Wicked, Part 1: The Cinematic Phenomenon of the Year
The revival of the hit musical: Wicked (Part 1) finally graced our screens last Friday, with many fans of the show having waited patiently for the past 20 years.
Set to break box office records for the highest grossing live action musical, this triumph of a film has been attracting audiences from all walks of life.
It leaves everyone with a sense of self-empowerment and the notion that anything is possible.
Wicked is set prior to the Wizard of Oz, exploring how the once kind Wicked Witch of the West became the most evil, hated figure in all of Oz.
The prequel dives into the intimate friendship of Galinda, The Good Witch (played by Ariana Grande) and Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West (played by Cynthia Erivo), who initially loathe each other.
They also find themselves in a love triangle with the very charming Fiyero (played by Jonathan Bailey).
One of the best parts of this musical must be the tremendous talent of singing on show.
Both Grande and Erivo sung live on set together, creating a totally new sound to these beloved fan-favourite songs, such as ‘Defying Gravity’ and ‘The Wizard and I’ which form an emotional element to these heartfelt songs.
In addition, Stephen Schwartz (who composed the music and lyrics) even comments on how he integrated small homages to the 1939 film of The Wizard of Oz.
These small details can be demonstrated when, in the opening sequence ‘No One Mourns the Wicked’, a boy runs through poppy fields, ringing a bell. This is a clear reference to the Wizard of Oz song ‘Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead.’
Another aspect that can't be missed in the movie is the outstanding choreography by Christopher Scott.
One of my personal favourite numbers ‘Dancing Through Life’ showcases Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero) doing an array of flips and moving through a turning wheel.
This visual interaction between the sets and dance routines truly highlights the bonkers imagination of Jon M. Chu (the director), who truly brought his vision of Oz to life and allowed us to be transported into the magical world of Wicked.
Wicked has been dubbed by many as the film of the year, and I can honestly see good reason as to why.
