Jenna Brodkin
Executive Sports Editor
The new film “Wicked” is a must see for musical lovers as it offers a comedic and light hearted adaptation of the 2003 musical. “Wicked” Part 2 will be reaching viewers Nov. 21, 2025.
The film begins with the spreading of the news that the Wicked Witch of the West had died and Glinda the good witch tells the town the story of how her and the Wicked Witch (Elphaba) were friends back in school.
Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, and Cynthia Envrio, who plays Elphaba, along with director Jon Chu, decided that every song sung in the movie would be live. A bold choice, the film opens with Ariana delivering a breathtaking performance opening the film with a classic song from the musical, “No One Mourns the Wicked.” Throughout the whole film no one’s pitch was off and the risky choice they made was extremely worth it.
The movie has grasped the attention of the public since it was announced in early 2012. According to The Cornell Daily Sun, the musical “Wicked” is the second- highest grossing musical ever and has been performed over 8,000 times.
The compelling set designs brought the musical to life, and musical fans were impressed with the interactive, inspiring and comedic soundtrack. Due to the fact that the 2003 Musical received so much praise, “Wicked” the musical is back on tour and can be seen in select cities. While the movie does offer a very similar version, the musical offers more emotion and is an experience I would recommend.
It was no surprise that when the film reached the theaters it has maken history by reaching the top-showing ever for a film based on a Broadway musical and one of the biggest openings of all time for a big-screen musical.
The casting of the film is a major strength, the powerful, unique, and different voices Cynthia and Ariana both bring to the film is what is making it so successful. The surprise appearance from the 2003 musicals Glinda and Elphaba, Kristen Chenoweth and Indiana Mendzel, served as nostalgic for all the fans of the original Musical. It honored the success of the original Musical and cast, while also making it modern and comedic.
“Wicked” was released on Nov. 22 and can be watched exclusively in theaters now. “Wicked” the musical can also be seen on stage at the Pantages now through Feb. 2, 2025.
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