Jon M. Chu’s ‘Wicked’ Is A Stunning Reminder Why Musicals Are Beloved Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera You Will Always Be Famous [REVIEW]

Grab your soaring brooms, pointy hands, magic wands, and prepare to be delightfully entertained watching the Jon M. Chu directed (“In the Heights,” “Crazy Rich Asians”) “Wicked: Part 1” starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera. The film, which premiered in theaters on November 22, has been linked to another double feature event like the 2023 Barbenheimer (“Barbie” and “Oppenheimer”) phenomenon. Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” also premiered the same weekend as “Wicked,” but the latter proved to be unlimited breaking box office records grossing over $160 million, and counting, and is the biggest opening weekend for a musical adaptation. So, what is making “Wicked” so special and has musical theater lovers across the globe sobbing like Ariana and Cynthia were doing in all their press interviews? Let’s get into it.

“Wicked” is based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and follows the events before and after Dorothy came to Oz. The story chronicles Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Glinda, a popular girl, who become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads. The story was first presented in live action as a Broadway play that debuted in 2003 starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. The show earned 3 Tony Awards and went on to become a beloved piece of art for many who identified with the themes of feeling like an “other,” the friendship between the main characters and breaking free from conformity. Now 20 years later the stage play has become an iconic big screen event and lives up to every bit of the hype surrounding it.

I’m a fan of musicals so that notion already had me 50% invested. I never saw the stage play, but I did research on the plot of “Wicked” to get an idea of what I was in for, and I became very excited. The world of Oz has always been fascinating. Of course, the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz” starring Judy Garland is a classic and was my first introduction into the lore, but I’ve enjoyed any spin of Oz including “The Wiz” (1978), “Oz the Great and Powerful” (2013), “Return to Oz” (1985), and even season three of Once Upon a Time (2014) when it dabbled into the Wicked Witch’s backstory. What the “Wicked” film does is show yet another layer of this world with the backdrop of outstanding music numbers, stunning costumes and set designs, and award worthy performances from its leads.

(L-R) Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible in “Wicked: Part 1.” Photo: Universal Pictures

In “Wicked” Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera take on the coveted roles of Elphaba and Galinda/Glinda with the plot following the same general guidelines of the play. The Wicked Witch is dead as people in Oz celebrate in Munchkinland. Glinda appears in her notable pink bubble to participate in the celebration when she’s asked about her association with the recently deceased. She then goes to explain Elphaba’s childhood and the dynamics of their relationship. Viewers are then transported back to Shiz University when the pair first met. Elphaba arrives at Shiz University alongside her father Governor Thropp (Andy Nyman) and her younger Nessarose (Marissa Bode), who has been accepted, and serves as a guardian of sorts until Nessa gets situated. When Elphaba displays her unique talents of witchery Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) insists she joins the university so she can teach her to Galinda’s dismay. They become roommates and more mayhem occurs. Other notable characters in “Wicked: Part 1” include The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), Boq (Ethan Slater), Dr. Dillamond (voiced by Peter Dinklage), Mrs. Thropp (Courtney Mae-Briggs), Pfannee (Bowen Yang), ShenShen (Bronwyn James), and Miss. Coddle (Keala Settle). Getting too much further into the plot will take over this whole review, so I’ll stick to all the elements that made “Wicked: Part 1” the movie of the year!

First it’s important to mention that “Wicked” has been broken up into two parts with the second half of the film releasing next November. There were some complaints about this, but it totally makes sense when you think about it in a play sense. The film ends at the same point where intermission occurs in the play. There were some points in the film that dragged, but knowing how much more plot there is to unfold in part 2 I’m happy the film wasn’t condensed down or extended into a four hour film. I’ll happily go to the theaters next year to watch the second part.

(L-R) Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande- Butera as Glinda in “Wicked: Part 1.” Photo: Universal Pictures

There was also much chatter about Ariana and Cynthia becoming emotional in pretty much any interview they did to promote “Wicked” and after watching the film I can why those tears kept flowing. I found myself very emotional and on the verge of tears throughout the film. The cast and crew created something special, and I felt that when I was watching. Knowing all the backstory to Ari and Cynthia being cast and how Ari manifested this opportunity made it that more touching watching them on screen. The chemistry between the leading ladies was ideal and they delivered captivating performances as these characters. I’m not taking anything away from Cynthia because she was stellar, but Ariana was the standout for me. I know Ariana has comedic acting chops because her Nickelodeon Cat Valentine character is so hilarious to me and Ariana did such a great job playing her. I saw glimmers of Cat in Glinda, but Ariana channeled the privileged, dramatic, and witty Galinda in such a perfect way that made it a joy to see on screen while creating nuances of emotions in many of her unspoken moments. She really was a scene stealer.

The singing and dancing in “Wicked” is just as important as the spoken parts. Stephen Schwartz’ songs may be familiar, but the updated renditions breath new life into the memorable soundtrack. The biggest songs in the first half I think are “No One Mourns the Wicked,” “Popular,” and “Defying Gravity” and they were visually pleasing to see on screen. The advantage of a film made these numbers feel vastly different because of what you can do on screen versus on stage. Runners up in the film has to be “What Is This Feeling?” and “Dancing Through Life” because of the choreography alone. These numbers were so phenomenal and whimsical and played into the magic “Wicked” brings.

(L-R) Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero and Ethan Slater as Boq in “Wicked: Part 1”. Photo: Universal Pictures

The “Defying Gravity” number was for sure Cynthia’s Jennifer Hudson’s “And I’m Telling You” moment in “Dreamgirls.” It was such a build up to that song and that moment and Cynthia delivered a powerful cinematic feat. Engrave the Oscar now. At first I thought the songs on the soundtrack were lackluster, but listening to them on repeat I appreciate the songs more. I haven’t been able to get “What Is This Feeling?” out of my head because Ariana and Cynthia sound so good together. I need them on an R&B album together ASAP.

There truly isn’t much to hate about this film. It was filled with spectacular sets, pristine costumes, heartwarming moment and surprises that will have you changed for good after leaving the theater.

“Wicked: Part 1” is playing now in theaters.

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Photo: Universal Pictures