Review by J1 Reporter Erin Cramer

“It’s good to see me, isn’t it?” 

“Wicked” isn’t just a musical, but a cultural phenomenon. 

Since it first stormed Broadway in 2003, the show has inspired audiences, sparked conversations, and even redefined what it means to be a hero or a villain. 

Despite mainly being known for the jaw-dropping performances in the renowned musical, “Wicked” was originally a novel written by Gregory Maguire in 1995. It went on to become adapted into a broadway musical by Winnie Housman and first opened in 2003. The original cast included Kristen Chenoweth portraying Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, and Idina Menzel, and her depiction of the Wicked Witch the West. Idina is more well known, however, for her role of Elsa in the Frozen saga. 

The success of the broadway musical paved the way for it to become a screenplay, directed by Jon M. Chu. Chu decided to keep the adaptation very similar to the broadway musical, keeping all the songs, while adding a few more. The main difference between the two is run time. The entirety of the broadway version is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes long. However, the movie is split into two parts, with only the first part lasting 2 hours and 40 minutes. The second part is set to release in a year on Nov. 21, 2025.

Overall, it is safe to say that fanatics of the Broadway musical will be well pleased with the movie version. The fictional film is a prequel to the famous story of the Wizard of Oz, and details the backstories of the Good Witch of the North and the Wicked Witch of the East. 

The Good Witch is played by none other than two-time Grammy winner, Ariana Grande. Despite her career in music, Grande notes that she was originally a musical theater kid and hopes to return to acting more. Audiences will be more than pleased with this as her personality and acting skills bring the character of Glinda Upland to life. 

Similarly, Cynthia Erivo captivates watchers as she uses her award-winning voice and acting skills to portray Elphaba Thropp, or the Wicked Witch of the West. Erivo is known for her exemplary performance in the broadway musical, “The Color Purple”, in which she won a Tony and a Grammy.  

Together, the two are followed through their time at Shiz University. The movie entails an entertaining journey of enemies turned friends, and their quest to meet the Wonderful Wizard amidst the growing problems within Oz. Audiences are left wanting more as they connect with the two characters through charming song and dance. 

Rotten Tomatoes rates “Wicked” as 89. However, as a strong anti-musicalist, I can say that I would rate the movie as a 95. The plot is intriguing and holds bounds of action, romance, and friendship, the perfect mix for an entertaining movie. 

Overall, the movie “Wicked” was sure to live up to expectations and is an easy recommendation a day-off or a night out with friends.