By Brianna Brinker, Staff Writer
After three years of filming and editing to bring this production to life, Wicked–Part One was brought to theatres across the world on Nov. 22. A Broadway Musical which has been around since 2003 has finally been created to be watched on screens, and not just the stage.
In the new production of Wicked, you will find actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, who played Elphaba, and the pop star and actress, Ariana Grande, who portrayed the role of Glinda. Both performers exceeded fans’ expectations on how well and beautifully both characters were portrayed.
Wicked is a story that takes place before the Wizard of Oz. It is about the two witches-Glinda, the good witch, and Elphaba, the wicked witch of the West—who meet back at Shiz University.
While Elphaba, who has always struggled due to her green skin, is faced with rooming with the popular and well-liked Glinda. Their two different personalities collide and form a surprising friendship.
Elphaba, who has powers, learns to control them throughout the movie and is invited to meet with the Wizard of Oz. She decides to bring Glinda on the journey with her as well, and when they meet the Wizard, they face shocking plot twists.
As you walk into the theatre to watch this movie, there are posters and photo backgrounds at most movie theatres. As well as Wicked-themed popcorn buckets and pink and green drinks. Although, movie theatres are not the only ones who have shown excitement for this movie. Starbucks has made Elphaba and Glinda-themed drinks to market the film, too.
The production for this movie started in Dec. of 2022 and finished in early 2024. Erivo and Grande both agreed to sing live in all scenes featured in Wicked. Every song you hear was sung live for the cameras instead of prerecorded.
The actors said they felt the audience would feel more emotion if they sang the songs to one another in person. As well as most of their stunts were done by Erivo and Grande themselves. Erivo flew high on her broom and Grande hung from a chandelier during the song, “Popular.”
Lily Glasglow, a sophomore majoring in nursing, said “My favorite thing about Wicked was the singing. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are on another level of talent.”
Other actors featured in Wicked are Jonathan Bailey, who played Fiyero, Ethan Slater who played Boq, Michelle Yeoh who played Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum who played The Wizard.
You don’t want to miss out on the experience of seeing this movie. As soon as the movie begins, you are hooked and on the edge of your seat. In the 2 hours and 40 minutes that you are sitting there, you get to hear amazing vocals, laugh at the witty humor, admire the perfect costumes, and be surprised by incredible cameos.
You have the option of seeing Wicked in 3D or regular in theatres. 3D makes it feel like you’re actually walking through Emerald City and enhances your experience.
Go out to your local theatre and enjoy Wicked-Part One, it is an enchanting journey. The songs, the characters, and the magic will leave you wanting to know what happens next. Part 2 of Wicked comes out on Nov. 21, 2025, and you won’t want to miss it!
1 Comment
Wicked was a great movie and you should see it with family members as I did with my two daughters ! Great article Brianna