The classic movie “The Wizard of Oz” has left a mark on generations and inspired numerous takes on the source material ranging from “The Wiz” to Oz the Great and Powerful” as well as animated takes and stage productions.
Wicked was one such production was Wicked which became a hit musical and book after being inspired by a book itself. Now fans can experience a new take on the material with the theatrical release of “Wicked” which is loaded with vibrant color and catchy and energetic songs and musical numbers.
The story starts at the end of the classic original where Glinda (Ariana Grande), finds Munchkins celebrating the death of The Wicked Witch of the West at the hands of Dorthy. One child asks her how the Witch became so evil which prompts Glinda to recall that she was not always so and tells the tale of their youth as reluctant roommates at a prestigious school where Glinda hopes to learn magic.
Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is portrayed as an outcast due to her green skin and her father shunning her in favor of her wheelchair-bound younger sister. Elphaba has only seen kindness from her animal caretakers in her childhood so despite not planning to attend the school, her display of magic during a moment of frustration earns her a spot with Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), who pairs her with the spoiled and vain Glinda in what she had thought was her private room.
This leads to all manner of conflicts and musical numbers including the amazing duet “Loathing” and sets the stage for the story where it is discovered that the talking animals of the land are being removed from jobs and mistreated which does not sit well with Elphaba seeing has she has been an outcast and ridiculed most of her life.
With so many great songs and musical numbers along the way; the introduction of Jonathan Bailey as the love interest Fiyero only adds to the fun as he has a great musical number with the cast in the school library which is one of the many toe-tapping and show-stopping numbers in the production. Naturally things all lead to the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and Elphaba and Glinda soon venture to the Emerald City for their date with destiny.
The movie is an absolute joy from start to finish as not only are the music and story engaging and enjoyable; but the performances of the leads and the powerful and expressive voice and performance from Erivo is astounding as is the work of Grande and the supporting cast.
Director Jon M. Chu has done a masterful job pacing the nearly three-hour film as it never drags and mixes drama, humor, and music to create a new classic and one that the entire family should enjoy.
The second part of the film is due next year, but if you are a fan of musicals and the source material, you will not want to miss this modern masterpiece.
5 stars out of 5
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