Wicked

 So, as I mentioned yesterday, I’ve seen the stage production of Wicked twice.  First time was in 2003, when it was in previews on Broadway, and the second time was in 2014.  I loved the show and I was waiting for the movie … it opens on Friday, but Drew got an offer from Fandango, and we saw a special preview showing last night.

This being Long Island, home of the quintessential theater nerds, virtually the entire movie audience was more than familiar with the Broadway production.  Many of the (mostly female) audience were wearing pink and green (the colors featured in the movie) and/or shirts with Wicked graphics.  The two women in the row in front of us were wearing witch’s hats.  And one woman was dressed in her best Glinda cosplay. This being a theater nerd audience, several people actually applauded after the musical numbers.

We saw it in IMAX, which makes the special effects really pop.

*spoiler alert*

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This movie is actually part 1, with part 2 coming out same time next year. Stephen Schwartz is the executive producer, so the movie stays true to his stage production.  Part 1 covers act 1 of the play, starting with “No One Mourns the Wicked” and ending with “Defying Gravity”.   They didn’t make any substantial changes but did add some additional material and music (you have to add an original song if you want to seek a “best song” Oscar).

And some fun tidbits,

During the opening number we see a brief shot of Dorothy and her companions carrying the broomstick back to the Emerald City.

When Elphaba and Fiyero rescue the lion cub they leave Shiz on bicycles, with the cub in a basket. 

The Wizard explains that he wants to build a road the will lead all the citizens of Oz to the Emerald City, but doesn’t know what color to make it.  Glinda chooses yellow bricks. 

Stephen Schwartz has a cameo.  He tells Elphaba “the Wizard will see you now.”

And (big spoiler alert) there’s a new song which is performed when Elphaba and Glinda arrive in the Emerald City, sung by Kristin Chenowith and Idina Menzel.

I think you can figure out that I loved the movie.  Can’t wait until next year for part 2.