The story of the Broadway phenomenon *Wicked* is one of staggering success, filled with impressive statistics. For twenty-one years, it has captivated audiences at New York’s Gershwin Theatre, grossing a breathtaking $1.66 billion (at the time of writing). Over twenty-five actors have embodied the iconic role of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, while twenty-two actresses have played Glinda, the Good Witch. Each performance requires a Herculean effort: 238 costume changes, 226 pairs of shoes, and 84 wigs – a testament to the sheer scale and spectacle of the production. This “muchness,” as the article puts it, perfectly encapsulates the essence of *Wicked* – a grand, fantastical narrative exploring the complexities of good and evil, complete with a talking goat, flying monkeys, and a thrilling love triangle.
Now, this magical world is being brought to the big screen in a two-part movie musical extravaganza, starring the incredibly talented Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. The task of translating the stage’s magic into a cinematic experience fell to Paul Tazewell, a Tony Award winner (for *Hamilton*) and Oscar nominee (for *West Side Story*). Tazewell’s design process was deeply rooted in three key sources: Gregory Maguire’s *Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West*, the novel that inspired the musical; Victor Fleming’s classic 1939 film adaptation of *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*; and the beloved Broadway production itself, with its unforgettable Stephen Schwartz score and Winnie Holzman’s ingenious book (Holzman also penned the screenplay for the film adaptation).
Tazewell emphasized the importance of respecting the established audience’s connection with the original production. He explains, “It was important to engage that audience and not completely redefine what *Wicked* feels like.” In creating the costumes for Elphaba and Glinda, Tazewell, much like the original stage costume designer Susan Hilferty, found inspiration in the earth and the air, skillfully reflecting the contrasting personalities of the two central characters. Erivo’s Elphaba will no doubt possess a powerful, earthy presence, while Grande’s Glinda will likely exude an airy lightness and grace. The film also boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Michelle Yeoh as the shrewd Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as the charming Fiyero, and the ever-enigmatic Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz.
The sheer scale of this undertaking is monumental, mirroring the success of the Broadway show and promising a visually breathtaking cinematic experience. The meticulous attention to detail, rooted in respect for the source material and the legacy of the stage production, suggests that this film adaptation will be a truly spectacular event, capturing the heart and magic of *Wicked* for a whole new generation.
