By: Russ Matthews
In 2003, Winnie Holzman’s book Wicked, based on the characters in L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, became a Broadway production.
It starred iconic stage and screen performers such as Idina Menzel (Frozen) as Elphaba, Kristin Chenoweth (Bewitched) as Glinda, and Joel Grey (Cabaret) as the Wizard. This reimagined work of the classic story continues to run on stages worldwide. It has finally been given a cinematic release with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the lead roles.
Winnie Holzman’s tale takes place in the world of Oz before Dorothy’s home fell on the Wicked Witch of the East, and her journey began on the Yellow Brick Road. Elphaba (Erivo) and Galinda (Grande) are two students at the Shiz University where they start as rivals. These two witches journey through their studies at the magical school experiencing very different scholastic and social acceptance until they eventually become friends. As they yearn for an audience with the Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), they must develop their skills to become the legendary witches of L. Frank Baum classic novel.
Newcomers to Wicked Are Not Left Out
Fans will be chomping at the bit to see their favourite characters come alive on the big screen, and those who have not seen the stage production will also be rewarded. As director Jon M. Chu (In The Heights) unpacks the first part of this epic story, everyone will be engrossed from beginning to end of the 160 minutes, leaving audiences yearning for more. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are perfectly cast in their roles. They will quiet naysayers who doubt their ability to fulfil these titular parts. Their performances capture these classic characters on every level, including their looks, voices, and seminal personas. Yet, they are not alone in embodying these wonderfully written cast members as Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh and even Peter Dinklage as the voice of Doctor Dillamond perfectly fulfils their responsibilities on screen.
If there are any knocks on this film, one will be minor, while the other will be resolved in the year ahead. The first minor critique would be Michelle Yeoh’s singing abilities. The Academy Award winner is cast well to play the Headmistress of Shiz University, Madame Morrible. Still, her one song is the weakest moment within this otherwise perfectly directed show. The only other issue is that we must wait to see Part II in 2025. This isn’t to say that Jon M. Chu should have cut anything from this chapter. This statement is merely a disappointment in having to patiently anticipate the conclusion of this magical musical.
Wicked was a marvellous, joyous experience that will win over fans and filmgoers who may want to dip their toe into the world of musicals for the first time. From the visuals and cast to the magnificent vocal performances from the majority of the performers, Elphaba and Galinda will cast a spell on all willing to journey down the Yellow Brick Road again.
Reel Dialogue: Is ‘different’ meant to be celebrated?
Being different is at the heart of this wicked little tale of Oz. While many may push back against walking on a varied path from the rest of the world, it could be said that God orchestrated this.
This message can be seen in many of the letters in the New Testament of the Bible. Not only should it be celebrated, but it should also help people within society work together more effectively. Within the community of God, or it could be said, the body of Christ, we are challenged to know our differences and how these skills work in the bigger picture of society.
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. – Romans 12:4-5
Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.
All images: Movie publicity
About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.