My connection with the Wicked musical isn’t as sentimental as true musical theatre fans. The most Wicked media I had consumed before watching the new movie was Ariana Grande’s cover of Popular that she had done with MIKA.
So, when I sat in the cinema surrounded by Wicked fans dressed in merch with their limited edition Wicked cups, I felt a little guilty. I can’t appreciate the art of Wicked and all that it represents to its diehard fans.
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, watching this movie through fresh eyes, no expectations to be upheld, I was thoroughly entertained.
Sitting between a wicked fanatic and a middle-aged woman who yawned through the entire thing, I was starry eyed and gleaming as I took my first trip down the yellow brick road since I saw Dorothy do so.
The set design caught my eye immediately. Unsurprisingly, a movie with such a reputation and a star-studded cast had an impeccable set with its colourful world-building elements that embed you into the mythical world of OZ.
But, what really cemented the movie as an enjoyable watch for me was the sheer joy that emanated from the actors as they sang and danced around the sets. You could practically feel the former theatre kid joy seeping out of their pores (and from the guy in the Wicked t-shirt next to me).
Embed from Getty ImagesOf course, the leading actors Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have had their immense talent well documented throughout the years. So, it comes as no surprise that their performances were effortlessly nuanced in some of the more heartfelt scenes whilst also being incredibly funny.
Another excellent performance was Jonathan Bailey’s depiction of Fiyero Tigelaar. This was the first time I had heard him sing and was pleasantly surprised with his vibrant rendition of Dancing Through Life.
Embed from Getty ImagesJeff Goldblum did what he does best, and by that I mean he played The Wizard as he has played all his other roles. Though his natural whimsy was a good fit for the character, it was nothing I hadn’t seen before.
The films powerful end brought at least half of the cinema to tears (almost including myself who is not a big crier) and ended with a round of applause from the entire theatre. The last words on screen being ‘To Be Continued…’ thrilled fans as they learned that they would be immersed in the land of Oz once again. Safe to say, it was well received, even by the yawning woman next to me who misconstrued my note-taking as texting and complained loudly about my lack of enthusiasm. Ironic huh?
Amidst the drama surrounding Ariana Grande’s relationship with co-star Ethan Slater and fans being concerned with how thin both leading women are, the film drowned out the noise of gossip and did what musicals are meant to do: entertain.
To those who are anticipating watching the film, I’d say you’re in for a treat! And to those who are more concerned about the gossip than the art, I say what Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible said: Don’t be so pessimistical!
