Wicked: The Musical Phenomenon

Here’s a little insider scoop for all you Broadway fanatics and the tourists who stumble into the Gershwin Theatre: Wicked isn’t just popular; it’s practically the reigning queen of musical theater! Seriously, this show has been slaying audiences since it hit the stage in 2003. But let’s face it, while Act One is packed with all the catchy tunes—think “Popular,” “Dancing Through Life,” and the legendary “Defying Gravity”—Act Two is like someone dimmed the lights at a party.

The Gloomy Act Two

Now, if you caught last year’s cinematic version of Wicked or as I like to call it, Wicked: Part One (yes, it’s a thing), you might have noticed that the second act feels a bit like a downer after the party of the first. We dive into the serious business of growing up, where our favorite characters face adult decisions and the world of Oz spirals into chaos. Talk about a buzzkill!

Sequels and Reprises

So, how does our sequel, Wicked: For Good, try to spice things up? By recycling popular tunes! Yup, you heard me right. The movie kicks off with our rebellious Elphaba, who is now channeling her inner superhero, battling the Wizard’s nasty henchmen. During this showdown, we hear some familiar tunes that remind us of the good ol’ days. Don’t you love a good nostalgia trip?

The Propaganda Queen

Enter Glinda, now cozying up to the Wizard like she’s starring in a propaganda documentary (thanks, Jeff Goldblum). Watching Glinda side with the villain is like seeing your best friend become besties with the school bully. But hey, that’s showbiz! Sure, singing bits from the past is a nice way to reconnect with the storyline, but it also feels a little too much like a sales pitch to the audience. Remember this? Remember that?

A Battle Beyond Friendship

The movie manages to maintain its charm with familiar faces and stunning visuals—think vibrant art deco set in shades of green and pink. However, it’s caught in the dilemma of having to fill in the gaps of a weaker second act from the stage show. We’re left exploring not just the clash between Elphaba’s noble quest for truth and Glinda’s preference for comfort, but also get sidetracked by Fiyero (who’s now Captain of the Guards) and drama with Elphaba’s sister Nessa. Can someone pass the popcorn?

Finding the Heartbeat

The big emotional finale, featuring the new rendition of “For Good,” is like shedding a tear over a heartfelt text from an old friend. It’s a sweet reminder of the bonds that endure. And let’s not forget Grande shines solo with “Thank Goodness.” Sure, it lacks that touristy sparkle, but it highlights the depth of her character growing beyond what we expected.

A Modern Twist

As Stephen Schwartz adds a contemporary twist to his old favorites, it feels refreshing. But, when he writes fresh numbers to keep the momentum going, it sometimes feels like the energy hits a brick wall. You don’t want that during a musical! We find ourselves wishing they’d just run with the tried-and-true hits and avoid the awkward pacing.

Shades of Oz

Yet, even with a few hiccups in pacing and choices of lighting that make the Emerald City seem more like a dull painting, there are still triumphant moments. Erivo absolutely crushes the role of Elphaba, embodying her defiance and strength, while Grande layers depth into her character’s backstory.

Wrapping it Up

As this cinematic love letter to Wicked rolls toward its reimagined ending, the film begins to earn those emotional wrecking ball moments we’ve been patiently waiting for. After one year, you start to realize the magic can be fragile, and while the nostalgia pulls at your heartstrings, you can’t help but sense that the spells need a little more work. Remember, you can’t defy gravity forever!

Wicked: For Good opens on Friday, Nov. 21. Don’t forget your tissues!