Even a Magical Cynthia Erivo Can’t Cast a Spell Strong Enough to Save Wicked

As a long-time musical theatre enthusiast who has seen my fair share of productions, I must confess that “Wicked” left me feeling more grounded than uplifted. Don’t get me wrong, the spectacle was grand, the performances were top-notch, and the songs were catchy as a summer cold – but it all felt too much like a sugarcoated version of life, leaving a cloying aftertaste instead of the sweetness one expects from a musical.

It can be tiring to find oneself trapped by someone else’s reminiscent feelings towards “Wicked.” The stage play has been a favorite for numerous individuals; having run on Broadway for over 20 years, countless young girls, and others, have been captivated under the charm of Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz’s musical that delves into the intricate beginnings of the seemingly evil Wicked Witch of the West. Hordes of children and adults have sung and danced along to tunes like “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” one a light-hearted parody of popularity in school, the other an uplifting anthem about carving your own path in life. The film adaptation of “Wicked,” directed by John M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, will expand its reach, allowing more people to develop affection for it. However, this is not mandatory for everyone.

In simpler terms, the people who might not appreciate or connect with the movie “Wicked” have valid reasons. The film is incredibly vibrant and relentless in its message that it’s okay to be unique, which can be overwhelming. Moreover, this is just the first part of the series, with the second installment due in November 2025. Interestingly, “Wicked” manages to transform cherished Broadway memories into an extended form of discomfort for some viewers.

In the movie “Wicked”, a multitude of intricate elements come together, some functioning more smoothly than others. Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba, a character initially depicted as a shy woman with extraordinary supernatural abilities, but her green skin makes her an object of ridicule and isolation. Elphaba, a fresh interpretation of the character introduced by L. Frank Baum in his early 20th-century Oz books, later portrayed by Margaret Hamilton in the iconic 1939 “The Wizard of Oz”, is not naturally wicked but forced into a different path due to her contrast with Glinda, the good witch played by Kristin Chenoweth.

Instead of attending “Wicked” for its heavy-handed morals, you’re likely here for the tunes, the extravagant stage design, and the delight in watching two skilled actors engage in an intriguing dance of rivalry. Selena Gomez imbues Glinda with a pleasant air of vanity that fits her character well: at the start of the film, she’s enrolling in Shiz University, an establishment whose name, unfortunately, will forever overshadow the classic and slightly naughty phrase “It’s the shizz.” Shiz is where youngsters learn magic and other skills; Glinda arrives with a plethora of pink luggage, expecting to be the standout student.

Hang on: Elphaba has shown up at the school as well, but she’s not a student. She’s merely dropping off her sister, Nessa Rose (Marissa Bode). Their father, Governor Thropp (Andy Nyman), has never been fond of Elphaba due to her green color and uniqueness. On the other hand, he cherishes Nessa Rose deeply because she is charming and lovely. Elphaba holds a special affection for her sister as well. Interestingly, Elphaba’s physical disability in a wheelchair makes their father excessively protective. However, as Elphaba tends to her sister’s arrival at Shiz, her extraordinary abilities—they emanate from her like electricity, particularly when she’s upset or agitated—attract the attention of the school’s renowned professor, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). Morrible swiftly enrolls Elphaba into Shiz University, making her a reluctant roommate to Glinda (initially known as Galinda, a detail the movie will clarify if you’re curious or not).

In a different phrasing: Glinda finds Elphaba annoying and takes excessive measures to make her life at Shiz uncomfortable. She assigns her roommate a cramped, dim corner in their shared space, filling it with an overwhelming amount of frills and trinkets in bright pink hues. During a significant event, she attempts to embarrass Elphaba at a school dance, softens unexpectedly, and they almost become friends. However, there’s a constant tension between them due to Glinda’s envy of Elphaba’s talents and her own lack of earthiness. Grande playfully portrays Glinda’s sugary, exaggerated manipulations; she has the blinking eyes of a doll and the graceful spins of a music-box ballerina. Yet, the repeated winks, twinkles, and hints in “Wicked” become tiresome. Leaving the play, I felt thankful—albeit briefly—for the unadorned harshness of real life.

In the musical “Wicked”, there’s an abundance of characters, intricate plotlines, and layers upon layers of symbolism – it’s like a chaotic traffic jam of flying monkeys! Jonathan Bailey portrays a wealthy, attractive prince who initially takes a liking to Elphaba but eventually dates Glinda, who seems to have the power to make him obey her will. Jeff Goldblum assumes the role of the Wizard of Oz, a smooth-talking individual who could be just charming or, at worst, a manipulator under the influence of fascists. Peter Dinklage lends his voice to a troubled professor-goat character named Dr. Dillamond at the school. This world of Oz is unique because animals can talk and are as intelligent, if not more so, than humans. They freely interact in society. However, there’s someone in Oz working against this coexistence, aiming to silence all animals, ultimately leading to Dr. Dillamond becoming their unfortunate target.

In my perspective, the profound message hidden within the tale of “Wicked” shines so brightly that it occasionally leaves me questioning its meaning. The morals seem to bounce about haphazardly: It’s acceptable, even commendable, to be unique! Those who possess wisdom are often the ones silenced first! The popular one doesn’t always reign supreme!

Despite everything, there’s Erivo. In the musical “Wicked,” she’s the one character who didn’t leave me feeling drained. As Elphaba, she conveys something genuine, beyond just show-tune sorrow. You empathize with her in her greenness, her ongoing sense of being an outcast, her anger at being underestimated and unappreciated. Erivo seems to transcend the material, not only when flying on a broomstick. However, even she can’t overcome the whirlwind of Entertainments (with a capital E) that surrounds her. For a film whose main theme is the thrill of defying gravity, “Wicked” is surprisingly heavy, with promises of more of the same to come. Unfortunately, it falls short of its promise.

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2024-11-20 22:06