Wicked spared no expense, delivering a stunning visual feast that alone makes it worth watching. Ariana Grande was born to play Galinda (the “Ga” is silent:P), and she shines in her first major box office role. Opposite her is Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a powerhouse performance that cements her status as a force to be reckoned with. Kudos to the casting team for getting it so right!
The story, while just part one of two, is beautifully told. Galinda evolves from someone who sees others as stepping stones to someone who values Elphaba as a person, maybe even as a sister. Meanwhile, Elphaba’s authenticity leaves an indelible mark on everyone she encounters—for better or worse.
Admittedly, I expected a Greatest Showman-level soundtrack, with every song resonating deeply. That’s on me—I’ve never seen the original musical. While most songs are enjoyable and fit the musical format well, it’s the final number that truly moved me. Cynthia Erivo’s voice, paired with the theater’s immersive sound design, hit a perfect harmony and brought a tear to my eye.
If musicals aren’t your thing, this one won’t change your mind. But for everyone else, it’s a must-watch!
