I recently saw the movie Wicked Part I. It was incredible, from the musical numbers to the visual effects. I look forward to seeing Wicked For Good (Part II). The movie truly complemented the songs from the movie’s soundtrack.
The movie’s introduction was phenomenal, describing and introducing the Wicked Witch/Elphaba’s story, with the first two songs: No One Mourns The Wicked and Dear Old Shiz. No One Mourns The Wicked is well-detailed.
The chemistry between the characters Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) was incredible. Tiffany Little Canfield and Bernard Telsey did well casting Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in their respective roles. Two musical scenes define their interactions: What is the Feeling and Defying Gravity. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo did an excellent job singing the feelings evolving from dislike to a profound and unlikely friendship. They capture that fine line between love and hate. The moment I felt truly defined their friendship was when they performed Defying Gravity.
The musical number Popular, which Arianna Grande performed, was upbeat- the energy is bold.
The first one is the scene with Elphaba and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) when Cynthia Erivo performs the song The Wizard and I. It’s a heartfelt song in which Elphaba accepts herself and her magical abilities. The song also foreshadows what will happen to Elphaba.
The first scene features Fiero (Jonathan Bailey) performing Dancing Through Life. The choreography is dynamic and theatrical. The additional performances by Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, and Cynthia added another fantastic layer. I especially enjoyed hearing the blend of Broadway and Pop-style sounds (similar to the 70s and 80s). It starts with the school library and smoothly transitions to the dance party. The scene is truly magical.
The heartfelt moment is when Cynthia Erivo performs the number I’m Not That Girl after Fiero and Elphaba take the cub from the cage to take and release it. The tune expresses a profound, beautiful, vulnerable side to Elphaba.
The One Short Day scene was colourful, with remarkable choreography and visual effects. Kristin Chenow and Idina Menzel’s cameo appearances were a nice homage to the first edition of the Broadway show with the original Glinda and Elphaba (their respective characters). Their voices complemented each other nicely. When Kristin Chenow stood next to Arianna Grand and Idina Menzel next to Cynthia Erivo, it was a lovely moment – a clever touch- the original Glinda and Elphaba with the current actresses playing those roles.
Watching Wicked Part brought back memories of seeing the Broadway show in New York in 2019. It also gave me a new perspective about the importance of kindness and empathy towards others, especially respecting each other’s differences. The movie was well done. I recommend it. I give it two thumbs up and five stars!!
