As a gamer with a heart for musical theater and a mind that never forgets a detail, I must say that Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of “Wicked” is a delightful blend of familiar tunes and fresh surprises. Having grown up on Gregory Maguire’s novel and the Broadway production, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the expanded material that harkens back to the source material in the film.
In every adaptation, changes are made from one medium to the other and that’s certainly the case for director Jon M. Chu’s Wicked.
The Life and Times of the Witch of the West” is quite distinct from the musical “Wicked,” and the first “Wicked” movie includes additional content that references both the book and the musical.
The book, the musical and the film tell the epic “untold” back story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), the Good Witch of the North first introduced in L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
If you’re a dedicated fan of the musical “Wicked,” you might have already spotted every minor change from composer Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s adaptation of “Wicked.” But if you’re approaching the “Wicked” movie with minimal prior knowledge of the book or the musical, NBC Insider is here to guide you on where the film differs. This way, you’ll be prepared for any future “Wicked”-themed trivia, or simply impress your musical theater companions.
The Prologue
As a gaming enthusiast, diving into the world of “Wicked” for 160 minutes (which is its duration in both the Broadway and West End productions) opens up a treasure trove of additional scenes untouched by the stage play.
Initially, Glinda the Good confesses her friendship with the Wicked Witch of the West. The movie then switches to a flashback, detailing fragments of Elphaba’s birth and upbringing in a tense family environment. Her green skin, a result of her mother’s affair, caused her father, Governor Frexspar Thropp (Andy Nyman), to resent Elphaba as she served as a constant reminder of his betrayal. Moreover, the flashback showcases Elphaba’s protective instincts towards her disabled sister, Nessa Rose (Marissa Bode).
Madame Morrible’s Tutoring
In the musical, Madame Morrible (played by Michelle Yeoh) senses a magical uniqueness in Elphaba upon her arrival at Shiz University, but it doesn’t explicitly show how she brings that out in the young witch. However, the film adaptation provides numerous scenes, either through montages or additional sequences, depicting them working together on Elphaba’s struggles with controlling her emotions.
Elphaba and Fiyero’s Meet Cute
In the musical, the dashing Winkie prince Fiyero Tigelaar (played by Jonathan Bailey) confidently enters Shiz University, capturing the attention of both Elphaba and Glinda simultaneously. Director Jon M. Chu found this intriguing and decided to rework a scene where a solitary Elphaba is walking back to campus under cover of darkness and inadvertently collides with Fiyero and his talking blue steed. This encounter effectively establishes their unique bond and attraction more powerfully.
The Ozdust Ballroom
In Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the story, The Ozdust Ballroom expands significantly and transforms into a high-end destination that includes fish suspended from its ceiling and a musical ensemble made up of Animal performers. Not only does it serve as a popular spot for dancing and entertainment, but it also plays a crucial role in the narrative by providing a setting for a significant emotional event.
In the midst of the dance floor, following an attempt by the students to embarrass Elphaba due to her attire, she has a solo, emotive dancing spell that Glinda eventually joins. This shared moment fosters their relationship, making it authentic and genuine.
The “One Short Day” Musical Within a Musical
Upon their arrival in the bustling city of the Wizard of Oz, Elphaba and Glinda are immersed in its enchanting atmosphere through the tune “One Short Day”, underscoring the extraordinary magic that now permeates the Wizard’s domain.
In the musical “Wicked”, a new element has been added – the “Wiz-o-mania” spectacle within the play itself. The local theater group, with many familiar faces from the “Wicked the Musical” cast (notably Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth), performs a rendition of Oz’s history following the Wizard’s arrival and the significance of the enchanted book, The Grimmerie.
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2024-11-26 20:16