Wicked Review

After recently catching the Wicked musical for the first time on the West End, it felt like something was missing that my other favourite live productions like Cabaret and Sunset Boulevard (the Jamie Lloyd version, specifically) had: the willingness to go full throttle with the themes and sense of action. Was I impressed by the moving dragon and the talking head of the Wizard on the stage? Of course. However, in terms of the plot and any sense of stakes, it fell a bit flat, even if the musicals I love tend to be a little darker and dramatic.

Because of this, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went to catch Wicked: Part One in theatres. I had been a bit hesitant, considering my disappointment over the live version and the thoughts of others online taking space in my brain. Will the film have good lighting? Will the songs live up to the original production — something I haven’t even seen? Will the nearly three-hour runtime exhaust me completely?

Trying my best to go in open-minded and prepared, I stocked up on snacks: a popcorn combo with Diet Coke and mini M&M’s, along with a glass of prosecco. As soon as the film started, these questions faded away, making it just a purely enjoyable theater experience — as it should be.

Where the stage version is confined, Wicked: Part One uses the setting and expansive world to its full advantage. Shortly after Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Galinda (Ariana Grande) are confined to being roommates at Shiz University, the two take to competing on “What Is This Feeling?” and the sharp editing choices propel this tension.

Another absolutely brilliant moment was “Dancing Through Life,” which is mainly led by Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero. As many online have pointed out, his chemistry shines with just about everyone in the film, and this number recognizes that. The choreography had some hilarious moments, but it was also visually entertaining, with some of the movement taking place on the inside of a rotating clock tower.

Regarding the movie’s lighting and color debate, if you’re expecting The Wizard of Oz-level, sure, you might be disappointed. Yet, Wicked: Part One has beautiful scenes. The hallways and Galinda’s room turn bright pink at the end of “Popular.” Jeff Goldblum, who plays the Wizard, greets the two girls in a miniature display. He then steps behind a curtain, allowing for some creative shadow work.

The film goes by fast, as Grande, Erivo, and Bailey all deliver performances that pull you in. In fact, rather than just jumping from song to song allows the characters to have a stronger backstory and emotional connection with the audience that the musical lacks. Erivo’s Elphaba is particularly heartbreaking, as director Jon M. Chu leans into the hope her younger self had in meeting the Wizard — and how she still carries that piece of herself around, making a moment at the end hit all the harder.

There are comedic aspects woven in to break up the darker plot, driven home by Bowen Yang as one of Galinda’s best friends. At one point, he seems to toss in a Chicago reference and drops other lines throughout that make the musical feel a little more modern. Without any spoilers, there are also some surprises for fans of the musical, including one song appearance that will have you cheering. (As someone who grew up with Glee, I was thrilled.)

Upon leaving the theatre, I only had one immediate thought: When can I see this again?