The curtain opened on the big screen this week with the opening of the movie musical Wicked! The Broadway musical first opened on Broadway in October, 2003 with Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel taking center stage as the dynamic duo Glinda and Elphaba respectively. After 21 years of this popular show running on Broadway, a new chapter that is defying gravity has begun with the screen adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu. The movie musical will star Ariana Grande-Butera as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
Despite the challenging transition from stage to screen, the filmmakers and cast stayed true to the spirit of live theater, insisting that much of the singing be performed live during filming. The film adaptation gave fans the chance to relive, or see for the very first time, the broadway sensation by Winnie Holzman in a whole new way.
From beginning to end, the entire film was absolutely captivating for fans. From sets to costumes, the entirety of the movie was spectacular, bringing the stage production to life. The vocals were outstanding. What stuck out to most to the audience was Grande’s performance as she steered away from being the pop princess into a more mature and operatic style of singing. She no doubt knocked this role out of the park as her high notes set chills throughout the audience. The Vocals we got from Erivo perfectly blended with Grande and took on a life of its own in her big numbers.
The musical numbers become iconic in the movie version, particularly What Is This Feeling?, Dancing Through Life, Popular, and Defying Gravity, to name a few, which seemed to take on an essence of their own. What Is This Feeling? perfectly set a tone for the power play between Glinda and Elphaba against the stunning background of Shiz University. Prince Fiyero, played by Jonathan Bailey, dazzled with Dancing Through Life, a number truly elevated by dynamic choreography and masterful technical direction. This number not only held fans in suspense but seamlessly moved the plot along, building tension and anticipation toward the next scene. These moments were unforgettable due to the combination of spectacular vocals and visually striking sets.
The two show-stopping numbers, Popular and Defying Gravity are the most memorable power ballads of the production, which seemed to leave a lasting impact on audiences. Popular, Glinda’s most iconic song, sparkled with fresh Hollywood flair, featuring Ariana Grande swinging from a light fixture, leaping onto a vanity, and interacting seamlessly with creative props. The brilliant use of dynamic camera angles added even more excitement to this already dazzling number.
Meanwhile, the big finale number of Act One, Defying Gravity, sent audiences into a breathless spectacle they’d never forgotten. CGI allowed for Elphaba to take flight and perform some amazing stunts to make this iconic moment come alive. Paired with powerful vocals that gave fans goosebumps and moved many to tears, this number cemented its place as an unforgettable highlight of the show.
The movie was no doubt a fan favorite that left fans with happiness, excitement and the feeling that they can dance through life. The bright visuals, set design, and jaw dropping talent left new viewers and lifelong fans speechless. This movie was a bulky project that left people intrigued to see part two.
Part two you may ask? Yes, despite the movie taking one short day to see, this was only act one. Act two is set to release sometime in the fall of 2025 leaving fans on the edge of their seat until the next year.
