As a seasoned theater-goer with a special fondness for the magical realm of Oz, I can wholeheartedly say that both the Broadway adaptation and the upcoming movie version of Wicked have left me spellbound. However, after learning about the meticulous details behind Ariana Grande‘s Glinda gown, it’s clear to me that the filmmakers have truly outdone themselves.
In the musical and movie adaptation of Wicked, Glinda’s grand entrance in her bubble and singing “No One Mourns the Wicked” is a truly indelible scene. The costume she wears, particularly stunning with its intricate design, stands out whether it’s on stage or the big screen. However, an interesting distinction exists between these two versions: Ariana Grande’s outfit in the film is a tribute to The Wizard of Oz, while the original stage production does not include this homage. Now, we understand why they made that choice.
On Broadway, Glinda’s first outfit is a soft blue hue. However, in the film adaptation, it’s pink – reminiscent of the character’s dress in the classic Wizard of Oz movie (accessible with a Max subscription). As shared by costume designer Paul Tazewell in an interview with People, this change was made to honor the original film, as the stage production was not permitted to make direct references to it.
In simpler terms, when thinking about The Wizard of Oz story, it was the movie that resonated most with me. When I imagine the beloved character Glinda, I see Billie Burke portraying her in that beautiful pink dress, floating in a bubble. Therefore, I was keen on exploring the idea of incorporating pink into the design for the Broadway production. However, there were some legal restrictions regarding using pink due to studio concerns, but fortunately, we received permission to use it as a nod to Glinda.
In the musical “Wicked,” which is based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 book, Glinda’s wardrobe strays from the traditional pink hues seen in the character from the film version of “The Wizard of Oz.” The costume designer stated that this decision was made due to legal complications surrounding the use of pink, a color closely associated with the character, on stage.
Yet, during the film-making process, they managed to secure permission and incorporate the distinctive light pink hue often associated with The Good Witch.
After detailing the color conundrum and the remarkable feat of creating a pink garment, Tazewell highlighted another resemblance between Grande’s dress and Billie Burke’s outfit from The Wizard of Oz. Beyond sharing the same color, they also have a similar shape, as he pointed out.
Additionally, I aimed to achieve a comparable elegance in my design. The costume for Ariana as Glinda exudes a touch of fairy royalty. It’s adorned with shimmering details and features whimsical bubble motifs that dance around her. This ensemble captures the enchanting and magical essence of the Good Witch of the North quite powerfully, yet it offers a fresh perspective, flipping the traditional design on its head.
Such details clearly demonstrate why Wicked is earning top-tier reviews. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in iconic costumes such as Cynthia Erivo’s witch hat play a crucial role in narrating the tale of Glinda and Elphaba, thereby enhancing the enchanting world of Oz and deepening the immersion for audiences.
Read More About Wicked
I Love Both The Wicked Musical And The Movie, But There’s One Moment I Think Part 1 Did Better Than The Stage Production
Now, if learning all this wasn’t mind-blowing enough, just wait until you hear the numbers that go with the making of Glinda’s dress. It took 225 hours of hand-beading and over 20,000 beads to craft it. On top of that, there were 137 pattern pieces used to craft the layered pink gown.
In essence, the various elements combined to produce a stunningly unique outfit for Ariana Grande’s character in the flash-forward scene from Wicked, where she portrays a transformed witch. The intricate design, striking beauty, and distinct ‘Glinda’ flair make it an iconic piece that hints at her story’s transformation. To my eyes, this costume serves as a testament to the impact of exceptional wardrobe choices.
The cherry on top is the fact that it also pays homage to the film that came before it, 1939’s The Wizard of Oz.
It’s intriguing to anticipate the captivating fashion creations that Paul Tazewell might come up with for the upcoming film, Wicked: Part 2. I have no doubt they will be meticulously designed, multilayered, and will honor both the original film and the Broadway musical upon which this movie is built.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-12-05 22:07