WICKED movie full review (spoiler version) | 2024 musical film starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

If you're still avoiding spoilers, check out the *spoiler-free* review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aarIe2BmrcaniLc

[@LPnerd]

what did you think could have been cut?

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

@LPnerd less cutting entire scenes, more addressing pacing. The train station and meeting the wizard could both have been halved.

[@LPnerd]

@@MickeyJoTheatre ok, but the train station scene really showcases Fiaro attraction to Elphaba , and the first time Glinda notices it. These little set up s are important to move things along in any story.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

@@LPnerd not disagreeing with any of that - I do think not showing Elphaba reacting to Glinda mentioning Fiyero having changed since that day is a shame.

[@margaretriley9146]

Nothing Against Cynthia and Ariana..But this is Kristin and Idina's "BABY"..!! Sorry, But they should have been given the lead roles..!!

[@whitneylivingston5706]

One thing that I loved that Fiyero’s horse was a talking horse, so he’s got a clear bias to the animal’s side of things. I loved that little detail.

[@gabrielleduplessis7388]

Me too. And it sets up how he and Elohaba have the same values. And I liked how he was one of the people who didn’t laugh at Elphaba during the dance scene. And he is looking for her after they met which was a nice touch.

[@meetdmelvinatorTV]

Yeah they have a relationship with animals, fiyero with his horse then elphaba with the bear that nurtured her when she was young.

[@MsSera21]

Yes! Elphaba empathised with them as an outsider (and was also raised by a bear nanny!)

[@star1bandit363]

I loved how when Elphaba has her first "magic outburst" at Shiz with Nessarose, one of the motifs of the Wizard gets broken, and you see a painting of some Animals underneath.

[@suave-rider]

spoiler alert

[@MarcusMartn]

Omg I didn’t notice that

[@matthewweatherhead6002]

Literally was my favourite thing I spotted

[@TheMrdominator1997]

@@suave-riderin the spoiler review?!?! Shock!

[@LPnerd]

So many people miss that. I wish it would have been highlighted more.

[@clairesear1717]

One thing i loved about Fiyero's entrance was that he was obviously the first person Elphie had run into who didn't make her greeness the first thing he noticed about her, rather her defensiveness. And Cynthia's very subtle portrayal of Elphie's "oh... thats different" stood out to me.

[@emilyrln]

"And the defensiveness, is that a new development?" 😂

[@downstageright3298]

This reminded me so much of Shrek and Donkeys meeting. And while that is kinda funny, I thought it was a fantastic choice

[@trevorlong8659]

You mention that there's a moment of reservation before Glinda throws the torch and that's the main giveaway that there's something going on behind the curtain, but the moment that stuck out to me was when the first ensemble member sang "No one mourns the wicked." Her entire face changed. It's like her mask slipped, and the crowd was too busy celebrating to notice how taken aback she looked. And from my perspective, she wasn't really able to recover until the number is over and she tried to leave. Even then, all she really wanted was to get away from those people.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

No I agree you're so right

[@ten-ze1pq]

“Behind the curtain” is such an apt phrase *wink wink*

[@_hurm_]

I loved seeing how her mask fell slightly but I love even more the subtlety of how she chooses her words carefully even when sing with the crowd and how it aligns with her face behind the mask. Glinda only sings the following lines(italics) below. Lyrically, she’s literally saying how she feels and it’s through her lack of an objection that they assume she agrees with them. She never once says “No one mourns the wicked” since _she_ clearly does. Note the capitalization of Goodness and Wicked in the lyrics. These are being used as proper nouns to represent Glinda and Elphaba. When she sings “Let us rejoicify that goodness could subdue the wicked workings of you know who” notice that goodness is not capitalized since she means actual goodness and not the agenda she’s being used for. She also never names Elphaba leaving it open for interpretation for the community to fill in what they think she’s means, since well “she’s on their side, right?”. She also only ever says “Good news” and “Wicked” at the end which I think is her saying the now colloquially appropriate words to cover suspicions without saying what she disagrees with. Or perhaps it’s a moment of her speaking to Elphaba saying “Good news they bought it, Elphie” - Good news! She's dead! The Witch of the West is dead! The wickedest witch there ever was The enemy of all of us here in Oz Is Dead! Good news! Good news! Look! It's Glinda! _Let us be glad_ _Let us be grateful_ _Let us rejoicify that goodness could subdue_ _The wicked workings of you-know-who_ _Isn't it nice to know_ _That good will conquer evil?_ _The truth we all believe'll by and by_ _Outlive a lie_ _For you and -_ No one mourns the Wicked No one cries "They won't return!" No one lays a lily on their grave The good man scorns the Wicked! Through their lives, our children learn What we miss, when we misbehave: _And Goodness knows_ _The Wicked's lives are lonely_ _Goodness knows_ _The Wicked die alone_ _It just shows when you're Wicked_ _You're left only_ _On your own_ Yes, Goodness knows The Wicked's lives are lonely Goodness knows The Wicked cry alone Nothing grows for the Wicked They reap only What they sow _Are people born Wicked? Or do they have Wickedness thrust upon them? After all, she had a father. She had a mother, as so many do:_ (Story of Elphaba’s mom’s affair) _And of course, from the moment she was born, she was - well - different_ (Story of Elphaba’s birth and her first rejection) _So you see - it couldn't have been easy!_ No one mourns the Wicked! Now at last, she's dead and gone! Now at last, there's joy throughout the land And Goodness knows We know what Goodness is _Goodness knows_ The Wicked die alone _She died alone_ Woe to those (Woe to those) Who spurn what Goodnesses They are shown No one mourns the Wicked _Good news!_ No one mourns the Wicked! _Good news!_ No one mourns the Wicked! _Wicked!_ _Wicked!_

[@SaffAshworth]

Completely agree

[@HelenRosemarySmith]

@@_hurm_ Love this analysis! The film was the first time I noticed Glinda says 'she died alone' and that felt so sad to me!

[@solcarlosofficial]

Sentimental man is usually a song I always skip and zone out during the musical but I loved how visually interesting they made the movies version. A great change in my opinion.

[@asmrtina6966]

sameeeeee, i was shocked they made it so interesting now

[@mckenna8663]

I missed the first few minutes of the movie. Did they indicate.. at all.. that the wizard would eventually be considered to have been Elphiba's father? I know they were going with a family-friendly movie rather than get into the down and dirty facts, but I wanted to know if they addressed anything.

[@cotyalan4549]

@@mckenna8663yes, they have Goldblum voicing the Elixer man in the opening.

[@jamiegdubois]

I actually had to pee so badly and decided to go during that part because I normally feel the same, so now I’m sad I missed it! Good thing I’m seeing again next weekend with my brother and sister in law!

[@Nobobase5068]

I think they knew they had to zest this song up because I’m not kidding when I said there was an audible groan in my packed theatre when everyone realized that song was coming 😂

[@amyvocalist]

When Kirsten and Idina popped up I SQUEALED and when Stephen popped up I squealed again!

[@AlexHurleyMusic]

I instantly grabbed my best friend - I had a feeling Kristen would be featured in part one, and Idina would be in part two but seeing them together stood next to Ari and Cynthia made me cry even harder than I had been!

[@amyvocalist]

@AlexHurleyMusic I went to see it on my own so I was vibrating with excitement to absolutely noone 🤣

[@Zoeysplaylist824]

Winnie also makes a cameo during that scene

[@amyvocalist]

@Zoeysplaylist824 I sadly, and much to my Chagrin don't know what she looks like :(

[@Zoeysplaylist824]

@ it was the woman who said he can read it he must be a wizard :)

[@brockdavis2046]

“And fiyero is Jonathan Bailey, so listen, who amongst us” I cackled lmao

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

WHO AMONGST US?! 😂

[@brockdavis2046]

@@MickeyJoTheatre🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️

[@emilyrln]

Whomst indeed 😂😂😂

[@beautifullytragic]

On my second viewing of it I picked up on something really funny: when the wizard is “reading the grimmerie” during One Short Day, he’s literally saying “O-MA-HA, O-MA-HA” the place he is from! The citizens of Oz of course wouldn’t have any idea what that meant so it’s just perfect 😩👏🏻

[@havehope646]

I did not notice that

[@beautifullytragic]

@ it’s so cool - it’s on the soundtrack too so have another listen!!

[@rachelhansen2417]

I caught that too! So good!

[@emilyrln]

Haha that's great!!!

[@AxisOAnarchy]

I picked up on that well and explained it to my dad.

[@seanmcgcostumes]

Something I haven’t seen anyone comment on: Fiyero and Elphaba’s meeting is EXACTLY how Jane Eyre meets Mr. Rochester! I thought that was so interesting considering that Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero is smart and sad, which is very Mr. Rochester. And Elphaba is very Jane Eyre-adjacent in her role and how she is looked at by others/how she views herself! It was such a smart and subtle way to project that they belong together.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Oh excellent point!!

[@HelenRosemarySmith]

Ooo love this analysis!

[@wyrdness1]

except that Mr. Rochester's horse doesn't talk.

[@emilyrln]

Love this!!

[@gemmamoon5998]

@@wyrdness1Well, that throws a wrench in the whole analogy. Nevermind, then! 😂

[@Nobobase5068]

Agree hard on Glinda not coming off dumb here. I thought this was especially true when she throws her tantrum about the secret before popular. It comes off as manipulative / performative rather than truly childish and Cynthia sells it by kinda laughing and rolling her eyes. She sees through the act and I think that explains her draw to her. Shes not really that immature, she knows what she’s doing. Like Fiyero says, she’s “good😏”

[@solcarlosofficial]

I NEED UNIVERSAL TO DO A WICKED LAND ASAP. Imagine a ride flying with elphaba while defying gravity plays!

[@michaeldavis194]

i had the same thought watching the movie i was like this could be a theme park land, epic universe expansion maybe 🤔

[@wooooordd]

So....Oz? lolol

[@accordingtoangela]

It would be perfect next to the villains area in epic universe 😭

[@jamiegdubois]

Omg, my inner child would absolutely die!

[@tavekinfinity]

HP who?

[@taterbug1234]

Defying Gravity kinda punched me in the gut. I didn’t think it would be that exciting, but it was. The visuals. The score. The Cynthia Erivo of it all. I mean, that was old school Hollywood, baby!

[@jnkrene5600]

she deserves the Oscar

[@soundgal_sine_qua_non]

I had never considered Sentimental Man to be a manipulative moment until seeing it in the film. It really highlights from the first moment that you meet him that he is a charleton. He knew Elphaba was green. Who says Morrible didn't also tell him what she knew about Elphaba's strained relationship with her father.

[@dw1419]

Except that at least in the play, the 11th hour revelation that the supposedly deceased Elphaba was his daughter is what breaks him emotionally and causes him to obey without objection Glinda’s order to leave in his balloon and let her take over.

[@solcarlosofficial]

I love how they made the oz dust ball under the sea! That’s so unique and creative!

[@fbueller]

‘Under the Sea’ is such a classic prom theme! 😂

[@ikexbankai]

@@fbuellerremember this channel is from England. Prom is not a big thing over there

[@camelliasinensis219]

​@@ikexbankaithis is not really true. Maybe it would be for people who are like 35+, but nowadays almost all schools have them, and have had them for over 2 decades now at least

[@PrincessPetticoats]

@@camelliasinensis219yeah but it’s still not a huge life defining moment like it is in the US

[@billwenham]

​@@PrincessPetticoatsProm was a life defining moment for you? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Legacysong2012]

I have to disagree with the No One Mourns... part, Ariana did an amazing job showing someone in pain putting on a mask, she expressed so much with her eyes. It was not just the two moments you say.

[@SuzER08]

agreed, I think it's the perfect slight hint of sadness that you can definitely notice it if you know the whole story, but those who dont know wouldnt pick up on

[@ericjhyeung]

The cameo was great… the two were playing the “wise ones” who were one of the first beings in Oz and who wrote their spells into the grimmery to pass on their magic… it feels like an extended metaphor for the first two people who play Glinda and Elphaba to pass on “their magic” to the new Glinda and Elphaba… also, the prophecy is probably more about Elphaba than the wizard, as she is the one who is actually able to read the grimmery in a time of need. Idina’s line was also that when the person who can read the grimmery appears again, all of Oz will sing “ah ha ha”(her battle cry)… so not only is her battle cry a fan service, but it also points to the fact that the prophecy is about Elphaba, as she is the one who sings that battle cry. I also feel like the buildings in Oz kind of look like the Disney castle… it almost feels like they’re trying to say that the Disney / the fairytales we grew up with, all turn out to be a sham, because the world is more complex than we think about it when we’re young, just like how people are never simply good or bad… it seems to touch on the overarching theme of innocence (Wicked itself is a more nuanced interpretation of the characters in a children’s tale), but also a slight jab at Disney haha

[@solcarlosofficial]

I loved what they did to dr dillamond! I nevered cared for him in the musical but here I was so in awe and interested in every scene he was in. He was one of the highlights for me.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Something Bad as a conference between the marginalised animals worked much better I thought!

[@JammyDodgerXD]

Completely the same! Genuinely never usually cared about him but in the film it was genuinely emotional

[@PelafinaLievre]

Maybe because he’s a goat and not a goatman

[@RhiannonEve]

One of my favourite changes that they made was the start of something bad - I think the extra context about the animal rights really helped the wider story.

[@mamimelusine]

The animals were good. It seems to be hard in these kind of movies to make these talking animals look realistic enough to blend into the world but not photorealistic to the point where they’re creepy or can’t express emotions. And so much detail in his wardrobe and even the design of his home.

[@blindnerd4871]

As a casual fan of musicals, and more of a movie person in general, I was very much blown away and impressed with this film. I think what makes it work, isn't just the fact that it is a very great adaptation of the musical, but the fact they put a lot of time and craft into it. While there is CGI present, there is a lot of practical work put into the film, and having as much practical sets, props, etc put into the production, it gives the movie that extra bit of believability into it. Apparently the train is actually real for example. It is things like that which make a movie stand out more visually and on a technical level, that hasn't been seen in a long time.

[@frederalbacon]

Someone called it an old school Hollywood movie. So much has become green screen and CGI, it's nice to have a fantastical place become real.

[@benjamingreenfield9569]

I felt the same way about Defying gravity, I could have done without the whole "unlimited" theme coming back before she gets into the ending of the song. Musicaly it killed the momentum of the carefully crafted song that we know and love. That's literally my only gripe. The camera work with Jon M Chu....really makes the dance scenes come alive, especially the spinning library in dancing through life. Also the silent dance scene at Oz Dust....that was really powerful. They really nailed this film. They really took the work seriously and told the story and got it right.

[@kakirchmar]

I thought Cynthia WAY overdid the dance in the Oz dust ballroom. I did not buy it at all. It was done so well in the stage play. It tugged especially hard at my heartstrings, but not in the movie. Overacting. IMHO. I also missed the hand movements that Idina did initially. They were magical. Same with The Wizard and I. I agree with Defying Gravity. It really KILLED it for me. The drama was gone by cutting it up as they did. It was like watching a car chase at high speed in the middle. Horrible choice.

[@kakirchmar]

Ariana is absolutely OUTSTANDING! She deserves an Oscar for this! Absolutely! Far better than Cynthia in this film.

[@benjamingreenfield9569]

@@kakirchmar The dramatic choices didn’t bother me. I really appreciated hearing Defying Gravity sung with a healthy vocal technique and without being able to visual the nodules forming on Idina’s vocal folds.

[@KelilaBennet]

Did you see the breakdown video they posted of the library and how they shot that entire scene? It's incredible how much went into Dancing Through Life. That camera flip was one continuous shot!

[@kakirchmar]

@ As a professional speech-language Patholgoist. I am certain that Idina avoided nodules. She had good technique. She really did, She has amazing breath support and the way her sounds were formed, her vocal cords sailed through the notes. Her oral-motor musculature is to die for. Watch her sing. Every muscle is defined.

[@georgethecat771]

“Many years we have waited for a….”, “popular”, “no one mourns”, then there’s the pink and green lights, the Shiz sweatshirt. I see you, MJ. Already loving the video only 30 seconds into watching it. 😊 I saw it a couple of days ago and it was f-ing fantastic.

[@spacesugar]

Plus the lion and monkey plushies, glinda’s crown and wand!

[@solcarlosofficial]

I really wish we could have more scenes with elpahaba and fyero. I didn’t fully believe the chemistry. I did love the addition of boq feeling pressure from Nessus dad to not break up with her.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I concur, that moment fleshed out Boq's predicament well.

[@PelafinaLievre]

That might be the best threatening dad smile I’ve ever seen

[@LPnerd]

I think for me it was because she is looking like 35-40 yrs old. and he is looking around 22-23. It was almost creepy for me.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

@LPnerd I love Jonny, but he doesn't look that young. And she doesn't look that old.

[@teachmusik]

​@@MickeyJoTheatre I think they meant Nessa and Boq.

[@andy-1724]

Winnie Holzman was in one short day as well! Which was my favorite surprise. I loved how they sprinkled For Good all over the first act. It's a cute hint as what's to come. My favorite "prop" appearance was the bike! I thought that was cool. Also, how they worked in the hot-air balloon was really cool. Such an amazing film.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Oh I missed her!

[@gavinneedham2013]

@@MickeyJoTheatreshe’s the one that says “he can read it. He’s a wizard!”

[@RhiannonEve]

Oh how I cried at the little for good motifs that cropped up - that song means so much to me, I fear I’m going to be even more a puddle of tears at the end of part 2 than I was at the end of part 1

[@croane]

I was coming here to write this! Lol

[@tyler_warwick]

Absolutely loved this! The way you analysed Cynthia’s Elphaba and her journey with internalised shame was PERFECT, I totally picked up on that too! And lol at the Morrible bit, I was sitting there like wait… what does she even do… 😂 The Johnny Bailey horse comment made me CACKLE. 💀 The two Ari lines that got me were “It just says road to me” and “the little moustache man” 😂 so good! As for Goldblum, I completely get where you’re coming from with the critiques, but for me, his detached, almost flippant vibe really hit. Whether intentional or not, it gave me such a visceral reaction that I’ve never had to the wizard before like, ohhh this man is a true narcissist only out for himself. For me it made his instant betrayal of Elphaba feel even more believable-classic narcissist energy. That cut to sentimental man literally made me LOL. But then I thought It added this extra layer to his self-indulgent, theatrical personality, like, you will sit here and watch me perform for you type thing. I agree that splitting up Defying Gravity felt a little off on the first watch, but on the second viewing, I totally got the reasoning and actually appreciated it more - especially the falling sequence and flashing sideways to Shiz! Loved hearing your super insightful and eloquent takes-thank you for sharing!!

[@daughterofluthien]

“The little mustache man!” cracked me up! That was definitely the one that hit as funniest for me as well

[@kaleyrose47]

I’ll have to go back and really try to find all the “Wizard of Oz” homages because there were SO. MANY….I was overwhelmed lol. 1.) At one point, Boq tells Glinda “I cry a lot”, his last name being Woodsman…foreshadowing the Tin Man. 2.) Elphaba tells Fiyero to “Get stuffed…”, an obvious nod to foreshadowing the Scarecrow. 3.) We hear “Ding Dong The Witch is Dead” when the children are ringing the bells down the yellow brick road to announce Elphaba’s death. 4.) We hear “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at some points… 5.) At the end of “The Wizard and I”, Elphaba’s I Want song, runs to the end of cliff and we see a rainbow and blue birds flying -a direct nod to the lyrics in Dorothy’s I Want song! 6.) During “Popular”, Glinda picks up red ruby shoes and clicks them 3 times! …and I’m sure so many more I missed!!!

[@rachelkibble7653]

When Elphaba is having a lesson with Madame morrible, she is working on harnessing her power thorough her hands, and her hands create a shadow which mimic Margaret Hamiltons iconic witch pose with her hands/shadow - quick google search and you'll see the EXACT photo I'm referring to

[@amycarcaterra8177]

everyone picked up Nessarose Silver Shoes and somneone shouted out they will turn red in the part 2.

[@georgia.newman]

I thought I was the only one who noticed the ding doing the wicked witch is dead bit in NOMTW. I heard it on my first listen of the soundtrack and loved that it was there!

[@beltingtokra]

That explains why Elphaba is running through a field of hay - NOTHING IN THIS FILM IS RANDOM 💚

[@KeannasTheme]

idk if this one is an homage but when Glinda mentions to Elphaba how Fiyero is starting to do a lot of thinking it reminded me of “If I Only I Had a Brain”

[@J.P.Robles]

I couldn’t be happier with this movie because happy is what happens when all your dreams come true

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Oh what a celebration we've had today 💖

[@J.P.Robles]

@@MickeyJoTheatre thank goodness

[@sarahcoulson8920]

Well, isn't it?

[@CinziaDuBois]

I've never seen the musical, so I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this film. You know it's a strong cast when the weakest actor in it is Jeff Goldblum. I have to say though: Johnathan Bailey's dancing skills really stole the show for me; you can tell that man has been dancing all his life.

[@SuzER08]

one might say he has been...dancing through life

[@TheMonicaAlison]

Just saw the movie today! Loved it! One moment that really stuck out to me was how when Elphaba and Nessa were kids and the munchkins were teasing Elphaba, she chose to stand up for herself not because they were making fun of her, but because they made Nessa cry. It shows how much she cared for her sister more than herself, and maybe how that was something her father expected/demands her to feel.

[@Jayy997]

As someone who had no interest in this before release and had also not seen the musical, I was well and truly blown away by this movie. Can't wait for part 2

[@Nobobase5068]

The biggest surprise to me was that they did not use the expanded run time of Part 1 to do more concrete building of something between Elphaba and Fiyero. They upped the chemistry in vibes by having the benefit of close ups but I feel like even the most diehard Wicked fan, if you ask them for the one thing they don’t like or don’t understand about Wicked, it’s why does Elphaba fall in love with Fiyero out of absolutely nowhere lol

[@solcarlosofficial]

I agree with this. I was looking forward for them to expand on their romance. But I’m excited to see how it be in part 2

[@Vanessa-po6my]

I think Fiyero is the only one who sees through elphabas green skin. He’s not afraid. He pokes fun at her but really doesn’t care one way or another. Versus all others she’s met mostly hate her immediately for being different. He likes that she’s different. And she likes that she’s seen for who she is. I loved their chemistry!

[@pinksenshi9690]

I honestly thought Elphaba and Galinda had more chemistry. I would totally believe a love story between them. Fiero becomes unnecessary 😶 I know they wouldn't do that, but man these two could pull it off. Even just as friends though, little moments b/w E and G made me cry. The Oz Dust scene where Galinda subtly wipes the tear from Elphaba's cheek?! 😭

[@kennyfool8078]

I personally liked the unlimited motif during Defying Gravity. Often in a marginalized group, it can be lonely if you're not willing to compromise who you are for people to like you or be accepted. But theres also a sense of freedom from people's expectations of you. Elphaba could conform, but instead she stood by her principles while knowing she will face rejection and loneliness. It's like how queer people are known for our authenticity, but also our culture of having to make our own families because we get rejected from society when we don't compromise ourselves. And yet at the same time, being queer and authentically yourself is always paralleled with freedom. With living life to its fullest. The line of Elphaba feeling how unlimited she was wasn't about Oz, the wizard, even Glinda. It was about the freedom that elphaba was feeling finally, no regret, just true agency in her life. The line she sings before being separated by Glinda is "if thats the price of love, love comes at much too high a cost. Id sooner buy defying gravity" thats Elphaba choosing to be "unlimited" yet alone, instead of popular but constrained by other people's expectations and selfish wants. So when she sings unlimited, it's a moment of her serenely living that path shes chosen unashamedly.

[@musicalfreak49]

There was a fourth cameo in new Wizomania section: Winnie Holzman, original book writer, is in the crowd and has the lines “He can read it! He must be a Wizard!”

[@charliehorey9886]

Your cheeky comment about Jonathan Bailey and his horse made a gray day in Boston seem a little brighter lol thanks

[@kaleyrose47]

Hi fellow Bostonian! 👋

[@goodyougetastar]

The Idina riff in wizomania was delicious because it actually gives the defying gravity riff a dramaturgical reason. I think it's both hilarious and ingenious

[@kakirchmar]

The length of the movie is significant in that the stage musical ran 2 hours and 40minutes. The director speaks to this. He stated that part 2 will also be two hours and 40 minutes. Another piece of the orchestration…. As the children are running through the tulips at the beginning of the movie, you can hear “ding ding the witch is dead” So many Easter Eggs.

[@d.d.jacksonpoetryproject]

I would imagine the Wizard didn’t shut down the “ working class” animals in Emerald City because they didn’t pose as much of a threat as the animal “intellectuals” did at the universities (not dissimilar from how it worked historically in real life)

[@erbrferg]

This is the first time I've ever cared about Fiyero much. Really great performance and characterization choices there! And Madame Morrible was incredible every time she was on the screen. Wow. I was crying about two minutes in. Really beautiful version of this story and musical. Congrats to all involved for breaking the trend of bad movie adaptations of beloved musicals! So so excited.

[@Red41658]

I’m glad you said the Wizard is giving Walt Disney because I thought they really Disney-fied One Short Day (especially the beginning, I can hear that in Disneyland during one of their parades). And then the way the choreography was so robotic and theme park-y; it was really giving “this city is a facade.” Thinking back, I feel like for the most part, the staging/cinematography for that song was also very condensed. The city itself was claustrophobic, but, also, there was so much happening that we really only got to see in the background of close up shots. I think it was meant to be a sort of visual metaphor that the splendor is a distraction and if we were to pan out and pay more to attention to our surroundings, we’d notice how fake everyone’s behaving.

[@LittleMissLion]

Something I found really interesting is that Chris Stuckmann, in his review, said that it did feel like a complete movie. It's been great to see multiple perspectives and to see people who don't normally care about movie and stage musicals absolutely love it.

[@oldschoolabrahamhicks2742]

A lot of the reviewers have said it does have a nice story structure- beg/mid/end and it is satisfying

[@JacobMinger]

To me it did feel like a complete film because the arc of the film felt complete. This film was very much Elphaba accepting her power and by the end she did that.

[@SamanthaEcho]

A bit of trivia relating to Walt Disney as the wizard/true villain: he actually blacklisted Adrianna Castellotti who did the voice of Snow White and made it so that she wasn’t allowed to find subsequent acting jobs because he “didn’t want to spoil the illusion of Snow White.” (She sued him many years later.) She made a a very brief cameo in the Wizard of Oz film as the voice that says “wherefore art thou Romeo?” to the Tin Man. I know it’s random but when MickeyJo mentioned the Disney parallels that came to mind for some reason.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

That's a fascinating (and very damning!) piece of trivia, thank you for sharing!

[@SamanthaEcho]

You’re welcome! I love your channel. Thanks for all your fascinating reviews and commentary!

[@ashleyj97]

the way I had to stop myself from screaming when Idina and Kristen appeared...

[@FridgeBirdddd]

REAL I nearly cried when Kristin was standing next Ariana and Idina was standing by Cynthia

[@evnkas]

I think the defying gravity sequence was pure perfection. So much more emotional stakes.

[@PsyDaniellPsy]

Yes!!

[@RokujyuuyonShou]

I loved most of the movie but I actually think they butchered Defying Gravity. In the original it's just non stop increasing of the energy from the middle to the end of the number, but in this one it constantly got paused and resumed for the extra scenes that did not add much, and it killed the momentum of the song and made it not very musically coherent IMO.

[@hanonondricek411]

I just got out of a 1030 am showing of Wicked and I'm writing this before I listen to MickeyJo's spoilers. Wow. Movies are weird in a theater that early. I wanted low crowds in a small theater with the adjustable reclining stadium seating. At first I didn't think I'd want popcorn or a drink because _I didn't want to have to pee for three hours_ but I'm glad I changed my mind and had them there because you will likely require _some_ sustenance around hour two of the movie. I'm not complaining about the length, I think it was smart and warranted. If you're used to the musical you'll feel the momentum ebb and flow differently, but that worked for me because it let the story breathe and have _film scenes_ and lingering shots and extra information that builds out the world. I don't think any significant moment in act one was removed, it was all just additive. I think the hyperkinetic momentum of a musical is what can feel weird in a movie if they don't get a chance to do what film does best, which are these detailed extended scenes that let you see people living in Oz. And if you like Wicked, it's all frosting but nutritional and world building. Errivo is excellent. The breathing room in the movie lets her be distant and quiet and observational as opposed to Elphaba being at 11 through the stage show. I love that she underplays comedy but it's still funny. Singing great, she's a star and I think she'll shine even more in part 2. Ariana is a star in every respect: acting, singing, presence, comedy chops. I was a little sad that some of her best lines are in the trailer, but my favorite addition/adlib was "Dear Momsy and Popsicle: Guess what? I can't hear your guesses _because this is a letter."_ Absolutely awesome cluelessness played straight. I get the sense that she ad-libbed "ball gown" 20 ways from Sunday and they couldn't' pick one so it's a quick montage that gives you everything you want and doesn't disappoint because that bit is a wave instead of a particle. She even invents the word "froat" (a frock AND a coat). I also snorted at her fixation on the train conductor "that little man with the mustache!" that sounds like it had to be genuine improvisation on set. Johnathan Bailey cemented himself as the Ur-Fiero for me. I was never ever interested in his character and "Dancing Through Life" was always a CD-skip for me as it felt like Grandpa's idea of a cool hip kid trying to win over the student body with his old-timey Fred Astaire soft-shoe with a hat and cane. I suspect this was originally a concession to the expected older Broadway audience 20 years ago since his original song was called "Which Way's the Party" but this updated version of the song is much more groovy and impressive. The tornado wheel rocks. Bailey fits right in the sweet spot of "mature enough to be a prince, hawt enough to not need to care" and he's out-of-nowhere flawless singing and dancing so not at all the stunt-cast they might have resorted to. The Wizard as tech-bro with fully-functional detailed diorama of OZ with color-changing LED strip was actually hilarious and kind of reminded me of parts of the book that would obliquely describe what was current technology in alien Oz context. The fact that Glinda chooses the color of the yellow-brick road and they actually take time to have fun with this elaborate prop is great. Another film addition is actually seeing Glinda on the ground resolving/being coerced to fall in with the regime and it's heartbreaking to see her look back at the end of "Defying Gravity" - an amazing new real moment that you never get in the stage show.

[@nancyg.3536]

I just want to talk more about the COSTUMES!! There’s so many overt and subtle clues about ALL of the characters. There are so many amazing techniques used, and design choices that are just out of this world. The gowns that Chenowith and Menzel wore had me gobsmacked. The Shiz school uniforms that were not at all “uniform” were brilliant. Jeff Goldblum had to be thrilled with his ensemble. I know I was. There’s an orange sweater (dress?) in one of the very early scenes that was so intricate and unusual, that I suspected AI (gasp!) created it, but I doubt that. The hair and makeup were also completely on point. I will rewatch many times just to look at the costumes!

[@haydenwasrule]

Madame morrible clearly had that old school tenure in this film 😂

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Exactly 😂

[@counter10r]

You mentioned "Not That Girl" being the least frenetic of the numbers. It's my favorite song in the show, and, though Erivo sang it beautifully, it didn't hit the way I'd hoped. BUT I was surprised at how hard the Elphaba-Galinda dance at the end of "Dancing Through Life" hit me--I was teary-eyed and almost sobbing. The close-ups on Erivo and Grande, Erivo's emotions in particular, triple-underlined the "She does care, she just pretends not to" line. And I wonder if Chu and Holzman backed off on "Not That Girl" to give that scene a different emotional beat. But that said, it seemed off. I just went back and reviewed clips from the stage versions, and I think part of it is the fact that the film didn't particularly play up the lion cub being frightened (especially odd in that they had a CGI cub vs a puppet)--yes, it's referenced and still connects to the Cowardly Lion, but I think the way the stage version emphasizes the cub being frightened (and, in fact, still in the cage), both heightens the trauma for the cub AND transfers some of that emotion back to Fiyero and Elphaba as they realize what they are feeling. I also miss the rainstorm and bridge--the jump back to the Shiz courtyard from the forest conveys that this longing goes on, but the combination of a pathetic universe and the nod here to the Wicked Witch's demise in the stage version (rather than the bit with Madame Morrible and the umbrella at the Shiz pier in the film, when we're at a much different emotional level) is so much better.

[@LPnerd]

it didn't hit because she is obviously NOT a girl. she sang that like a woman, and looked like one too. they should have avoided close ups of her, that would have helped the age thing.

[@matthewlucas4990]

​@@LPnerdYou are obsessed. Get a life. She looks amazing and youthful and sang perfectly. Every other cast member at Shiz was in their 30s, too... so your issue is clearly not actually to do with age. Just say what you mean.

[@theclosedcloset9603]

38:59 that’s mainly because British people don’t sing with a British accent. The American pronunciation is a lot easier and helps with diction, I’m a British musical theatre student and it’s a really common thing

[@FujoshiInRecovery]

I’m very pleasantly surprised by how well casted this movie is and especially how much chemistry Ariana and Cynthia have together. I know I had my doubts but now they feel so silly in retrospect. It’s also so clear how much love and respect the Wicked team have for its source material, which is something that I feel like a lot of people recent movie musicals lack (*coughcough Tom Hooper coughcough*) Also, as a gelphie truther, I feel very well fed by this movie and I appreciate bisexual Fiyero. I think that the Fiyero and Elphie relationships still suffers from being underdeveloped (especially compared to Elphaba and Glinda) but that’s def. something they can work on in the sequel. I’m still annoyed that they broke it into two movies but I’ll be seated come next Nov. believe me!

[@benjamintillema3572]

I think making Morrible solely responsible for teaching magic but will only do it if someone promising arrives highlights the desperation the Wizard is feeling trying to find someone who can read the Grimorie. Like, yes, it's a cushy job but that means she is laser focused in finding a magical student at all times, not being distracted by the day to day administrative duties of running a school. It also makes Morribles change to villiany a lot smoother because in the stage show she is this ditzy and kind headmistress only to suddenly be revealed to be a cold, authoritarian propagandist in the matter of a few minutes. In the movie she is seen being manipulative and calculating from the start so her change does not feel so abrupt.

[@therealameliabedelia7821]

Her change is not very abrupt in the stage show depending on who you see play the role. Carole Shelley played Morrible as manipulative the entire time, from beginning to end (she is subsequently the only Morrible I've ever seen who has given me chills on her delivery of "This WICKED WITCH!"). Other Morribles often play down her judgmental nature and the moments when she is exercising her manipulation in favor of the comedy aspect of the role.

[@LesNessman2001]

10:32 that “love triangle” in the movie is WORLDS better set up than on stage… had to say it…

[@PelafinaLievre]

It absolutely did not kill my throuple shipping

[@manuelramirez4067]

“And Fiyero, who was NOT put to sleep by the poppies” anyone else read this in Gonzo’s voice from Muppets Christmas Carol? lol

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

@@manuelramirez4067 who did NOT die 😅

[@ninnnymim1192]

I’ve never seen wicked the musical and was dragged along with my sister and mother. This was probably the best movie I’ve seen all year, the opening was so haunting to me like it still leaves me unsettled

[@HelenRosemarySmith]

Oh that's great to hear! I was curious how people who don't know the musical will react to the film. Glad you enjoyed!

[@LPnerd]

that opening story will make more sense with part two.

[@terrancemcqueen7872]

As far as the music goes, it definitely sounds like Prince of Egypt informed the choices for this! Where the principal vocalists for the most part sound a bit "radio ready" while the ensemble and orchestra maintain the big, grand Broadway-esque sound! Steven Schwartz has always been my favorite composer and I'm so glad he was hands on with this project! He's a genius.

[@brennanmaynard4237]

44:34 Also a fourth cameo from Winnie Holzman, who is the lady in One Short Day’s extended sequence that exclaims, “He can read it! He must be a wizard!”

[@gavinneedham2013]

So I watched this today in IMAX. In the row behind me was half the cast of the North American tour cast of the Book of Mormon. We were all entranced and in love. I have never clapped in a movie but I clapped three times. Twice during one short day and then at the end.

[@thecinematicmind]

So so great. Marissa Bode really shines through in this as Nessarose.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I can't wait to see her complete Nessarose's arc in the next film, that's always the most interesting part of her material!

[@lennardvillasenor5151]

I just watched Wicked last night an d was interested to see what people had to say. I found your analysis and discussion points so articulate and specified, and the presentation was executed with verve and a confidence which tells me much about your inner strengths. Exquisite job and I found every word well smithed and chiseled. I am impressed with your speaking vocabulary as well as the cadence and phrasing of your point of view as well as the examples selected supporting your position, all expressed with fluid narrative with zero pauses , ummns or stops in your explanation. High marks from me as I am not easily impressed. Great job.

[@jeannemarshall392]

I love how they introduced the Ruby Slippers.

[@counter10r]

The sequin-lined box for the silver shoes was a wonderful production choice, and then the funny appearance in "Popular" - so well done.

[@sharilandry3821]

Something I loved was during the Ozdust ballroom scene. The emotional moments and depth of the moment can be easy to miss in the stage version and I found myself completely swept up in the feelings and the connection that Elphie and Galinda were able to have in the moment. It was the first time I have ever cried during that scene.

[@ryonotrio6904]

The moment that got me was right after "No one mourns the wicked" there is a brief motif from "For good"

[@RhiannonEve]

I loved it! It absolutely blew all my expectations out of the water and then some! Having seen the stage show 13 times, it’s one that means a lot to me - and I’m so pleased that it’s translated so well to screen. I cried a solid 7 or 8 times, but especially during the Idina and Kristin section of one short day - it was beautiful. I also really liked some of the tweaks to the plot - as you say, some made even more sense than the original musical. I don’t know how I’m going to wait a whole year for part 2!

[@technicolorghost8055]

Saw it in Phnom Penh, Cambodia yesterday. LOVED IT! Thanks for a great review with wonderful, intelligent insights.

[@ellemw5]

I’m so glad you brought up Jonathan Bailey and the American vowels! I understand it from a rhyming point of view with the ensemble but it makes no sense to have a British actor, make him so obvious in his spoken accent but erase it in his singing. I haven’t seen anyone else talk about it!

[@sagemcduff]

I was so confused when his accent was suddenly there after dancing thru life

[@kpwxx]

Same!! I am always confused when this choice is made in a musical context. Though agree with Mickey Jo it was still fantastic, I just don't get that particular part.

[@FlyingPancake0390]

I almost died laughing at Idina's OG Defying Gravity riff - so incredibly funny. Winnie Holzman also makes a cameo in that scene! When the illustration of the Wizard is shown "reading" the Grimmerie (he's just repeating Omaha suggesting he's from Nebraska) the women who comments that he can read so he must be a wizard is Ms Winnie herself. Such good cameos. Can't wait for Part 2.

[@filmgeek520]

They really missed a clever marketing tactic by naming it Wicked: Part 1 instead of Wicked: Act 1. I would have DIED if they went for it!

[@maluuuuuuuuuuuuiza]

THANK YOU defying gravity made me INSANE

[@ItMeGee]

I've just come out of the cinema and I was sobbing within the first five minutes, you can see the PAIN in Glinda's face as she's telling the Munchkins the "good news" Bits made me cry, bits made me laugh and a certain bit at the end made me jump/scream. I think Jon M Chu was THE person to direct this, his past movies have looked incredible and generally have good reviews all around. I can't help but feel he would be perfect to make a Dr Seuss movie (bits in OSD made me think of the Grinch with all the bikes and wonderful elements)

[@KinlochTheMusical]

I think he is doing a Dr Seuss film! Oh the Places You'll Go as an animated movie.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

I surely loved it, Mickey. 🌈 I'm glad you mentioned the title and "to be continued" font... those even made me cry!

[@jeannemarshall392]

I loved the Easter eggs in this! Showing a bike with basket and introducing broom was cool. When you see it being used a stick to hold door. Such a wonderful adaptation thus far.

[@saxpoobielex7769]

I loved this long review! You can get alot done while listening.

[@marissarae]

Had such a good time at the theater for this one. The only choice I really disliked was the breaking up of "Defying Gravity." There should not have been a vocal break from the moment the guards break in until the last notes. The momentum was totally strangled by the long breaks.

[@leahbelieva]

Yes exactly this. It was torturous.

[@chorusgirl97]

“But Fiyero is Jonathan Bailey so…who amongst us…” Mickey Jo you made me cackle 😭💀

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Listen, who amongst us? 😅

[@LesNessman2001]

41:55 I was curious why Glinda was a bit more understated during Gravity… but then we see she does move towards Morrible… it made sense. Lots of good choices in this movie!

[@lostinthemelody983]

i had such low expectations for this film but i was very very blown away and impressed. missed stephen’s cameo but will be looking when i see it again tonight haha

[@TheClobo2001]

My thing with the whole "should Jeff Goldblum be here when he's really just being himself" is that when I see it on stage I do think of Jeff Goldblum in the acting, but his singing voice is too recognisable. Like, you're not really meant to realise that he's the mystery man from the beginning but because he's Jeff Goldblum the second the wizard appears you're like "oh hey that's the guy!"

[@shrapo]

He’s also credited in the soundtrack to further give it away

[@jer9grant]

I saw it today! Love it so much, nothing dragged for me, I want to see it again immediately because I know I missed some details: there was So Much. 38:35 Didn't even realize Fiyero was using American vowels while singing-I was too distracted by his dancing 😅 Maybe they have him doing that so he'll blend with Elphaba in "As Long As You're Mine"? 41:13 I didn't realize this, but yes, absolutely. I saw Glinda getting caught up in Madame Morrible's cyclone now that her and Elphaba's paths have diverged-and I knew Glinda was Madame Morrible's backup figure, but I hadn't fully realized how Madame Morrible needs Glinda's positive charisma more in the film.

[@joannekatende]

Thank you for your review. I saw the movie yesterday having never seen the stage version, just heard some of the songs on 'Glee.' I LOVED the film, sooo much attemtion to detail! Loved the direction, staging of the musical numbers, production design, costumes, the 2 leads did outstanding work. Contrary to most I loved the way 'Defying gravity' was presented, to me the cutaways gave it that much more depth, like she's finally come into her own. Looking forward to part 2, will wait to watch the stage version until then. I want to experience the movie conclusion first.

[@damianalvarado1320]

I did like Cynthia’s version of Defying gravity, what I didn’t enjoy was change of music. It builds energy but then it dies down only to try and build it back up but the way it stops the build up with those interludes “unlimited”. That alone kills the whole vibe of the musical number.

[@PsyDaniellPsy]

Elphaba would have no way of knowing if the animals in oz spoke or not. She likely assumed the guards chose to work for rhe wizard. Same with the hummingbirds at the salon. And fiero and his horse were clearly close companions

[@rburns5495]

The plush is gorgeous! Saw the movie this UK afternoon. Tbh the stage show is not one of my favourites, but I absolutely loved the movie! I loved the effects, loved the casting, loved the story telling, loved the costumes, and the song and dance .. but the special moments for me were those little touches & the fun of those cameos! Great review and thank you for thoughtfully making two..

[@samuelreed6519]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this or noticed but… one of my fave moments was at the end of Defying Gravity when Madame Morrible holds on to Glinda, in the stage version you don’t really see that cause they face away from the audience during that part.

[@flora22511]

Wicked was finally released in Germany two days ago and I’m so excited to be able to watch all your videos on the movie now! 🎉

[@znachkiznachki5352]

Warning right now this is going to be a long comment. Just for the record I'm firmly in Social Security age in the US. I remember seeing the Wizard of Oz when it was an annual event, and may have even seen it before our TV had color. I tried to read the book when it first came out but did not care for it. I've listened to the soundtrack, know the book of the show, seen the performance clips. But for various reasons the stage production always escaped me. Until a couple of days ago when I finally saw a tour production. Today, I saw the movie. I have not yet watched your spoilery review, so this is completely my take. I enjoyed them both immensely. I loved all the little nods to the Wizard of Oz and the cameos. Even Stephen Schwartz! I enjoyed that the movie was able to expand the story from the production on stage and give it some breathing room. Something I've always been bothered by - while recognizing that it is necessary - is how much source material gets stripped out of a show. It works with some shows, not so much with others, and I really felt it with Wicked on stage. As for the expansion in the movie, I think the only place that it does a disservice, is the director's choice at the end with expanding Defying Gravity, which is unfortunate. I think it takes some of the power out of it. People who are criticizing a certain actress for her performance need to remember that this is a screen performance, and not a stage performance, and you do not have to sing to the second tier. It's actually unfortunate that all we have for the past 20 years of this show, and it's a wonderful show, has been a single production. The job of all of those productions is to be as close to the original one as possible and there's nothing wrong with that. However, I think it leads many people down the path of 'there is only one way to do this', and that is unfortunate. So I think if you haven't seen the stage production a zillion times, or listened to the soundtrack on repeat for the last 20 years you will give this production more space. Can't wait to see Part 2. Oh, and can I just say - flying monkeys!! Terrifying children since 1939.

[@bryonyapril8538]

Alice Fearn playing glinda’s mum was such a full circle moment for me as she was my Elphaba when I first saw the show I was already a huge Ariana fan, I knew how badly she wanted this role and it was so good to watch her smash it! Especially after so many people doubted her I also saw someone say that Gregory Maguire was in the film but I can’t find anything to back that up

[@JumpingJesus4]

I also felt that Goldblum was deliberately playing Walt Disney on several different levels,, his face, body language and diction, as well as the parallels between Oz and Disneyland. . I never thought he was playing Jeff Goldblum; I thought he was playing Uncle Walt.

[@hothotheat3000]

I liked the Morrible office scene. It shows that Morrible is manipulating Elphaba’s anger to push her to perform the spell. It’s also heavily implying that she was behind it, knowing it would make Elphaba mad.

[@LizzieBeth88]

“Truly no one mourns”! So so SO true! Just listened to your Ragtime review! So glad you share the affinity for that fantastic piece! Any idea if the OG cast reunion concert was recorded or will this new performance be recorded?!

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

The OG cast reunion was recorded and was scheduled for televising but has strangely been pulled. The Encores run I believe is getting an album.

[@terrancemcqueen7872]

And another thing...with all the Oscar talk...I know who BETTER get one...Mr. Paul Tazewell!!! The costumes ATE!!!!!

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Correct!

[@zuitsuit80]

I have to admit that I was skeptical about Ariana being cast as “Glinda”. Only because her pop music tends to be mumbled and I wasn’t sure she could manage the fast-paced and important lyrics in “Wicked’s” songs. However, her performance on SNL this year totally convinced me that she has been dedicated to her singing and comedy timing for this movie and she is absolutely charming in the role.

[@heresalook]

I was introduced to Wicked through Ariana Grande’s feature on MIKA’s “Popular Song” so knowing her love for the show and Glinda, I BAWLED LIKE A BABY after the ending lyric in Popular was sung (as well as the end of the Ozdust Ballroom scene). It’s so beautiful to see someone who wanted this role SO BAD and worked hard on her acting & opera vocals in order to get it, I’m so happy to see Ariana live her dream! 👏🏾💕 Also I was tearing up at Cynthia’s vocals in Defying Gravity & The Wizard and I…like WOW. I knew this movie would make me cry but not this much! 😂

[@jennielizabethedwards5068]

The horse that Jonathan is on is the same horse he rode in Bridgerton

[@leadingblind1629]

I just got back from seeing it. As an Ozophile, I was so chilled and thrilled by all the homages. The name drops. The visual and audio foreshadowings or winks. Just so damned happy. I got goosebumps multiple times and teared up a little during One Short Day. NOT FOR THAT SPECIFIC REASON. Madame Morrible's motto is " Those who can't do, teach.

[@e-linamarie]

gotta say, i’m so glad that elphaba is played by a woman of color for the film - cynthia’s more fatigued and less angry reactions in the shiz introductions feel much more accurate to someone who’s experienced racial discrimination their whole life

[@gabrielleduplessis7388]

I know some hate that Glinda didn’t go with Elphaba and still sided with the wizard and madame morrible, but I think it is genius. While this is more complicated in the book, I think it made sense that Glinda sided with the big bad. She is just as brainwashed as everyone who is not Elphaba or the Animals about the mistreatment of people who are different. And much of her activism is performative as the scene where she changes her name from Galinda to Glinda. While she does care about Elphaba, her mindset is still with the propaganda she was ingrained with. So I feel this is purposeful to show the type of person she is.

[@heresalook]

35:00 I do agree with you on that! The songs often got broken up with dramatic looks or musical stings lol

[@Miss_Distress]

Obsessed with the movie. It’s surpassed all of my expectations. I can’t believe we have to wait a year until the next part. How upsettifying!

[@danielwinch2986]

Glinda has my favourite line: “Something is very wrong. I didn’t get my way.”

[@Mrnickstr89]

my thoughts: i still am not vibing with how the film began with the VO of excerpts “according to the time dragon clock” etc. some of the choreography was very cringe for me (the flower choreography in NOMTW and some of the dancing in DTL). Jeff gave a very predictable performance. It works I was just slightly disappointed about that. Some weird action/dialogue interludes during iconic songs… DG especially (although I LOVED the way it played out). Maybe it was my theatre but I found the audio mix a bit weird. Not enough volume in the music?

[@ione97]

the music was very quiet in my theatre as well

[@MaryAntonia-tc9rv]

Your enthusiastic interest in this musical was the only reason I delved into it ❤ So glad you enjoyed the movie adaptation. Now to find a movie theater still in operation!❤️