Not only was it brilliantly cast, “Wicked” also made ample use of movie magic, bringing the world of Oz to life

It’s finally the time of the year long awaited by theater fans all over the world: the premiere of “Wicked: Part 1,” the screen adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical.

And at the hands of director Jon M. Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “In the Heights”), “Wicked” musical writer Winnie Holzman with Dana Fox, production designer Nathan Crowley (“Wonka,” “Interstellar,” “The Greatest Showman”) and pop icon Ariana Grande and Tony Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo as the two leads Glinda and Elphaba, the beloved musical has found a worthy transformation from Broadway to the big screen.

From a theater fan who also enjoys films, I find that this is so much better than just a pro-shot (a professionally shot stage performance). Not only was it brilliantly cast, “Wicked” also made ample use of movie magic and production design, bringing the world of Oz to life.

Fans of the musical will have a field day seeing the elements of the popular stage sets translated to the screen, supplemented with big-budget sets and effects. And of course, the movie musical is nothing without the soaring tunes by Stephen Schwartz, which the cast—especially Grande and Erivo—performed spectacularly.

Expanding the story

“Wicked: Part 1” covers the first act of the musical—starting from the celebration of the Wicked Witch of the West’s death, flashbacking to Glinda and Elphaba’s time in Shiz University, touching on the plight of animals in Oz, the journey to the Emerald City and their subsequent discovery of the truth about the Wizard of Oz, before ending at the (literal and figurative) showstopper, “Defying Gravity.”

Though the movie only covers the first act, it runs for nearly as long as the entire stage production, thanks to more drawn-out scenes and exposition that provide more context.  

These allow viewers to invest more fully in the emotional stakes of the story. This cinematic storytelling gives the emotions and ideas more breathing room, and lets it simmer a few moments longer, where otherwise on stage would’ve quickly been whisked away by a set or scene change.

Through expanded scenes, we become more invested in the plight of the animals in Oz, a turning point for Elphaba, as she discovers a new meaning and purpose for her magical talent. We also get to see more developed sides to not just Glinda and Elphaba but also characters like Fiyero (with “Bridgerton” star Jonathan Bailey delivering a swoon-worthy performance). 

In these fleshed out scenes, we also see how Grande is truly exceptional as Glinda, capturing the character’s perky, bright, and frivolous nature. If anyone had doubts about Grande’s pop vocals bleeding into this movie musical, rest easy: The “Yes, And?” hitmaker made sure we all remember her musical theater roots in this cinematic trip to Oz. 

Grande put her own flavor to the glitzy, glamorous Glinda while being true to the essence of the character. Watching her wasn’t simply seeing the flighty popular girl; the nuances in her portrayal allows viewers to truly see the nature of Glinda: displaying “goodness” and “kindness” partially for her own gain, with her decisions driven by the desire to remain popular, in the public’s and authorities’ good graces (for example, her choice to change her name to Glinda from Galinda).

This isn’t to say she’s totally self-centered. Definitely not evil, too. But there are moments, especially in the latter half of the film, where we see genuine care for her rival-turned-frenemy-turned-best-friend Elphaba. Even as early as the opening scene, as the Ozians celebrate the Wicked Witch of the West’s death, there is a hint of regret in Glinda’s eyes, knowing the truth about her friend and their paths that have crossed and parted.

In the same vein, with the story aiming to challenge the stereotype placed upon the “wicked witch,” Erivo’s Elphaba is one we can all easily root for. She delivers an evocative performance and presents Elphaba as not just a strong and steely young woman (forced by circumstances against her), but also one who, in her solitary moments, is tender, vulnerable, and a hopeful dreamer.

Erivo deftly handled the defiance needed from the character without crossing into overly aggressive territory. Plus, Erivo’s vocal choices in each of Elphaba’s iconic song numbers are worth the resounding applause (which I would’ve given her at every number were this a live theater performance!).

While many were initially wary about the decision to split the movie into two installments, Chu’s “Wicked: Part 1” has proven it’s well worth it. The expansion of Act 1 into a full length film not only allows us to better enjoy all the elements of the beloved musical without fear of the quick change, it also allows us to better grasp the message of “Wicked” at its core without being too overshadowed by the visual and aural spectacles: examining the true nature of people, that no one is purely evil—and in the same vein, no one is purely good.

And the truth that image and perception, and those who know how to harness it, have the power over narratives. (“It’s all about popular! It’s not about aptitude, it’s the way you’re viewed,” Glinda does sing.)

If there’s anything to complain about with this two-parter, it’s only that we’ll have to wait another year until “Wicked: Part 2.”

“Wicked: Part 1” runs at cinemas nationwide. The film’s original soundtrack is now also available for streaming.