By: Karolina Mroczek, Grade 11
The iconic Broadway musical, Wicked, has officially been reborn in the form of a film adaptation. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the nearly three-hour film received great praise regarding its visual effects, soundtrack, and overall acting. While the movie only covers Act I of the musical, it includes significantly more choreographed dances than its Broadway inspiration. Since Wicked has been adapted for the big screen, it can include more background context and elongate scenes that the musical barely touches. The close attention to detail in the movie has made it popular with audiences.
The original Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz musical was composed by Stephen Schwartz and had its first performance on June 10, 2003. Best known for its original stars Idina Menzel (Elphaba) and Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda), Wicked became a hit among audiences and critics alike. The Broadway musical was nominated for 16 Tony Awards and won three, specifically winning awards for Best Costume Design, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Idina Menzel), and Best Scenic Design. As demonstrated by the results of the 2004 Tony Awards, Wicked was on track for success from the moment of its Broadway premiere. In 2016, Wicked officially grossed $1 billion in total Broadway revenue, becoming the third Broadway show to do so (alongside The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King). A year later, Wicked became Broadway’s second-highest grossing Broadway musical, taking the place of The Phantom of the Opera. Wicked’s success is likely attributed to its vibrant set and clothing, enjoyable score, and ability to appeal to all ages.
The November 2024 film adaptation of Wicked featured several notable actors, namely Ariana Grande as Glinda, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, and Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond. Halfway through the movie, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth make a brief appearance during the number “One Short Day,” contributing to the excitement that Elphaba and Glinda share as they visit Emerald City. Wicked grossed $755 million with a net profit of $230 million, which is the highest gross achieved by a film adaptation of a Broadway musical. Wicked was also nominated for 324 awards, winning a grand total of 128. Wicked was most notably nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and an Academy Award for Best Production Design, and won both of these accolades. In terms of ratings, Wicked received an 88% score from Rotten Tomatoes, a 7.5/10 rating from IMDb, and a 73% score from Metacritic. While critic reviews are mixed, many audiences will agree that Wicked is a good movie.
As a fan of Wicked for several years, I can easily say that the film adaptation of the musical was, as Ozians say, thrillifying. While many have complained that the movie was excessively lengthy, I would argue that the extended runtime allows for a deeper understanding and development of the plot and increased creative liberties. If the film followed the exact format of the musical, audiences would not be able to fully enjoy the scenery of Oz, especially Shiz University. The set of Wicked is vibrant and intricately detailed, so it would be unfortunate to disregard it by shortening scenes in between musical numbers. Personally, I adored the costume design for Glinda’s wardrobe, her shared dorm with Elphaba, and the Shiz campus. In addition, the “Easter egg” inclusion of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in “One Short Day” made for a memorable detail for veteran Wicked fans without negatively impacting the plot. Since Wicked is Broadway-inspired, it was crucial for the film to have an impressive soundtrack: this cast did not disappoint. Ariana Grande’s rendition of “No One Mourns the Wicked” nearly brought me to tears at the start of the movie, and I was on the verge of tears again during the emotional performance of “Defying Gravity” as Act I came to a close. The special effects in “Defying Gravity” were well-executed, bringing the song to life and achieving effects that cannot be recreated onstage. For example, the close-up shots of Elphaba flying on her broom allow the audience to visually comprehend the depth of the scene as a whole and better imagine the scene overall. On Broadway, “Defying Gravity” is performed with minimal props and backdrops, so including vast scenery, visual effects and changes, and even weather conditions helped create a more authentic experience. Assuming that this quality of production will be maintained, I am beyond excited to see the sequel, Wicked: For Good, when it is released this November.
Wicked is a fantastic musical and movie, as proven by its dozens of awards and high profit. Its beautiful imagery and exquisite actors further contribute to its success. Wicked is a pleasant, fun, family-friendly movie that almost anyone will enjoy.
