From Broadway to the big screen, “Wicked” is “… a bewitching musical experience …” according to Rotten Tomatoes Audience Review. The film adaptation is moving to witness, whether it’s the first watch or the thousandth. Wicked is a precious show among theater lovers, and the 2024 movie release definitely does it justice. Not only that, but it has sparked excitement for the adaptation of the second act, set to release in theaters on November twenty first of this year. For now, the wait drags on as the public awaits a conclusion to the saga with the sequel, “Wicked: For Good.”
“The Wizard of Oz” was released in 1939, and it’s well known as the very first movie played in color. The film is based on a 1900 novel by Frank Baum that follows a young girl from Kansas who travels by way of a tornado to a whimsical land of munchkins, witches, and wizards. The story also introduces the Wicked Witch of the West, who is presented as wholly evil and, believe it or not, wicked, throughout the film until her eventual demise.
As many know, this is not how the story goes in Wicked, where the witch, Elphaba Thropp, is actually the protagonist and main character. In contrast to the original story, Wicked follows Elphaba as she enrolls in the magical school of Shiz, where she learns to harness her natural powers, face her position of social solitude, and uncover corruption within Oz.
Wicked was originally written as a novel in 1995 and was a very dark, adult take on the story of the Wicked Witch of the West. The book was considered obscene and wildly sexual and was highly frowned upon by many who read it. Because of this, the Broadway musical was very detached from the original novel, adopting a much lighter and more mystical plot.
The musical debuted on Broadway on June 1oth, 2003, featuring Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth as Elphaba and Glinda. It was a fantastical show, with over 11 million people having seen it during its run time. Additionally, Wicked has earned over 1 billion dollars in total revenue, surpassing The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, and The Great Gatsby. Not only is it an emotionally deep and touching show, but also very profitable; its highest earning week came in December 23-29, 2024, becoming the first show on Broadway to sell $5 million worth of tickets in one week, a feat that still has not been beaten on Broadway.
All in all, Wicked is a fantastic adaptation and a beautiful story that showcases musical theatre, friendship, and love. It will surely keep shining in immediate future and beyond.
