I sat in my local diner and looked across at my beatific roommate. A radiant joy beamed from his face. The cause? We were just thirty minutes away the Wicked Part 1 Screening.
We strolled through busy upper west street towards the cineplex. An astounding familiar joy built up in my chest. A joy I came to realized I’ve only felt once before, the first time I entered the Gershwin Theatre.
Now let me as Glinda would say “tell you the whole story”. Even though I grew in New York City, the idea of Broadway felt lightyears away from my childhood bedroom in the Bronx. For me seeing a broadway show was an unattainably wish that was too far to grasp. It was only later in life that I’d experience the magic of Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s Wicked, thanks to my broadway aficionado roommate. At this time lets just say my roommate and I had more of a relationship that can only be described as “loathing”. The Elphaba to my Glinda. We both settled into our seats as the orchestra began. The voice of angel flowed down in a gleaming bubble, through the the audience and through me; I was hooked.
After the show, my roommate and I had talked for hours about if we were a Glinda or an Elphaba, our favorite numbers and how hot Fiyero was. Our bond deepened and we quickly became friends. I was officially an Ozian. So much so that my now friend overheard my next day attempt at the high note in the second act opener “Thank Goodness”. An attempt that I’m not ashamed to say I’m still workshopping during my morning shower concerts. I was officially a changed for good.
Two years later, the same now friend and I sat in an AMC holding our breath waiting to witness our favorite musical on the big screen. Just two friends, two best friends. I must say Jon M. Chu’s Wicked did not disappoint. From the first moment we hear a the familiar opening line we are official transported into the World of OZ. The film successfully captures the feeling of unlimited hope, a hope that brought two gays together as friends. Director Jon M. Chu has expressed how much the musical means to him, a sentiment shared by so many theater fans around the world. Each set is love letter to the stage show, while also creating original designs that take us deeper into the lore that encapsulates the global phenomenon. Chu gives you the best seat in the house, making you feel like you are placed on stage right in the middle of Shiz University. After several boxes of tissues and emotional popcorn digging, I can say with full confidence that Wicked is in good hands with Chu at the helm.
Like their amazing director, the stars understood the importance of bringing these classic character to the big screen. Now as a self proclaimed Glinda, I might have set a high bar for the pop superstar known as Ariana Grande. That being said, I must say audiences will be treated to a career making performance by what I predict will be the beginning to a magnificent film career. Ariana Grande’s Glinda the Good encapsulates a perfect blend of comedic perfection with masterful vocals. Grande arrives on screen and you instantly want nothing more than for Glinda to teach you all her tips and tricks to being popular. Her ability to take the larger the life expressions of Glinda and bring it to human level is marvel. Ariana Grande is first and foremost an extraordinary actress, a true talent of her generation. Grande might be adding a new shelf to her home for the numerous acting awards I foresee coming her way.
L to R: Ariana Grande is Glinda and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu
Now as for the legend herself, Cynthia Erivo. Taking on the role of Elphaba Thropp is no small task. Elphaba is the Celine Dion of musical theatre. She is powerful, complex, heartwarming and most of all a wickedly good witch. Let me begin by saying that Erivo was born to play this role. From the moment she bursts on screen we are in standing right beside, holding her hand and connecting with her. When she sings each lyric feels as if she’s speaking to very soul of anyone who has ever felt judged for being different. Erivo’s voice soars through the sky, bring with it a power I have never experience on the screen. And if singing wasn’t enough, let’s talk about her acting. I say it again, she is a legend.
Cynthia Erivo unleashes a flood of emotions that seems to come directly from her heart. In doing so she creates a space for you as the viewer to cry, fall in love, find joy and make a friend. Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba Thropp is an extraordinary performance, proving once again that her talents are truly unlimited.
As for our incredible supporting cast, Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh brings her own level of grace and strength to the villainess Madame Morrible. Jeff Goldblum brings his signature charm to the incredible wizard. I get why we believe he will make all my dreams come true. Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero is truly the bi king we all have been waiting for. Dancing through life is living rent free in my head, no lease needed.
Wicked is a magical experience for it’s fans, even for a newer comer like myself. The story’s transition from stage to screen comes with ease and strength that will be enjoyed by audiences from all walks of life. Seeing the story of Elphaba and Glinda left me with an unapologetic joy and a friendship I am so blessed to have. I can honestly say that Universal Picture’s Wicked Part 1 will not allow exceed expectations, but dare I say it defies gravity.
