Wicked: Defying Gravity and Expectations

By Staff Writer Prisha Virmani

Incredible to say the least, Wicked stands out as one of the most stunning performances of the 21st century. Despite being split in two parts, with the first exceeding the length of the original Broadway musical, Wicked was a major success, breaking box office records within the first week and redefining what musical adaptations can achieve. Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his works Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, Oz bursts to life in a visual and emotional spectacle that blends Broadway charm and cinematic innovation.
As the lights dim, the orchestra swells and the tulip-filled fields of Oz bloom to life in “No One Mourns the Wicked.” The ethereal musical number immediately captivates and transports the audience into the vibrant, magical world of Oz. Glinda the Good (Ariana Grande) introduces the story of Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo), the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West. Through the unlikely friendship and journey of Elphaba and Glinda, Wicked masterfully explores issues of power, corruption, and social injustice through Oz’s political strife.
Grande and Erivo’s portrayals of Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, elevate the narrative, toning down Broadway’s exaggerated delivery in favor of subtle micro-expressions, perfect for the screen. Grande’s Glinda subtly masks her distaste for Elphaba behind a practiced, saccharine exterior, with controlled micro-movements that reveals her loathing for Elphaba. Meanwhile, Erivo’s Elphaba brims with raw emotion, her restraint and intensity radiating through every look and line. Their performances shine brightest in their duets, where their voices blend beautifully while maintaining distinct identities, especially in the iconic comedic wonder, “What is this Feeling?”
Whereas grand scale movie productions utilize a great amount of CGI, Chu insisted on building real sets and using minimal special effects to help audiences connect with the scenery of Oz and the magic of the vibrant world, even going as far as planting nine million real tulips for the opening scene. Not only was the set real but most of the casts’ singing was also 100% live, allowing the audience to live in the moment and truly experience the phenomenal and vivid performance. Grande’s singing in standout numbers like “Popular,” showcases a new side of herself with operatic trills, beautiful controlled vibratos, and comedic charm, truly bringing the character of Glinda to life. Erivo’s singing in “Defying Gravity” is a powerful anthem of defiance against doubt, shame, and the expectations imposed by others, making her performance mesmerising.
Paul Tazewell’s impeccable costume designs further enrich the storytelling. Elphaba’s grounded attire mirrors her insecurities and resilience, while Glinda’s airy gowns reflect her desire to ascend into something greater. Subtle details like the ruby red slippers in “Popular” add layers of charm for fans of both the musical and the original Wizard of Oz film.
Furthermore, Chu’s addition of scenes, like the conversation between the animals, deepens the narrative, giving more weight to Elphaba’s mission to do good and save the marginalized creatures. Jonathan Bailey, who plays Fiyero, adds emotional complexity to the character, balancing a carefree exterior with glimpses of vulnerability, particularly in “Dancing Through Life.” Additionally, Ethan Slater captures Boq’s unrequited love and chilling regret with heartbreaking sincerity, while Peter Dinklage lends gravitas to Doctor Dillamond’s quiet dignity. Michelle Yeoh infuses Madame Morrible with an icy menace, and Jeff Goldblum portrays the Wizard with a perfect blend of unnerving charm and cunning manipulation. Together, these performances elevate Wicked into a truly remarkable production.
Chu has transformed Wicked into a glorious masterpiece. The film adaptation epitomizes what modern movie musicals can and should be, embracing its source material while cleverly translating it to screen. With surprise cameos from Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the original Broadway Glinda and Elphaba, Chu honors the past while connecting theatre fanatics all over the globe. As audiences eagerly await the second part, Wicked solidifies itself as a cinematic masterpiece that soars higher than anyone imagined.

Grade: A+