After twenty years as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on Broadway, Wicked makes its highly-awaited journey to the big screen as a star-studded, generation-defining movie this winter. Directed by the visionary filmmaker Jon M. Chu (from Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz. Already among the highest-grossing musicals of all time, this shiny, high-energy movie adaptation stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (from Harriet and Broadway’s The Color Purple). She plays Elphaba, a young woman who is misunderstood because of her emerald-colored skin. Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande also takes center stage as Glinda, a popular young woman who is gilded by privilege and ambition.
The Guardian raves, “Wicked matches its polished razzle-dazzle with real heart. Driven by knockout performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Jon M Chu’s impossibly slick charm assault of an adaptation zips along so enjoyably that you almost wish it were longer (your bladder may disagree). With its all too timely themes of bullying, corrupt leaders and the demonisation of difference, this is a movie that promises a froth of pink and green escapism but delivers considerably more in the way of depth and darkness.” The movie boasts a number of catchy songs, including “No One Mourns the Wicked,” “Dancing Through Life,” and “Popular.” In true Ariana Grande fashion, she commands the audience at every turn with her iconic sound. “Grande has a vocal range so extensive that some of it is only audible to bats, and she uses every last note of it here,” the Guardian says.
What’s the story about?
Forget all you know about the classic story of the Wizard of Oz as Wicked explores the Land of Oz from a whole new perspective! This movie will take you on an exciting adventure before Dorothy and her fluffy pal, Toto, arrive. The story follows Elphaba and Glinda as they meet as students at Shiz University in the whimsical Land of Oz and form an unlikely but profound bond. After they cross paths with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take completely different paths. Glinda’s unwavering desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, meanwhile Elphaba’s determination to remain authentic has unexpected and shocking consequences for her future. Their fantastical adventures in the Land of Oz will eventually see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The movie also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal and influential headmistress Madame Morrible, and Jonathan Bailey (from Bridgerton and Fellow Travelers) as the free-spirited prince, Fiyero. What’s more, Tony nominee Ethan Slater (from Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants and Fosse/Verdon) plays Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student, meanwhile Marissa Bode makes her feature-film debut as Nessarose, and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum plays the legendary Wizard of Oz. Set before Dorothy begins her journey to the magical Land of Oz, Wicked includes multiple references to the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s 1939 technicolor triumph, The Wizard of Oz.
Wicked on Broadway
It’s been more than two decades since Wicked opened its doors at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway. Opening the curtains on 30 October 2003, the original star-studded cast included Idina Menzel as Elphaba, Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero, and Joel Grey as the Wizard. “If every musical had the brains, heart and courage of WICKED, Broadway really would be a magical place,” cheers Time Magazine. With glowing reviews like that, it comes as no surprise that Wicked is one of the most popular and successful Broadway musicals out there.
The production absolutely cleaned up the coveted Tony Awards. Nominated for a staggering ten awards, the Broadway smash hit took home Best Actress in a Musical (Idina Menzel), Best Scenic Design, as well as Best Costume Design. Broadway’s Wicked also made a huge impact at the Drama Desk Awards, bagging seven awards, including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Lyrics, Outstanding Book of a Musical, Outstanding Director of a Musical, Outstanding Orchestrations, Outstanding Set Design, and Outstanding Costume Design. And that’s not all… it even won an impressive ten Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as a coveted Grammy Award for the Best Musical Show Album Award for the original cast recording.
The show is currently playing at the Gershwin Theatre, and in true Wicked style, it boasts a star-studded cast, with Mary Kate Morrissey as Elphaba, Alexandra Socha as Glinda, Tony Award winner Donna McKechnie as Madame Morrible, Natalie Ortega as Nessarose, and Brad Oscar as the Wizard of Oz. Jordan Litz, Jake Pedersen, and William Youmans will also be reprising their roles as Fiyero, Boq, and Doctor Dillamond, respectively. What’s more, the talented creative team includes Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Book by Winnie Holzman, Choreography by Wayne Cilento, Set Designer by Eugene Lee, Costume Design by Susan Hilferty, Lighting Design by Kenneth Posner, and Sound Design by Tony Meola.
What’s next?
Just like the musical, the movie is split into two parts. The first part was released in November 2024, and the second part will be released in November this year. Both parts of Wicked were filmed at the same time and all the actors from the first movie will return in the sequel. The second movie will cover the second act, set a few years after the first. In this act, the story connects back to the plot of the 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz. The sequel’s title, Wicked: For Good, is named after the act two song “For Good,” performed by Elphaba and Glinda.
While you wait for Wicked: For Good to come out this fall, why not experience the story live on stage? The Broadway show boasts unforgettable performances, intricate costumes, and songs like “Defying Gravity” that will have you singing until the sequel is released!. “This is what stage magic is all about. This is live theater at its finest,” raves Houston Press. To secure your place at the Gershwin Theatre, book your tickets now!