Wicked features high-pitched hits in a brilliant theatrical rendition that is sure to amuse the loyal audience of the Broadway version and the new comers as well. A prequel to the notorious Wizard of Oz film classic, presents a revisionist interpretation on both the movie and the literature with convincing star casting as well as spectacular production design. Stars including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande (in the film credits: with her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera) shine with their abundant chemistry in great musical numbers where they do not perform, but sing screamingly. It is simply an appalling decision to thin out such a meager plot and stretch it across two hours and forty one minutes. That’s already the length of the original stage show and quite a reach in context that this is only part one of a two-part story.
The movie opens with the people of Oz commemorating the death of the Wicked Witch of the West. The citizens of Munchkinland welcome a stunning match for the pink dress and tiara, a very Glinda (Grande), who is also the Good Witch of the North, to rapturous cheers. She touches her traveling bubble and the world of Oz witnesses the burning of its most hated enemy. The children join in the fray until one of the munchkins takes a long breath and raises his hand to speak to Glinda. Wasn’t the Wicked Witch her BFF in TQM? How can one be so shamelessly in the company of such a repugnant creature?
The flashback that follows is awkward and sexy as it explains how one of the future witches of the West, Elphaba Thropp, was born. Her father, Frexspar Thropp, the Governor of Munchkinland, was both horrified and repulsed by his green-skinned infant daughter. Young Elphaba was always different because of her green skin and faced a great deal of bullying and ostracism. Yet, there is hope as the younger Elphaba displays remarkable magical abilities while saving her disabled sister Nessa from attackers.
Many years down the line, Nessa’s (Marissa Bode) sister, Elphaba (Erivo) helps Nessa (Marissa Bode) to settle in at her Shiz University orientation. All the other freshers especially adored Galinda (Grande) who is not Glinda yet as they struggled to not look at the green teenage girl and her disabled sister. Elphaba takes these jibes with disrespect. We see Elphaba drawing attention from Headmistress Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) as she adeptly manages to sizzle during a confrontation. She immediately recognizes her magical talent and takes Elphaba in as her apprentice, much to the disdain of Nessa and Galinda.
If all of this sounds like a blazingly satirical combination of Mean Girls and oh I do not know which magical community— a lot of the first act of Wicked benefits from this setup. As we see when Galinda trusts us enough to laughably flop her blonde locks as she chases attention, she is not pleased with the existence of a “single suite” with the strange green girl. However, it was only the beginning; oh, she spoiled the pampered elsewhere and it only worsened when Morrible fell in love entirely with Elphaba’s magic lessons while the poor thing, bloomed in sorry for self being mistreated more and more over the fact she looked neutral. But an arrival of Prince Fiyero Tigelaar (Jonathan Bailey) and his charisma at Shiz shakes the social scene.
Reception, distance, and comprehension can be classified as the film’s central themes. Elphaba is not a villain, not even in the slightest. It is clear how prejudice related to her skin color is racially connected as she has witnessed her whole life being looked down upon. Galinda discovers this lesson after observing Elphaba’s many selfless generous actions. Elphaba becomes less annoying and, incredibly, someone worth looking up to. Galinda has to overcome her own vanity and arrogance as the weird green girl becomes less annoying and someone to respect. The boundaries that Elphaba and Galinda had towards each other gradually faded and a loving bond was born. The intense friendship that evolves between them is as moving as it is powerful.
In the meantime, Elphaba and Galinda continue to entertain the audience with comical-eventful exchanges playing out as the plot progresses. Elphaba actually gets a makeover done by Galinda; this will leave viewers in stitches. It is also possible that some tears are shed when Galinda starts to comprehend the extent of Elphaba’s persecution. Warmth, tenderness and a feeling of being at home is something that Elphaba has been denied for far too long. They both wickedly get these punchlines that are important heart crushing moments and funny moments really well.
Jon M. Chu, the director (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), succeeds in complimenting the costly glamor of the movie and the super talent of Erivo and Grande. Their singing and dancing performances, so flattering in their imagination and virtuosity, already justify the ticket costs. A wonderful shot of a library with the limbering bookcases is quite stunning. Why both actresses dance and turn in high heels, while performing such difficult choreography, is not explained, but they do manage to soar high into the alto octanes. Mr. Chu’s camera maintains eye level focus, which is convenient because the background setting is towering and is meant to impress.
Wicked grows dull in the second act, where the characters are shown to be besties. The development that makes Elphaba the evil one whom the Ozians want most, takes ages before it finally comes, and it is painful to watch this unfold. It may not be the fault of Chu though, as the play was very poor in content which necessitated separate parts. There is a transparently cynical aspect about the whole thing and it is to maximize the profits at the box office. Part 1 of Wicked could have conveniently lasted for an additional 30 minutes.
The events that caused the climax were quite mild. For die-hard fans who savor each and every minute of the show, this will probably not be an issue, but as the story which is simple and straightforward meanders, a measure of tedium will gradually set in for others. But the general performances and music no doubt are wonderful and at the very least, all those who are fans of musicals ought to check it out. As the fans leaving the theater will be biting the nails in anticipation of the sequel. Let us pray that it is not that long.
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