‘Wicked’ Enthralls, Frustrates in Long-Awaited Film Adaptation

‘Wicked’ Enthralls, Frustrates in Long-Awaited Film Adaptation

By Lynn Venhaus

A dazzling spectacle based on the 2003 Broadway musical fantasy, “Wicked” is overproduced and padded with unnecessarily stretched out musical numbers and extended scenes to present the popular culture phenomenon as only the first act in a 2 hour, 30-minute film.

After years in development, this long-awaited adaptation surely could have been pruned without affecting the story arc. The second act, “Wicked: Part II,” is set for a Nov. 21, 2025, release. Did it need to be this long? No. Is it worth your time? Yes.

With ‘wow factor’ production values and sensational performances, this vivid re-imagining of the Land of Oz is a must-see event best-suited for the big screen.

After opening Oct. 30, 2003, on Broadway, the beloved musical captured theatregoers’ fancy with its imaginative and sharp-witted story about the unlikely friendship between the Glinda the Good Witch of the North and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West. It draws from the familiar mythology based on the classic 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz” and L. Frank Baum’s series of 14 novels written between 1901-1917.

However, it is a prequel to those events, and takes place, for the most part, before farmgirl Dorothy Gale arrives from Kansas. But ‘Wicked,’ you see, is only a perception, and a misunderstood one at that. This inspired take fascinates with the green-skinned outcast Elphaba attending Shiz University, where she is taken on an unusual path, which leads to discovering her magical powers, and develops a bond with her mean-girl opportunist roommate Glinda, first known as “Galinda.”

As college students, the pair are exact opposite in looks, temperament, personality and values. Loosely based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, the screenplay is adapted by Winnie Holzman, the original musical book writer, who smartly gave us so much to ponder, and and Dana Fox, whose most recent credit is “Cruella.” Holzman created the TV series “My So-Called Life” and wrote for the landmark TV series “thirtysomething” and “Once and Again.”

The centerpiece is the glorious songs – those heartfelt, soaring, beautifully crafted numbers from virtuoso composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz. He started his acclaimed five-decade career with “Godspell” in 1970, and has gone on to create “Pippin,” “Children of Eden,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “The Prince of Egypt,” and win an Oscar for “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas.” This is arguably his masterpiece.

The film’s biggest strength is its perfectly cast triple-threat performers – Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp, Ariana Grande-Butera as Glinda Upland and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar, a handsome prince whose subplot is best not spoiled.

Erivo’s knockout voice is her superpower. She won a Tony Award in 2016 as Celie in “The Color Purple” revival, the only non “Hamilton” cast member to win a musical acting trophy that year. She proves herself to be a gifted actress, as she leans into sympathetic Elphaba’s differences as a proud badge of honor, especially in her newfound activism against injustice.

Grande has sold more than 90 million records as a pop star and appeared on Nickelodeon and Broadway. If you’ve seen Grande host “Saturday Night Live,” you know she has terrific comic timing and unforced charm. As a singer, she has a four-octave vocal range and in this role, she inhabits the spoiled rich girl with a self-deprecating humor. She looks dainty, but there’s an intriguing power and intelligence behind the bubbly façade.

The charismatic Bailey, Emmy-nominated for “Fellow Travelers,” is known as the oldest son Anthony in the “Bridgerton” TV series, but in England, he is also an accomplished musical theater performer. He won an Olivier Award as Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for playing Jamie in the revival of “Company” in 2018. Fleet-footed and a nimble vocalist, he gives Fiyero an allure that wasn’t initially apparent on stage. (Fun fact: St. Louis’ own Norbert Leo Butz, two-time Tony winner, originated the role in its San Francisco tryout and on Broadway).

Outstanding in supporting roles are Jeff Goldblum as the morally compromised Wizard of Oz, who handles “A Sentimental Man” quite nicely, Michelle Yeoh as no-nonsense Shiz headmistress Madame Morrible, and Peter Dinklage, in a voice-over, as an animal professor, Dr. Dillamond, who’s frightened in “Something Bad,” tipping us off to sinister political forces (shades of authoritarianism and fascism ahead).

There are more-to-develop turns by Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman, a Munchkin in love with Glinda, and Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Elphaba’s paraplegic younger sister. Slater was Tony-nominated and won a Drama Desk Award for his role as SpongeBob SquarePants in the 2017 Broadway musical. Stay tuned for some interesting twists with these two in Act 2.

New roles include Glinda’s fawning sycophants — Bowen Yang of SNL fame is Pfannee and Bronwyn James of CBS’ “Ghosts” is ShenShen.

As one who has seen the stage musical seven times, with an inaugural voyage to Chicago for the first national tour in May 2005 and the remainder at the Fabulous Fox in St. Louis, the film is faithful to the source material. (BTW, “Wicked” is considered “St. Louis’ favorite musical” after record-breaking runs here).

“One Short Day” is a grand introduction to the breathtaking art-deco Emerald City, Erivo’s emotional gravitas is displayed in “I’m Not That Girl,” and her humorous duet with Grande on a crisply delivered “What Is This Feeling?” is a highlight. Grande also shines in the peppy “Popular,” her signature song.

But the dramatic opener “No One Mourns the Wicked,” a too-heavy CGI-enhanced “The Wizard and I,” and an acrobatic “Dancing Through Life” set on library staircases are overstuffed. The choreography is in the contemporary style of elaborate and athletic dance moves with distinctive razzle-dazzle that is mega-staged for maximum effect.

That said, the defining showstopper, “Defying Gravity,” is everything you want it to be, an enthralling way to end, just before the curtain comes down on stage, but here with a “To be continued” card stunning the audience who doesn’t realize it’s only half.

Now the fourth longest-running musical of all-time, “Wicked” continues to draw packed houses in theaters around the world. While plans for a film adaptation started in 2012, the project did not kick off in earnest until 2021.

Jonathan M. Chu was hired to direct, after his successes with “Step Up 2 In the Streets,” “Step Up 3D,” “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights.” That was when it was decided to split the film into two parts to “meet the demands of the story’s epic scope and to expand upon the journeys of and relationships between the characters, without cutting any songs and major plot points” (I quote press here).

The second half is when more dark secrets and identities will be revealed, and features the moving “For Good” number. (No spoiler alert here, nor will I reveal cameos).

Highlights of Part 1 include the magnificent costume designs by Paul Tazewell, Tony Award winner for “Hamilton.” He must be the frontrunner for year-end awards, for each intricate outfit is stunning in detail.

The visual effects, while often over-the-top, are eye-popping. With today’s audiences conditioned for blockbuster franchise films, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Harry Potter series, and new “Star Wars” chapters, these are the flamboyant excesses people expect, but I find them overdone.

The everlasting appeal of “Wicked” will always be as a timeless tale of love and friendship, and its brilliant way of presenting the proverbial “two sides to every story.” Those who cherish the musical can find moments to savor.

“Wicked” is a 2024 musical fantasy directed by Jon Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James. It is rated PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material, and its runtime is 2 hours, 40 minutes. It opens in theatres Nov. 22. Lynn’s Grade: B+

Bright Lights: Wicked Awesome

Bright Lights: Wicked Awesome

By Lynn Venhaus
Managing EditorGREEN DAY: We have been changed for good by the cultural phenomenon “Wicked,” which has broken records in St. Louis and is still “Popular” around the world after opening on Oct. 30, 2003 on Broadway.
To commemorate the musical’s 15th anniversary, NBC will air a tribute concert on Monday, Oct. 29, at 9 p.m. (CST).
“A Very Wicked Halloween” was recorded live Oct. 16 at the Marquis Theatre, hosted by the original Elphaba and Glinda, Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth.
The celebration will feature Pentatonix, Ariana Grande and Ledisi. Adam Lambert will join them, and he is certainly not mourning the wicked. He left the Los Angeles cast after making “American Idol,” and from 2005 to 2008, had been in the ensemble and understudy for Fiyero, and on a national tour.
The current Broadway cast will also make an appearance.

This spellbinding untold story about the Witches of Oz is now the sixth longest-running musical in Broadway history, having surpassed “A Chorus Line” on July 12 with its 6,128th performance.
Since its debut, “Wicked” has broken box office records around the world. St. Louis is one of the cities where “Wicked” currently holds the weekly-gross-takings records, along with Los Angeles, Chicago and London.
It has played the Fox Theatre five times since 2005, selling out and each week broke box office records. The national tours stopped here in 2005, 2007, June 2010, for four weeks Dec. 12, 2012 – Jan. 6, 2013, and for four weeks in Dec. 9, 2015 to Jan. 5, 2016. Another tour is under way but St. Louis isn’t listed – as yet.
St. Louisan Norbert Leo Butz originated Fiyero in “Wicked.”The original Broadway cast featured St. Louisan Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero. The Bishop DuBourg and Webster U. Conservatory grad played Elphaba’s love interest Fiyero twice, from Oct. 8 to Nov. 23, 2003, and from Jan. 20 to July 18, 2004. He met his second wife, Michelle Federer, during the production – she played Nessarose, and they were married in 2007.
Norbie, the seventh of 11 children born to Elaine and Norbert A. Butz, went on to win two Tony Awards, for “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and “Catch Me If You Can.” He is planning to leave his Tony-nominated role as Alfred P. Doolittle in the Lincoln Center revival of “My Fair Lady” on Jan. 6, 2019.
Composer Stephen Schwartz told Playbill why he cast him.
“I’ve wanted to work with Norbert since I saw him in ‘Thou Shalt Not’ and particularly in ‘The Last Five Years.’ He’s a lyricist’s dream. In ‘Wicked,’ I wrote ‘Dancing Through Life’ especially for him to take advantage of both his voice and charisma.”
In July 2017, “Wicked” surpassed “The Phantom of the Opera” as Broadway’s second-highest grossing show, trailing only “The Lion King.”
Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, “Wicked” has won more than 100 international awards, including three Tony Awards and a Grammy.
The TV special isn’t the only way “Wicked” is celebrating its milestone – Ben and Jerry’s locations in Times Square and Rockefeller Center will sell special ice cream sand-Witches beginning Oct. 26. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the National School Climate Center’s BullyBust campaign.
The NBC Studios Store has an Ozmopolitan apparel display. And a special “Wicked” cupcake, baked by Melissa, is available online and at all 14 store locations through the rest of October. A portion of the cupcake proceeds with benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and A BroaderWay.
***GET REEL: Native sons and daughters can bask in the klieg lights in the ‘Lou during the 27th annual St. Louis International Film Festival, which will screen a record 414 films from 63 countries Nov. 1 through Nov. 11 at nine venues.
John GoodmanJohn Goodman, one of St. Louis’ favorite sons, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. That program and a screening of “The Big Lebowski” on Nov. 2 are already sold out. Goodman, who grew up in Affton, has enjoyed a long career – in movies, on TV and on stage. He is part of the “Roseanne” reboot called “The Conners,” along with former Edwardsville resident Laurie Metcalf, who plays his sister-in-law Jackie. The TV   sitcom began Oct. 16 on ABC and can be seen at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Yours truly is hosting a special event film. The fest is celebrating the Golden Anniversaries of several influential films that came out in 1968: “Bullitt,” “Medium Cool,” “Once Upon a Time in the West,” “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Pretty Poison.”
Anthony Perkins, Tuesday Weld in “Pretty Poison”I will introduce “Pretty Poison” and lead the post-show discussion after the free screening on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. at the St. Louis Public Library central headquarters downtown on Olive. The film is sponsored by the St. Louis Film Critics Association.
This underrated film noir-like thriller starred Anthony Perkins and Tuesday Weld, and has gained new appreciation as a cult gem, its influence noted in Terence Malick’s “Badlands” and Billy Bob Thornton’s “Sling Blade.” Think “Gun Crazy” meets “Lolita.” Mix in conspiracy theories, passion, greed and fantasy. With its inspired casting, it’s a strange and wonderful film about a teenage arsonist who is paroled, becomes smitten with a young femme fatale, and dangerous plans are put into play.
For a complete schedule or for more information, www.cinemastlouis.org For the trailer by Sleepy Kitty Arts (you rock Paige Brubeck and Evan Sult), watch this: https://youtu.be/UTm2PZJng_0
I was fortunate to be the moderator of a Q&A session after a sold-out screening of “Beautiful Boy” Sunday at the Hi-Pointe, with writer Nic Sheff, whose story is the film, and star Timothee Chalamet, whose fans started lining up at 8 a.m. for the 11 a.m. screening. St, Louis was one of four stops the Oscar-nominated Chalamet did over the weekend; Nic Sheff is appearing at over 10 locations.
Lynn Venhaus, Timothee Chalamet, Nic Sheff at “Beautiful Boy” Q&A. Photo by Kevin Brackett.***
APPLAUSE FOR: Congratulations to Kathleen Sitzer on her honor from the Alliance for Jewish Theatre, an International organization dedicated to promoting the creation, presentation, and preservation of theatrical endeavors by, for, and about the Jewish experience.
She is seen here with honoree Tovah Feldshuh at the recent Alliance for Jewish Theatre annual conference in Philadelphia. Feldshuh’s one-woman show, “Golda’s Balcony,” is the longest running in Broadway history. She received the Theodore Bikel Award for Excellence in Jewish Theatre.
Kathleen, the recently retired Founding Artistic Director of New Jewish Theatre, was recognized for her years of service and dedication to the concept of Jewish Theatre.
In addition to Sitzer, the conference will honor actress Tovah Feldshuh with the Theodore Bikel Award for Excellence in Jewish Theatre. Her one-woman show “Golda’s Balcony” was the longest running in Broadway history.
The conference provides an opportunity for theatre artists and organizations to network and learn from each other through a variety of workshops, panel discussions and performances. It is hosted annually by a member theatre. This year’s conference in Philadelphia is hosted by Theatre Ariel. New Jewish Theatre hosted the conference two years ago in 2016 and also in 2002.
For more information, visit: www.alljewishtheatre.org.
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AROUND TOWN: Sarajane Alverson, who played Chef Rossi in the autobiographical “The Raging Skillet” at the New Jewish Theatre, was able to meet the real-life inspiration when she came to St. Louis for the play’s premiere.
Sarajane Alverson, Chef RossiHere is a photo of the two from their appearance on a Fox 2 news segment. Photo courtesy of Aemi Tucker. Sarajane made it through three weeks of performances without a knife injury!
Country singer Alexandra Kay of Waterloo, Ill.Let’s hear it for country singer Alexandra Kay, aka Lexi Krekorian from Waterloo, Ill., who is among the nine people on Netflix’s new “Westside” that premieres Nov. 9. (I have an in-depth feature article that will be published in the Belleville News-Democrat soon).
Mark Saunders isn’t trying out his Halloween costume — he began the national tour of “Something Rotten!” last month and revealed his character Brother Jeremiah’s look.
His show will be in Champaign, Ill., on Monday, Oct. 29, for a one-night performance at 7:30 p.m. at the State Farm Center (University of Illinois). It’s a 2-hour, 43-minute drive from St. Louis. For more information, visit www.rottenbroadway.com.
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AMERICAN IDOL: Interesting in auditioning for the next season of “American Idol” on ABC? Online audition videos are being accepted now through Nov. 5. You must be at least 15 years old to submit a video for consideration. You’ll be notified by Nov. 19 if you made the cut.
More information can be found here: https://fmna.etribez.com/ag/fmna/ai2abc/welcome.html
***BOOK SHELF: St. Louis native Ellie Kemper, a John Burroughs graduate, has published a collection of uplifting essays called “My Squirrel Days.” Her Oct. 13 book signing at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters was sold out.
The comic actress, known for “The Office” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” has written about her journey from Midwestern naif to Hollywood.
Can’t get enough of Tony winner “Dear Evan Hansen”? The smash-hit has been turned into a young adult novel by Val Emmich and published on Oct. 9 by Little Brown. T
o promote the book, show composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul went on a 10-city bus tour with musical book writer Steven Levenson and author Emmich. Fellow Michigan alumnus Darren Criss joined them in Ann Arbor, and Tony winner and late-night host James Corden sang “Waving through the Window” at an L.A. bookstore.
A new deluxe album, including cut songs along with the original Broadway cast recording, is now available through Atlantic Records.
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LIFE IS ART – SAVE THE DATE: Who will be nominated for their work in 2018 St. Louis metropolitan area community theater – in musicals (Best Performance Awards) and plays (Theatre Mask Awards)?
Winners will be revealed at the annual Arts For Life Trivia Night, now set for Saturday, Feb. 1 at St. Joseph’s parish hall in Manchester. Ryan Cooper returns as the emcee.
Our theme this year is “That ‘70s Trivia” – you can decorate your table and dress accordingly (costumes optional) – but questions are a variety related to the category titles (announcing the show nominees).
AFL awards excellence in large and small ensemble musicals, dramas and comedies, and youth musical productions. The TMAs will take place on Saturday, April 6, at and the BPAs on Sunday, June 9, at the Skip Viragh Center for the Performing Arts at Chaminade.
Boogie the night away with AFL! Enjoy 10 rounds featuring a variety of trivia, silent auction, raffles, table decoration contest, “STL Theatre Sampler” ticket raffle, attendance prizes, and more.
New this year – VIP Tables – $200/8 people. VIP Tables include snacks, soda/water, prime seating, and a dedicated runner.  Reserve your table today! $160/8 people
For more information, visit AFL’s Facebook page or website, www.artsforlife.org.
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THEATRE RECOGNITION GUILD: Interested in scoring community theater and youth production musicals during the calendar year 2019? From now through Nov. 15, you can apply to be an AFL judge in what’s called the Theatre Recognition Guild. It’s the branch of AFL that judges musical theater for the Best Performance Awards given in 33 categories every June.
This is the only time during the year that you can apply. The online application is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019trgapplication
You will be notified in December if you have been selected. Between 50 and 60 volunteers are judges, and 10-12 judges are assigned to score each eligible show for about 25 groups in the metropolitan St. Louis area.
Judges are required to attend shows throughout the bi-state region. There is no monetary compensation – it is all volunteer. If you judge 8 shows, you receive a free ticket to the BPAs. In 2018, TRG will have judged a total 48 shows (21 large ensemble, 7 small ensemble and 20 youth).
If you have any questions, please contact me, the TRG Chairman on the AFL Board of Directors since 2010, at lynnvenhaus@gmail.com
***GO SEE A PLAY POLL: Artistic Director Kelly Hummert whipped us into a frenzy for months trying to figure out clues as to what Shakespeare play would be the next Immersive Theatre Project by her Rebel and Misfits Productions.
She recently revealed it’s “Macbeth: Come Like Shadows” which opened Oct. 24 and runs through Nov. 10, Wednesday through Saturday.
Sean Michael Higgins, Kelly Hummert in “Macbeth: Come Like Shadows”You can be there, too. Rebel and Misfits is offering 2 tickets to a performance for our current giveaway. All you do is answer our poll below – we’re asking about your favorite mystery play because Kelly was so mysterious about her show.
Send your pick, along with your name and phone number, to lynnvenhaus@gmail.com by noon on Tuesday, Oct. 30. A winner will be selected from the entries, we’ll announce the name, and get the lucky pair set up for this yet-to-b-revealed enticing fall premiere.
FAVORITE MYSTERY PLAY (make selection to enter the drawing):
Deathtrap
Dial M for Murder
The Mousetrap
Night Must Fall
Sleuth
Wait Until Dark
Send your choice by noon Tuesday, Oct. 30, to enter the drawing to: lynnvenhaus@gmail.com.

WORD: “Movies will make you famous, television will make you rich, but theatre will make you good.” – Terrence Mann
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