WICKED PART 1
- By KENNE HOFFMAN
Wicked, based upon Gregory Maguire’s best-selling novel of the same name (1995) that became the much beloved Musical, finally gets it’s Big Screen Debut. The revisionist exploration of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful World of Oz (1900) and later adapted into The Wizard of Oz (1939.) Maguire shows the traditionally villainous character in a sympathetic light, using her journey to explore the paradigms of good vs. evil. As a biography itfollows Elphaba’s life from her birth through social ostracism, radicalization, and finally death at the hands of Dorothy Gale. Maguire Expertly intertwined the themes of groupthink, terrorism, propaganda, and life purpose. The monumental task of adapting the 153,353-word novel was taken on by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. Wicked the musical premiered in 2003 and won three Tony Awards and seven Drama Desk Awards.
“It may well be” that calling someone evil is enough to cause a self-fulfilling prophecy. Wicked is a cautionary tale about what happens when a society decides to label anyone who differs from the group as evil. Elphaba, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, is yet to discover her true power. Elphaba and Galinda meet as students at Shiz University and forge an unlikely friendship. An encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, brings a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths. Galinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future.
Perhaps the 2-part film will delve more deeply into the heart of Wicked. Listening closely to the lyrics you’ll notice the undertones detailing the villainization of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo, Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner) by Galinda the “Good Witch” (Ariana Grande, Grammy Award winning Singer/Songwriter) and their peers. An emerald star-studded cast adorn Wicked. Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park) as the Wizard, Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) as The Headmistress of Shiz University, and Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey as the dashing Fiyero the Winkie Guard Prince. “I’ve heard it said” that Dorothy Gale may “drop in” for a surprise appearance but producers are tight lipped on the subject.
Wicked’s enduring message, while “no good deed goes unpunished” we need to look for the beauty AND the goodness in everyone. Come with us to the Emerald City November 22, 2024, with Part II scheduled for November 21, 2025.
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