The trend of Broadway shows becoming feature films isn’t something new as we’ve seen with movies for “Rent”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Hair” and so many more that were based om their original Broadway performances. In many cases I think this is rather cool since let’s face it, Broadway shows are rather expensive and not everyone from around the world can attend a performance. The latest hit to move to the big screen is “Wicked”, a truly magical story about the times before “The Wizard of Oz” film and the early lives of Galinda and Elphaba. There is a truly star-studded cast in this one and I’ve shared the first trailer down below along with the premise, casting and some artwork. Take a look.
The Premise: Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Glinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads.
Cast and Characters:
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp
Karis Musongole as young Elphaba
Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland
Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar
Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman
Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp
Cesily Collette Taylor as young Nessarose
Peter Dinklage as the voice of Doctor Dillamond
Bowen Yang as Pfannee of Phan Hall
Bronwyn James as ShenShen
Keala Settle as Miss Coddle
Aaron Teoh as Avaric Tenmeadows
Grecia de la Paz as Gilligan
Colin Michael Carmichael as Professor Nikidik
Adam James as Galinda’s father
Alice Fearn as Galinda’s mother
Andy Nyman as Frexspar Thropp
Courtney-Mae Briggs as Melena Thropp
Sharon D. Clarke as the voice of the Midwife
Jenna Boyd will appear in an undisclosed role
Dorothy Gale, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion in a brief cameo
Unrevealed as Ama Clutch
Composer Stephen Schwartz as Emerald City guard
Musical Numbers:
“Overture”
“No One Mourns the Wicked”
“Dear Old Shiz”
“The Wizard and I”
“What Is This Feeling?”
“Something Bad”
“Dancing Through Life”
“Ozdust Duet”
“Popular”
“I’m Not That Girl”
“The Wizard and I” (Reprise)
“One Short Day”
“A Sentimental Man”
“Defying Gravity”
Piercing Ken Thoughts: Now I am not sure that I mentioned this to our respective readers but I love a good Broadway show and “Wicked” is one of the most entertaining of them all. The “Wizard Of Oz” film is so timeless that it almost makes sense that a Broadway show based around many of the characters would be as popular as it ended up becoming. It’s been quite a few years since I saw the “Wicked” play but I remembered loving it and I’d see it again if the financials were a little better. I don’t have to tell you that Broadway is rather expensive and when a show is a popular one, its even harder to secure a ticket for. Right off the bat I can say that its unlikely that I will see this release in the theaters and might wait until its available on one of the many streaming networks that I am subscribed to. This is not a slight of course but nowadays I am just not the biggest sit through a musical movie type. I do admit that I am surprised that this is the first part of two. What do you readers think about this one? Chime in down below in the comments and I will see you next time. I will be following along with this one since its going to be a big hit for sure. Big hit posts means good traffic which is always good for business. Okay, I’m out. Ciao.
Official Film Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked_(2024_film)