audience is taken back to Munch inland, the emerald city or Shit university, where a young Glinda the good witch and the wicked witch encounter one another for the very first time, its exhilarating to see the clattering transition into big showy production themes, which is the prequel to The Wizard of Oz. Coming down to Chu’s earlier films such as Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights which revolve around song and dance tangles, he performed as a director undoubtedly learnt how to get along the hustle and bustle of pacing, perspective that is encased within a faery realm.
As fair men to the weakened magical world casted by Grande and Cynthia who are extremely talented, multi hypenates, controlling the emtions that every iconic character undergoes. Given which, the follow up of Idina and Chenoweth is no laughing matter which tends to appear to be insurmountable, but for the parts of Elphaba and Glinda everything comes down to vocal power and great dramatic interpretation.
You can sense the affinity that exists between these extremes particularly in a particular mesmerizing dance without words in which they try to build some tenuous bridge. It is heart warming in its subtleness. This is the basis of the whole narrative. Therefore, it is important that we establish the authenticity of their bond for its loss to have any weight.
Less so is their attempt to portray on film the effects of authoritarian rule, with Chu, using a story by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox based on a novel by Gregory Maguire, driving the movie’s load of themes in the picture. Yes, they are embedded in the script: We know from repeated viewings of the 1939 “The Wizard of Oz” that the wizard is a fraud who uses fear as a means of control. His trick is simply one of smoke and mirrors. All this is contained in the source book for the stage production of “Wicked” for which Holzman provided the book and Stephen Schwartz supplied the music and lyrics. The disparity arises in the cinematic adaptation of the format where the mood seems to oscillate quite awkwardly between childlike jubilation and grim tyrannical rule. It is a world where minorities are hunted and caged and rendered mute and where an evil glinting Jeff Goldblum is forced to be an anti white male.
It is not subtle, and it is an all too close depiction of our modern world and society, even though it first came out a several decades ago This also clearly reminds us of why this beautiful epic is focused on adventure.
Even with the diving deep the intermission pop up and explain as to why the film is gaudy is, although part two will be released in November 2025, at two hours and forty minutes, this is only the first part of wicked, which is a large ask of an audience. Nevertheless, the action and drama will only appeal to those who are conversant with the characters and the plot, especially those who celebrate Christmas during this time of the year and want a dramatic movie to watch.
She also fell back pointing out the fact where she and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch’s real name share class together gently bullies and aliens her for her complexion ton of green to which Grande explains this to Munchkins land empire forcing them to believe she actually dropped down. When it comes to Elphaba (the little green girl) out of spite for being pretty and hated, Glinda, the pretty mean girl has always been adored and pampered to her heart content stands out ( like Yang Bowen as one of the sycophants who were always around her during class) .
The film reaches life at points though Galinda’s makeover song “Popular” which is one of the many songs included in the show. The song is a highlight in the film and shows the possession “Wicked” has. Paul Tazewell’s costume design and Nathan Crowley’s production design adds depth to the whole concept and together with the excellent film escribe talent makes for an excellent experience. Although there are many points where Alice Brooks’ sounds shines through, the fingers of Galinda wielding hot pink lights does stand out.
Once again the choreographer Scott Christopher delivers inspiration and vibrant moves in the ‘Dancing through life’ sequence. This time however the setting is more extravagant and vivid. The school’s multi level and revolving library serves as the beautiful backdrop of the performance. Jonathan Bailey and Michelle Yeoh are superb in their respective roles as Fiyero and Madame Morrible. It is heartening to see Jonathan Bailey journey through his past as a musical theater performer. Mrs. Yeoh serves up a perfect blend of elegance and a tinge of danger. Peter Dinklage is ever so powerful with his voice portraying the role of Dr. Dillamond who is a goat instructor caught in the dire state for speaking to animals.
But a remarkable aspect of the film is the deeply emotional bond for Elphaba ampfyits between Erivo and grande.
Erivo ablaze, the singer acts as an anchor for Elphaba’s story portraying Elphaba as a sad and longing woman with a flicker of determination. Her dominating screen presence is enthralling and she certainly has the vocals to drive the songs home. Grande once again flexes her remarkable note for note singing while displaying her impeccable comedic timing, though its her performance as Galinda that stands out; her choice to make Galinda ‘dorky’ by adding a dose of jerkiness made all the difference. Despite all her prancing around in pink dresses and flaunting blonde hair, her need to be liked is what fuels her inside.
Even though “Wicked” in its entirety is without a doubt captivating, these little details make up for the praising.
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