Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights) directs this musical featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman that’s a loose adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which in turn was based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its 1939 film adaptation. Think of it as a Wicked Witch origin story starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba (eventually the wicked one) and Ariana Grande as Glinda (eventually the good one). Jeff Goldblum stars as the Wizard. This is part one of two. (160 min.)
Glen: I’m not familiar with this musical, but I can certainly see why it’s so popular. The songs are catchy, and it asks important questions. Are people born bad or made bad? The old issue of nature versus nurture. The answer is messy enough to be interesting. Examining bigotry is another central theme. Though the cast is multiracial and all seemingly accepted by one another, albeit within the cliques of adolescence, Elphaba is green—the only green person, the “other.” She’s ostracized for her differences, but it’s not just her skin color that’s unique. She also seems to have magical powers within her, which the Wizard and Shiz University magic professor Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) hope to exploit. The story also centers on Galinda, whose “brand” is kindness but who is shallow, needy, and narcissistic. Her relationship with Elphaba offers opportunities for character building. At two hours and 40 minutes, the film’s a tad long, but I’m happy to report it doesn’t lag. Interestingly, the stage musical runs just two hours and 30 minutes, so this Part I alone is 10 minutes longer than the complete musical! These two-parters always feel a little like a cash grab to me, but so far, it’s worth the price of admission.
Anna: Elphaba is spotted by Morrible when dropping her sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) off at school, and Morrible immediately sees the power that Elphaba holds. The Shiz isn’t some ordinary boarding school. There are professors who are talking animals, like the goat history teacher, Dr. Dillamond (Peter Dinklage), that Elphaba takes a shine to immediately. Unfortunately, it seems the world of Oz doesn’t look too kindly on their animal friends, and soon it becomes Elphaba’s mission to visit the wizard and correct the wrongs she sees going on. In the end, this story is really about Elphaba and Galinda and how the two rivals once had a beautiful friendship. I loved it.
Glen: The flying monkeys and the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 film scared the crap out of me as a kid. This film’s rated PG, but I don’t think it’s as scary as the original. This origin story also explains how the monkeys came to be. Animal rights is yet another explored theme. Doing the right thing can be complicated, and both Elphaba and Galinda have to make difficult, character-shaping choices. I’m not familiar with Grande’s music, but she has a very operatic voice; but Erivo? Holy guacamole, she’s got an absolutely remarkable sound. In fact, the whole cast shines bright, and the costumes and sets are eyepopping. I hope we don’t have to wait too long for Part II.
Anna: The film has the benefit of being funny too. Galinda is a hair-tossing girly-girl who’s used to getting what she wants when she wants it, and she lets her mean girl shine through until a little compassion kicks in and she and Elphaba become reluctant friends. Elphaba is all walls and has more than a chip on her shoulder, but she can’t help but soften as well. I’m excited for Part II and to hear the rest of the tale of how the “good” and the “bad” came to be.
New Times Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Nov 28 – Dec 8, 2024.