“So much happened before Dorothy dropped in.”
This slogan sets the stage for the Broadway musical “Wicked.”
On Nov. 22, 2024, theaters opened their doors as they welcomed the long-awaited movie musical adaptation of “Wicked.”
Based on the award-winning musical and book of the same name, “Wicked” acts as a prequel to the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz,” offering viewers a compelling look at the untold events leading up to Dorothy’s famous arrival in Oz.
The movie follows Elphaba Thropp, a green-skinned witch, as she’s sent to care for her paraplegic sister, Nessarose, at Shiz University. Upon arrival, she is roomed with Galinda Upland, her bubbly blonde classmate. Despite initially being at odds, the two soon spark an unlikely friendship that alters the future of Oz.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie features a star-studded cast, including Broadway star Cynthia Erivo.
As a black woman, Erivo brings a unique perspective to the role of Elphaba, drawing from her own experiences of discrimination and mistreatment to create a sense of raw emotional complexity.
However, this is not to take away from Ariana Grande’s performance as Galinda. Through her intricate personality and bold quirks, Galinda displays rich character development similar to that of characters like Emma Woodhouse from “Emma.”
For longtime fans of the musical, the movie features a cameo from Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth who originated the lead roles of Elphaba and Galinda on Broadway.
This moment plays as an act of commemoration for the movie’s musical origins, allowing old fans to connect with the new.
However, this is not the end for “Wicked.” On Nov. 21, 2025, the two witches of Oz will make their return in “Wicked: For Good,” the sequel adaptation of the musical’s second act.
Overall, “Wicked” has shown superiority with recent Golden Globe nominations and wins for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. Proving that, indeed, “Pink goes good with green.”
