The film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, “Wicked,” premieres in theaters on Nov. 22, 2024. The musical stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and is directed by Jon M. Chu. The film is a prequel to the 1939 film, “The Wizard of Oz,” telling the story of the Wicked Witch of the West before Dorothy fell into Oz.
“I used to watch ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at my grandma’s when I was little, and this is the adult side of the story, so I am excited to see this with her now that we are all older,” said Ava Canada, Wadsworth High School junior.
The story follows the Wicked Witch of the West, whose real name is Elphaba, navigating life at Shiz University, a university in the Land of Oz. At Shiz University, she meets Galinda, later known as the Good Witch of the North, where they grow an inseparable bond lasting them up until the end of the story.
“[I am excited to see the film] because musicals on Broadway are so hard to get tickets for, so it is fun to finally get to see it, without having to buy the expensive Broadway tickets [and] do the expensive experience,” Canada said.
The Broadway musical is an adaptation of author Gregory Maguire’s novel, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” published in 1995. The Broadway musical has been on stage since 2003, and is one of the longest running musicals on Broadway. The original cast starred Kristin Chenoweth as Galinda and Idina Menzel as Elphaba.
“I just found out that it is a two-part movie,” Canada said. “Who knew this was a two-part movie, because I did not.”
The film is split into two films, the first film being released on the fourth weekend of 2024 and the second film being released on the fourth weekend of 2025. Splitting the film into two was a creative decision by director John Chu, as he felt he could not fit the entire plot line into a two-hour film.
“I am excited to see how [Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande] play [their characters],” Canada said. “I am excited to hear [their] vocals.”
Cynthia Erivo starred in the Broadway revival of “The Color Purple” from 2015 to 2017, and would go on to win a Grammy award, an Emmy award and a Tony award for her role in the musical. Ariana Grande got her start on Broadway, starring in the musical “13.” After starring on two Nickelodeon TV shows, Grande began to release her own music. As of 2024, she has released seven studio albums, one of which has received a Grammy award.
“I love theater and I love Ariana Grande,” said Lyla Marzano, Wadsworth High School junior and active member in the High School Drama Department.
Stephen Schwartz wrote and composed the music for the “Wicked” musical on Broadway, and will also be composing and writing the music for both of the “Wicked” films.
“I’ve heard great things about the music in the show,” Marzano said. “I’m excited to hear all of that.”
“Wicked” will premiere in theaters globally on Nov. 22, 2024 and tickets are available across all cinema platforms.