Wicked surprised specialist critics and audiences by successfully adapting the beloved Broadway musical. But more than that, the production managed to convey the full spirit of the play, known for its gripping plot and excellent staging. From the songs to the acting and the way to immerse yourself in the magical kingdom of Oz. The truth is that the film showed a new dimension to the cult show.
But despite its authenticity, Jon M. Chu’s film had to make some changes to the original plot. Which allowed him to mix data, scenarios and twists from the book Wicked (1985) by Gregory Maguire, as well as a much fuller and more detailed context for its characters. From the lives of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), parents of Glinda (Ariana Grande), through an intimate look at the legendary territory dreamed up by L. Frank Baum. The film showed his ability to bring new vitality and depth to a beloved play.
Therefore, although Wicked It is very faithful to the production, there are a number of elements that set them apart from each other. To prove it, we leave you with ten different things between the film and the Broadway musical. This ranges from the way the characters are presented to the creative decisions the production team made to bring the world of Oz to life. A selection for devoted fans of the cult work. has now turned into a big screen hit.
Elphaba’s childhood
According to the plot of the film Wickedthe past of his characters is of particular importance. Therefore, he devotes much more time and interest to this than to his version on the boards. In fact, the script by Vinny Holtzman and Stephen Schwartz carefully depicts Elphaba’s childhood. What it includes, what his life was like at age ten and his relationship with the talking animals of Oz. What laterThis was the defining moment of what I was to experience at Shiz University.
In contrast, the play barely shows a scene in which Elphaba is depicted as a baby. And what’s more, from the character’s brief speech as an adult, there isn’t much indication of what the green-skinned witch’s formative years were like. Which makes things a little more difficult, understand his behavior years later.
The appearance of the iconic Dorothy
Although Dorothy’s silhouette can be seen in the play dousing Elphaba with water—and destroying her in the process—the character does not appear with a face or personality. Something in the film changes subtly, with a small wink that makes it clear that in the second part, it is most likely the iconic girl, played by Judy Garland, have wider participation.
At the beginning of the tape and while Glinda is singing No one mourns for sinnersthe shot I start with Elphaba’s pointy hat continues towards Oz. This is to show the yellow brick road and the four famous figures. Any fan will immediately recognize the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion. And, of course, Dorothy, in a much more important addition. than his mention in the play.
Elphaba’s arrival at Shiz University changes everything.
As you may remember, in the Broadway play, Elphaba and Nessarose (Marissa Bode) are enrolled in a university in the kingdom of Oz. In the case of the green-skinned witch, He’s only here to take care of his sister.
But in the film the dynamic changes. All when Elphaba shows off her magical powers in front of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). The teacher is the one who allows the character to begin his adventure in a respectable institution. This makes the dynamic between student and teacher completely different from as shown in the play.
Dr. Dillamond has a goal for the future
Dr. Dillamond (voiced by Peter Dinklage) made a small but important change to his film version. Although both in the theater and on the big screen, he is the last of the talking animals to teach classes on Shizu. There is a difference in the context that surrounds it.
While in the Broadway musical the venerable professor is little more than a survivor of the violence of the Wizard of Oz, in the film he belongs to a secret group of animals. They are collected for the purpose track and document crimes against speakers.
Nessarose and her disappointed love
In the Broadway musical show, as in the film, Elphaba’s little sister is deeply in love with Bok (Ethan Slater). But there is a brief moment in the film in which the plot emphasizes the importance feelings – unrequited – that the character experiences.
While Elfana is sent to the Emerald City, Nessarose quickly exchanges information with her father. He takes the opportunity to introduce Bok and also openly show his feelings. Which suggests that the young woman still does not know about this fact. that the boy is head over heels in love with Glinda.
Elphaba and Glinda make an important decision
One of the scenes specially filmed for the film also includes an iconic moment. The film follows Elphaba and Glinda on their now famous visit to the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) in the Emerald City. While this is happening, the last He shows them a model of the reforms he wants to carry out in the metropolis.
This includes a long road that crosses the kingdom from one end to the other, allowing all its inhabitants to reach safety if they need to. In the midst of his explanations, the Wizard asks the guests to choose the color of the road, which eventually turns bright yellow.
Madame Morrible has a secret to keep
In the stage show, Madame Morrible does not support or cooperate with the Wizard of Oz’s plan from the beginning. Or at least his involvement is not so obvious, suggesting that he was only aware of Machiavellian maneuvers of a sinister nature. becoming press secretary.
But in the film it is clear that from the very beginning he participated in the intrigues of the Wizard and that, of course, he manipulated everyone – and especially Elphaba – for his convenience.
The reason that keeps the Wizard of Oz in power
While it’s not very clear in the musical, the film delves into the reason why the Wizard of Oz is the ruler of the kingdom. When the iconic Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth sing One short daythey make it clear that the president deceived into magical territory.
And this is after he arrived in a mythical hot air balloon and pretended to be the prophesied sage who would save Oz at its most difficult moment. So the suspicious character played by Jeff Goldblum could only read the mystical book.or Grimmery to gain power.
Elphaba and Fiyero know each other in different ways.
In the musical, the green-skinned witch and the prince she will fall in love with (Jonathan Bailey) meet with Glinda, who is present. Something that changes on the tape. On this occasion, the couple meets in private, allowing both to spend time. the tension, attraction and chemistry that will define their relationship from now on.
This decision also makes it clear that both have a shared history that does not include the future good witch. Point in favor of rivalry between two and love what Elphaba will soon experience.
Amazing finale
Although essentially both conclusions of the story say the same thing, the moment when Cynthia Erivo sings the famous Defying gravitythe film is much more interesting. This is because the director doubles the tension of the scene by adding more guards and famous winged monkeys.
The result was an epic episode showing the fall of Elphaba. Only to discover the power of his magic and ultimately ascend – in every sense – on top of his enemies in Oz.
Source: Hiper Textual
