“Wicked Part 1: A Spellbinding Start to a Beloved Tale”
Going into Wicked Part 1, I was both excited and terrified. This is my favorite musical of all time – I’ve seen it on stage seven times! I deliberately avoided listening to any of the movie’s music beforehand, wanting to experience it fresh on the big screen. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait. I even saw it three times in theaters (Dolby, IMAX, and regular, because why not?!), and each viewing was magical.
First off, the casting is phenomenal. Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba. Her powerhouse vocals and nuanced performance brought a depth and vulnerability to the character that resonated deeply. And Ariana Grande? She’s absolutely delightful as Glinda, capturing her bubbly personality and gradual growth with perfect comedic timing. Bowen Yang as Pfannee steals every scene he’s in, bringing much-needed levity. Even the smaller roles are perfectly cast, with Michelle Yeoh delivering a surprisingly strong (and unexpected!) vocal performance as Madame Morrible.
But let’s talk about the costumes, because oh my Oz, the costumes! Fiyero’s outfits, in particular, are breathtaking. I’m not talking Halloween-level costumes here, these are runway-worthy ensembles that I would wear in a heartbeat. The “Dancing Through Life” sequence is a visual feast, with vibrant colors, intricate designs, and choreography that had me grinning from ear to ear.
This adaptation isn’t afraid to tackle important themes either. Fiyero’s open flirtation with various students, including those who appear to be male, is a refreshing and impactful portrayal of pansexuality. As a pansexual man myself, this representation meant a lot to me.
The film beautifully captures the evolution of Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship, from their awkward first meeting to their powerful duet where Glinda realizes the weight of her social influence. The scene where she gives Elphaba the iconic hat is heartbreaking, especially knowing the actor felt the weight of that moment.
Cynthia Erivo truly makes this role her own, while still honoring the legacy of the original Elphaba. The fact that the main cast sang live during filming adds a raw authenticity that elevates the emotional impact. And seeing cameos from the original Elphaba and Glinda was a delightful touch for longtime fans like myself.
While I tend to keep stage and screen adaptations separate in my mind, Wicked Part 1 has solidified its own special place in my heart. It’s a visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and incredibly entertaining film that does justice to the beloved source material. I’m already counting down the days until Part 2: For Good!