As a longtime theater enthusiast who’s seen more musicals than I care to count, the energy and camaraderie that permeated through every frame of Wicked: Part 1 was nothing short of exhilarating! The cast seemed like they were not just colleagues, but a close-knit troupe of friends, reminiscent of those high school productions where everyone’s passion for the art is infectious.
Watching “Wicked: Part 1” in the theater left me with an unexpected revelation: A strong desire to try out for a musical performance suddenly surfaced within me. Now, let me clarify that my singing abilities are best kept private, but the electric enthusiasm radiating from the exceptional cast of “Wicked” is so contagious that it feels like you’re watching a school play featuring some of the most renowned actors in the industry. This captivating energy was actually orchestrated by director Jon M. Chu, who set a warm and welcoming tone with his interactions with the cast. Ethan Slater shared the story of how Chu quickly instilled such a positive atmosphere on the set.
In a recent conversation, I chatted with the team behind the movie “Wicked” to mark its premiere. During our chat, Ethan Slater, the actor portraying Boq in the film, shared a charming story from his first day on set:
100 dancers were involved in the production of Dancing Through Life, when director Jon [M. Chu] arrived. He delivered a touching speech expressing his passion for capturing dance and storytelling. He explained, “I’m not here to dictate your movements to tell my tale. I’m here to assist you in telling your story through dance, and we’re all part of this journey together.” If any assistance is required on set, or if no one seems to be listening when you ask for water, feel free to approach me.
Wow, it’s amazing to think about the words I’d use if I were talking to 100 dancers! It’s one thing to start a project with such passion, but it’s a completely different challenge to maintain that intensity throughout the filming of two movies at once. Yet, Jon M. Chu not only took up that task, but he nailed it, as Slater detailed further.
Instead of starting off with a cliched phrase at the beginning of a lengthy endeavor, Jon consistently demonstrated genuine dedication. This led me to believe that a strong sense of camaraderie existed, reminiscent of the bond forged among actors on stage or within a theatrical community. In essence, this unity was beautifully cultivated throughout the project.
That’s absolutely clear! Earlier, I pointed out that the atmosphere seems somewhat rough, much like working alongside an immensely skilled group of student actors from Shiz, even though you’re viewing a movie estimated to have a budget of $145 million. This is the “community” Ethan Slater spoke about in theater, and it definitely shines through on screen.
It wasn’t just something I observed independently; it seemed that the entire cast shared a collective enthusiasm reminiscent of theater kids with wide-eyed excitement. Later on, Slater shared an amusing story about the film’s Fiyero and the lead dancer from the previously mentioned Dancing Through Life number, Jonathan Bailey, who also appeared to exude this infectious energy.
On one occasion, Johnny Bailey remarked something along the lines of, “It seems almost surreal that we’re working on a student project, only to find ourselves in a completely different situation.” That was precisely how it felt. It’s as if we were still engaged in making a student film, and then, all of a sudden, “Behold us now!
Check out Ethan Slater now! After achieving numerous triumphs on Broadway, he’s currently headlining one of the most successful films of the past decade and one of the biggest movie-musicals ever made. The path hasn’t always been smooth for Slater; he’s had to manage the limelight surrounding his high-profile relationship with Ariana Grande, which led to some challenging media scrutiny during the release of his first significant film role. Yet, it appears that he remains upbeat about the entire experience.
Without a doubt, he deserves it! The movie is already making waves and has been highly acclaimed. Critics are raving about the performances, even awarding it a perfect 5/5 rating in our own review. This blockbuster is expected to be one of the most talked-about new releases of 2024, so grab your tickets now and catch it at the theater! To build up your excitement for the screening, take a look at our exclusive interviews with the cast and director Jon M. Chu. For all the latest updates on Wicked: Part 1 and Wicked: Part 2, stay tuned to TopMob!
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2024-11-25 23:07