Movie (& Broadway) Review: WICKED - Bored & Confused?

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Here are some timestamps so you can navigate the madness. 00:00 Disclaimer & Introduction 00:19 Comparing the Movie & Stage Show 00:48 Pacing: Why is Act 1 2.5 hours long? 01:24 Stage Show: Bored? No. Confused? Yes. 01:55 Glinda’s Bubble: Magic or Engineering? 02:46 Wizard’s “Science” vs. Magic Debate 03:48 The Book vs. the Musical: Appreciating the Adaptation 04:15 Wicked and The Great Gatsby Tangent 05:22 Set, Costume Design & Visual Brilliance 05:56 Casting: Grande vs. Chenoweth 07:48 Was I Bored? The Emerald City Scene 08:10 - Cameos 08:50 Casting: Erivo, Yeoh, Blum 09:39 Plot Point Contrivance 11:21 My Take on “Defying Gravity” Changes 12:56 So many questions 13:17 Favorite Song: Why “Popular” Wins 14:33 Shorthand Storytelling & Cultural Touchstones 15:23 My Issue with Defying Gravity 17:04 Hot Air Balloon Confusion 18:09 Final Thoughts & Recommendation

[@JosephNYC66]

I think you are wrong. They did not add any songs. The songs are exactly the same as the stage show in the same order.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I'm referring to the Grimmerie song that was added for Kristin and Idina's cameo. It's stuck in the middle of One Short Day making that track 6 minutes instead of 3.

[@JosephNYC66]

@@MatthewHardyMusical Oh I didn't realize that was new. I am not a big fan of this score. I think it's not one of Schwartz's best. I find some of it very lazy, like he wasn't trying hard enough. So I don't know that song very well.

[@Twelvefourtyseven]

@@JosephNYC66LOL yet here you are giving your critique. Typical New Yorker hahahahahaha.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@JosephNYC66LOL Thanks for your critique of a critique. ;-) Typical KZbinr :-D

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I always find the beginning of the show so jarring. Especially because I think we have "Ding Dong The Witch is Dead" somewhere in the recesses of our memory and then it comes in with that dark minor chord and I'm like "Wait! What's happening?" Are these people happy or evil? LOL

[@freizz]

yesss so true! loved your nuanced take. i also found the movie quite confusing and dragged out times. i think my main issue was that it was difficult to comprehend a lot of the lyrics

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks for the comment! I bet a lot of the people going are super familiar with the show so they have the lyrics memorized. That's a bad sign that the lyrics weren't clear in a movie where they are able to control the sound and you have a close up view of the singers. I wonder if the fact that they sang most of this live has anything to do with it.

[@tylerj7298]

So in the books the train is only in the northern part of Oz in Shiz. It’s the high class and technologically based area of Oz

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks for the information!

[@glennkoenig6078]

Wow, so much to unpack here! For one thing, I love your analysis and feel like I am cheating by watching you, as you clearly help to put together my thoughts before I really have fleshed them all out. I saw the move and loved it, and agree about the confusing backstory. I have not seen the play yet, but have tickets in January. I am usually very critical about scientific accuracy, and realize I have to suspend reality in many movies. Despite this, I was a little thrown off how quickly I picked up on some similarities between Shizz and Hogwarts, with the latter having much more structure that did not need explaining. Oz seemed like a green steampunk explosion in a world with no visible magic except for Elphaba (minus the talking animals). Made me question how the Shizz students would even learn magic. I too felt that Defying gravity lost its crescendo by the pauses for dialogue and chorus of Unthinkable. Listening to the soundtrack CD in the car, this was all the more obvious. I still loved this movie and definitely want to learn more of the backstory. I just don't think it will fall too tightly into place after Part 2. Love your reviews as usual, they give me so much food for thought after seeing these shows.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It's also crazy to me that Madame Morrible declares that she will only have one student this semester. Could you imagine if a professor decided to cancel all their classes and just teach one student? They would get fired! Is it that the Wizard doesn't want there to be anyone with magic because it's a threat to his power? This story requires a big suspension of disbelief and then you can enjoy all The Wizard of Oz movie easter eggs without giving them too much thought. There will be a lot ore of those in Part 2.

[@HowieHua1]

Your mic quality is great! I don't know if you got my instagram message but I'm glad you got a mic!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks! I actually have tons of mics. LOL I was just being lazy. But After I got several comments I decided I should make the extra effort.

[@MrBBunny-rv1mk]

Thanks for the review, Matthew....much appreciated. It is interesting that the film, which focuses only on Act One of the stage production, was made into two movies because allegedly Stephen Schwartz thought the stage production was too long for just one film and he did not want to cut anything from the show YET the first film at approximately two hours and forty minutes is 10 minutes longer than the full stage production when the intermission is removed. Regarding favorite song from the piece, mine is "For Good" which will appear in the second film since it is in Act Two of the stage production. Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts on both the movie and the stage production.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks for the comment and the intel! It is crazy how they doubled the length of the show without adding much new material. For Good is a beautiful song. Love the harmonies.

[@EnterpriseGeek]

@@MatthewHardyMusical they added tons more character stuff and backstory🙄

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

And yet I didn't feel like I knew that much more. LOL But I wasn't bored (except for that added Grimmerie song.)

[@EnterpriseGeek]

@ but....in the Grimmerie Song we had Idina and Kristin. we were cheering, it was a fantastic moment to see the 2😍

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

But only for those who knew who they were. (Which is probably half of the audience) Everyone else is WTF?

[@jc8847kvkc]

Some things were pulled directly from the 1939 film like Elphaba's skin being green whereas in L Frank Baum's novel she was red and had one eye. Other things were changed to be more like the book like Nessa Rose having silver slippers instead of ruby slippers. It goes back and forth pulling from multiple different references to the land of Oz not just L Frank Baum's novels or MGM's iconic film.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@JC8847KVKC I think a lot of those choices were made because they couldn’t get the rights to adapt the 1939 film. Although I don’t understand why green skin would not be copyrighted but Ruby red slippers would. I know that they used to mention Toto in the script and had to change it because of copyright reasons

[@jc8847kvkc]

@MatthewHardyMusical fun fact about the green skin it's a particular shade of green which is why in the film Cynthia Erivo's character is not the same tone of green we're used to seeing either on stage or in the 1939 film.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@JC8847KVKC Interesting! Does the screen have a name? Elphaba Green?

[@valeriemoomjian4469]

Saw the movie with one of my preforming groups, and I felt it was very similar to the Broadway version. I liked how they didn't add any new songs or really change any of them. Though at some parts it did feel a little dragged out and others felt very fast paced. But other than that, its really good and possibly one of my favorite movie musicals. Hope part 2 can bring the same thing as part 1. Also have you done any reviews on any Encores! shows?

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks for the comment! Encores at City Center? I haven't reviewed any of those. I used to go to them all the time but lately I seem to keep missing their short runs. I'd really like to see Love Life as it's a show I've never seen a production of.

[@Ozymandi_as]

From what I gather, most of the inhabitants of Oz are planted quite firmly on the ground beneath their feet, and have a shared understanding of what is up and what is down, which indicates that they are in general bound by the same principles of Newtonian mechanics as we are. Elpheba has been showing signs of becoming increasingly light on her feet before she finally and fully realises that she has the faculty of unaided flight, and is thus able to overcome the gravitational force that normally exists between objects with mass. Defying gravity is not only about discovering that she can fly, however; it is also a metaphor for finding the strength and maturity to be her true self, act in accordance with her beliefs and values, and take responsibility for her own destiny. She is free of the restraints that hold others back, and obliges them to conform to the prevailing social and political mores. She is even able to let go of her attachment to Glinda, who is too weighed down by convention to follow her friend. Oz is magical to the extent that it needs to be for these characters to tell their stories, but it also needs to be similar enough to our own world for us to recognize ourselves in them and their stories. If you cannot believe that gravity is a force that operates in Oz, it seems rather odd that you would take exception to Fiyero and Madame Morrible speaking English with non-American accents, especially in a University! I wonder if you are perhaps being too literal with your objections?

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I am definitely being too literal! LOL This is what I do! They are less objections as they are observations of something that pulled me out of the play. As a whole Wicked keeps me engaged and entertained so that these little strains of logic don't prevent me from enjoying the show as a whole. When I first heard Defying Gravity I felt a pull (pun intended) and after over thinking it I realized that it was the use of the word "gravity" that was bothering me. But I'm sure for most everyone else that's not an issue. It is after all, the most POPULAR song in the show! :-) I appreciate your insights! Thanks for sharing!

[@warrencroom7621]

Let me say this new songs will be in part two. The wizard is a conman on a magician so it could be his workers that made the bubble

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

That damn bubble throws a wrench in so many things!

[@warrencroom7621]

@@MatthewHardyMusical true

[@ctolch04]

Love your take! Re Defying Gravity, you’re totally right but I never read that much into it 😂 I think Steven Schwartz’s lyrics were just trying to be clever and infuse a contemporary spin (Popular being a great example… “you’ll be good at sports” always stood out to me, they have sports teams in Oz?? Despite the fencing shown in the movie) to make for a fun theatrical experience, rather than total world-building accuracy! Kind of similar to many Disney lyrics that reference anachronistic things to be witty and fun… it’s a musical!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Interesting that you mention the song Popular. I love that song but it's curious how Galinda is presented as being pretty but dumb and all of a sudden her vocabulary takes a huge leap with phrases like "personality dialysis" and "creatures with unprepossessing features" and "clandestinely". But I wrote that off as her just acting dumb as part of her ploy to be popular. My gravity lyric issue could have been solved easily by having Dr. Dillamond begin his class with a lecture about gravitational force. Just one sentence before he's interrupted. It would have set up that this is language that they use and would have been some nice foreshadowing. BUT these are all nitpicks for the sake of criticism and don't really affect my enjoyment of the show overall. Thanks for joining the discussion!

[@kmurphy111]

Great review, thanks! On the “gravity” Elphaba is defying. More than a song title, it’s a theme to her magic. Until the poppies, all of the examples of her magic are her levitating objects. Innately as a newborn she did that. The poppies also defy gravity, but there’s the added sleep spell too. The creative team wanted to show that as magic had become scarcer with the rule of the non-magical “Wizard,” Elphaba represented a connection to and a command over nature. The costumer and prop masters put details in her accouterments. Flowers bloom as she walks by them in the forest. Anyways, so this is not Harry Potter where muggles and squibs are lower status, but rather in Oz it’s the magical ones that are considered rare. So Shiz students would learn about gravity and other non magical topics. The animal history erasure at Shiz shows that (eg the stone emblem revealed when Nessa is levitated, Dillamond’s lessons). The Wizard would infuse Shiz education with what’s in US schools. Even if Ozians didn’t learn about gravity before, I can see him arriving and explaining basic things like gravity and being hailed as a genius. Anyways, I totally get the issue with the word choice, but I can say that a lot of thought went into it and to the creative team (and to me) it makes sense. 😊 Happy Thanksgiving! I enjoy your reviews!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks! That is all very logical and makes perfect sense! My comment is in response to the pull I felt when I first saw the show that I then examined. Once you break it down as you have it makes sense. I loved that moment when the facade of the school fell off and we saw the animal mural underneath.

[@BroadwayGuy]

Thank You for a considered and critical review and not a gushing review.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thank you. I rarely gush. :-)

[@dorislachat9581]

"They made a better musical." Not necessarily Matthew. They cut the darker, political elements so as to widen its audience...does that make it a better musical? I never saw it on stage, did they add some of those back into the movie?

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@dorislachat9581 Thanks for the comment! There's no way to know if the show would have been as big a success in the hands of a creative team who wanted to lean into the darker political elements. All I know is the approach this creative team has created a juggernaut of a musical. It's not my favorite musical. (Probably not even in the top ten.) But it's hard to argue with such a huge success.

[@dorislachat9581]

@@MatthewHardyMusical Ah yes, my point being, is "better" measured by quality or success. I liked Maguire's book very much and I understood why they made the (commercial) choices they did when creating the musical. It's a juggernaut...but it got mixed reviews (as I recall) and it didn't win Best Musical. Another juggernaut, Mamma Mia!, didn't win Best Musical either. Both of them began with a commercial property - The Wizard of Oz and ABBA. I think it's safe to assume that Wicked would not have succeeded to this extent had they kept to the overall tone of the book.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@dorislachat9581 Agreed! As I mentioned in my review I was one of those people who was not blown away by Wicked when I first saw it on Broadway. Regarding awards... let's remember that Gypsy AND Sound of Music lost out to Fiorello! for best musical in 1960. Awards shows don't always get it right.

[@dorislachat9581]

@@MatthewHardyMusical Don't you think that was a case where Gypsy and The Sound of Music cancelled each other out? Follies still gets produced, but I don't know of anyone doing Two Gentlemen of Verona.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Follies is another great example! I don't think good shows cancel each other out otherwise it would happen every season when there are multiple good shows. I think Fiorello! won because it was a very topical story that resonated with New Yorkers at the time. And if you've watched my review of the Tonys you know that I think awards re more about marketing and less about awarding artistic excellence. (A view that some have taken issue with.) :-)

[@christophercobb249]

One other thought: I always felt Wicked was a bit all over the place, as far as its tone. There are times when the stage production feels like a pop-belt romance. There are times when it feels like dark political satire. There are times when it feels like a spectacle mega-musical of the. 1980s. I think that maybe is why the show translated into a two-part film. it would be infinitely harder, in my opinion, to capture the wild tone swings of the musical in a film. I've long felt that Wicked is material that probably works best on stage. I will certainly see the movie, but I'll mostly see it as a nod to how much I enjoyed the stage production on Broadway. And also, Cynthia Erivo is just an astonishing performer.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Cynthia is amazing. Should have given her more props in my review. You're 100% right about the tone. I think the pop-belt romance is Stephen Schwartz style as a musical theater composer. The political satire is coming from the McGuire novel. And the spectacle is probably heavily influenced by the movie the Wizard of Oz. I imagine the second part will be much darker. I don't think they will go for many laughs in the next film.

[@scottdavis7730]

I loved the film adaptation but you were spot on with your criticisms. I especially agreed with the magic wand 'Ball Gown!!' scene which is hysterically funny in the Broadway show but just didn't land in the movie. But, there was so much to make up for that. 'Loathing' (not the actual title) is just phenomenal. The choreography is fresh and quirky and surprising. Defying Gravity was sort of a disappointment and breaking it up into tiny little bits did not work for me. I should have been standing on my seat, screaming and crying, but I was just sitting there smiling. That being said, I don't know when the last time I went to a theatre multiple times to see a movie but I guess I'll see this as many times as I can fit in. I'm so happy that people who never got the chance to enjoy the Broadway show get a taste of the magic in this movie. And I'm glad I get to relive the magic for less than $300/ticket. Congratulations on you hitting 1K subs when that happens in the next few days. Don't give up. You're a natural. OT: I assume you are an actor? I would love to see you in something in NY, so please post when you get your next gig! I need an excuse to visit.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks Scott! I think the stage production is more of a musical comedy whereas the movie leans more into the drama. A perfectly valid approach to the material (I just love comedy). As they say, "melting is easy, comedy is hard". :-P I am an actor and a writer. Lately I've been focusing on the business side of growing my social media following and licensing my shows. I still audition and have several writing projects waiting for my attention. I'll be posting more of that stuff in between the theater reviews.

[@JosephNYC66]

You are sooooo right about "Defying Gravity." I wasn't thrilled that they extended it and I thought the hot air balloon was odd too.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks for the comment! Sometimes film makers don't understand how songs in musical theater work.

[@soberichard]

You sound you were just trying to dig something negative to say to defy all the positive comments people are making. Defying Gravity is a visual moment and highlight in the finale of the movie, so repeating or cutting the song was necessary especially if she is live singing on a wire flying. Its not like the stage musical where the powerful notes are given as she rises on the stage. I thought the filming was brilliant how they did the final song.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks for sharing. I'm glad it worked for you. I enjoyed the movie as a whole, that was just one of the spots that I was disappointed by. I didn't think they needed to stop the song yet a gain so she could fall a second time and see the reflection of her younger self in the building. I'm sorry if it sounded like I was just looking for something negative, that was my honest reaction to the screen adaptation of that song.

[@christophercobb249]

I actually don't disagree about "Defying Gravity." It's a power belt song and I appreciate the message very much. However, it feels out of place in the arc. It feels like a self contained pop belt anthem that does not fit the rest of the score, per se. But as you said, it works incredibly well as a standalone ballad.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

It's such a fun song to sing. Sometimes I come home and just belt out "So if you care to find me look to the western sky"! Does anyone know why she goes West? Does she have a time share?

[@Gee-xb7rt]

There is a lot that I don't really understand, like Elphaba is the only person with magic, is this correct? Yet they hype up magic like its a real thing they teach at the university even though only one person can use it, which I guess just makes it one big trap to get Elphaba to the wizard so he can vilify her? I thought the lyrics to Popular were there to show Glinda is a lot smarter than we think she is, but I think the film misses that. I was very happy they made Dancing Through Life a big dance number, There is a video on here with all the creatives that talk about how they put it all together. I am wondering if audiences will like Act 2.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I watched the Dancing Through Life video. It was so cool to hear from all the creatives about their contributions. I found it interesting that they wigged Fiyero so that his hair would stay full even though he was working up a sweat in his suede jacket. It's the little things. I think you're correct about the Popular lyrics. They're so clever that they give a boost to Glinda's intelligence. I think the only 2 characters in the play with magic are Madame Morrible and Elphaba. But I recall in the novel that Glinda had some aptitude for magic as well, she just was more interested in climbing the social ladder than becoming a sorcerer,

[@EnterpriseGeek]

The Wizard of Oz Movie is an adaption from Baums Book. Wicked Musical is an adaption of the Wicked book which was released in the 90tis. The Wicked Movie is an adaption from the Musical, but adds more from the book... Its a prequel for the first Part (before Dorothy arrives) and ties into the Wizard of Oz classic movie with the 2nd Filmpart which comes out next year. (simultanasley while Dorothy arrives) Yes its confusing😂

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I remember an interview with Kristin Chenoweth when Wicked was in rehearsal out of town pre-Broadway. She said the producers were unable to secure the rights to the movie the Wizard of Oz so they were having to change any references in the script that were exclusive to the movie. One of those being Toto the dog.They had to change Glinda's line so that she called the dog Koko as if she couldn't remember the dog's name.

[@warrencroom7621]

Matt it’s who separate story

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Sorry, I don't understand.

[@warrencroom7621]

@ wicked is considered its own story because it the baum books the scarecrow was never human the witch was never green she was ugly with an eye patch

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Ah. Got it. It's references all come from The Wizard of Oz movie.

[@warrencroom7621]

@yes much of it with hints at the orginal book such as the Wizard of Oz being a con artist and the big head

[@warrencroom7621]

@@MatthewHardyMusical also the wizard of Oz was a book then play then many many silent films and the the 39 classic the in 1985 return to oz then wicked

[@clowchan]

Boq is played by Ethan Slater and no lie I was a little taken out of the movie every time him and Ariana shared the screen because of their whole relationship IRL debacle That was one of my nitpicks with the film is how they cut up Defying Gravity which ironically limits how powerful this song is. Also there was one point where I wish the movie ended and it would have been perfect.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I didn't know Ethan and Ariana had a thing! was it during the filming of Wicked? Ironic that she's pushing off his romantic advances in the movie. Where was the moment you thought the movie should end?

[@Gee-xb7rt]

Ire at Ethan is a bit much, Dalton wasn't the best husband and Ethan's marriage wasn't the best either. He is co-parenting and all that, his ex was kind of petty putting it all out there on social media. If you are going to line dry your panties do it inside. I am also sad that people use the opportunity to attack him for not looking like Henry Cavill. Ethan has a very expressive face, there is a lot of empathy and kindness there, even if you don't agree. I am also jealous he got to wear those wigs, cause that is some major artistry.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

The wigs are amazing. I just watched a video about the use of wigs in the movie. But for me personally, I like to dry my panties outside in the sun where the UV rays can brighten and disinfect. I just realized Ethan was Sponge Bob on Broadway!

[@Gee-xb7rt]

@@MatthewHardyMusical Ethan was in a John Doyle production of Assassins as Lee Harvey Oswald, unfortunately I can't find any media from the production other than a couple pics. I would assume if John Doyle cast him as the lead he must be good. That is such an irregular role too.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Yeh I learned this is his first big film role. Good for him!

[@robotmary121]

Gurl you think too much 😂 the hot air ballon was unnecessary but it was definitely just an “easter egg” to relate to the wizard of oz. There is a time jump in between the two movies and so assumedly enough time for the wizard to repair or make another ballon… 😂

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I've heard that before! :-) He doesn't need to make another balloon. He can just make a flying bubble and drive that home.

[@BroadwayGuy]

I loved the Broadway musical SO MUCH MORE than this "Half the story at twice the length" Part 1 Movie Version.

[@yedis1750]

Oh God no. I hated the musical. It didn't go as deep into the themes as it deserves. It just didn't have time. Also hysterical screaming from the audience when the actor sustained a high note....and you ended up not hearing the climax of the song. Not for me thanks. Give me the movie any day

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I think they are two different animals. If you want a musical comedy then the stage show is the way to go. If you want special effects and high dramas then the movie is what you want.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks for the comment! I think you are in danger of hysterical screaming both in a broadway theater and a movie theater. This is why I went to a midnight showing on a Monday night.

[@starcade90]

I can safely say I'll never watch this movie in my entire life.

[@ZaryasBestFriend]

Thanks for telling us. I really needed to hear this to make it through the day.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Even if you're stuck on a 21 hour flight to Thailand?

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

LOL

[@starcade90]

@MatthewHardyMusical Definitely not. I've actually been to Thailand, a 12 hour flight for me.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

@@starcade90 Oh nice! I wish I was closer to Southeast Asia. I love it there. So 12 hours? You could watch Wicked part 1 four times or include the sequel and go through it twice. :-)

[@WatchmenMedia]

You’ve totally ruined “Defying Gravity” for me. 😂 You’re so right.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I'm so sorry! LOL

[@BradsPitts.]

Interesting that the book made you appreciate the musical more lol - it had the opposite effect for me. Just cause I loved how politically and thematically dense (and yes, dark lol) the book was, and the musical just feels so superficial in comparison

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Did you read the book first? I appreciated how political and intricate the book was, but I understood why the changes had to be made for the stage. Musicals are great at comedy and love stories but they're not great for politics and complex themes. Those are better served in a play where you don't have so much of the theatrical real estate being taken up by songs and dances. Darker musicals/pop operas like Les Miserables always feel like cliff notes of the full novels to me.

[@JosephNYC66]

You didn't laugh? I laughed a lot and I thought Ariana was fantastic. Very funny. I agree with a lot of things you said. There are major issues with the story but the fact that it looks as fantastic as it does and as well performed as it is that I forgive it. I hated the stage show but I liked the movie soooo much better.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I just don't find her laugh out loud funny. I have enjoyed her on SNL and she's a great impressionist. She just doesn't have that comic timing that Kristin has. That being said, I thought she was great and I think the movie works without having a true comedian in that role. ALSO I saw a midnight screening on a Monday night and there were only 3 of us in the theater. So not ideal for laughs. I went to the late showing because I didn't want there to be anyone singing along.

[@JosephNYC66]

@@MatthewHardyMusical I saw an advance screening on Staten Island (cause I needed to get that witch hat cup and popcorn lantern before they sold out. lol) and no one sang along. Thank God.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

LOL Glad you got your Wicked swag!

[@saffieblaze8282]

Humour is subjective, I've just never found her funny tbh. Her SNL skits are clever and I'm not denying she's a talented performer but being on the big screen is very different and it just fell flat. She's too stiff and unnatural while acting, she should stick to singing

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Comic timing is just something people have or they don't have. When I saw her as Penny in Hairspray it was very clear that she wasn't a comedic actor.

[@fairamir1]

Wizard was from Kansas....he knew what gravity was....

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

But he doesn't sing the song. Elphaba does. And I don't think she studied Newton's law of Universal gravitation unless the Wizard added it into the syllabus at Shiz.

[@BradsPitts.]

Yeah, I wish they gave Ariana more space to be funny - she was great on SNL

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I think she's better at sketches. I'm sure they gave her plenty of room. In fact part of my issue with the "ball gown" sequence is that it needed more editing so that the joke wasn't belabored. Did you see Ariana in Hairspray? She struggled with the comedic timing of that character as well.