Wicked movie adaptation creates buzz among MC’s theatre students
The end of the year is just around the bend, and with it comes new releases to the movie theaters. There’s one word that could make any theatre kid’s head turn when it comes to this topic, Wicked.
Directed by Jon M. Chu from a screenplay written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, this film is slated to release November 22, 2024. Wicked will be the newest addition to many famous musicals that have recently been converted into a movie format, and with that comes many expectations.
Many classic roles of the musical will be filled with famous stars on the screen. The role of Elphaba is portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, Galinda/Glinda by Ariana Grande and The Wizard by Jeff Goldblum.
But what do our local theatre kids think of this? Maryville College’s own Colin Hood (‘25) and Sasha Hoenie (‘26) are here to give their opinions on this topic.
Have you seen a production of Wicked the musical?
Hoenie: “I’ve seen Wicked twice, once on Broadway and once at the Tennessee Theatre. It’s one of the most beautiful shows I’ve ever seen, it makes me cry every time I watch it.”
Hood: “Yes, I have! I have seen it on Broadway and its national tour in 2024.”
What’s your opinion on musicals being turned into movies?
Hoenie: “I support musicals being turned into movies if they maintain the creativity of the show. Stage makeup, costumes, and choreography are so important to theatre, so a movie musical without those key facets of creativity loses the charm of the original show.”
Hood: “As a huge fan of musical theatre, I love it! As long as it can be done well, I have no problems with deserving musicals getting wider recognition.”
Do you have a least favorite musical turned movie?
Hoenie: “Cats is my least favorite movie musical, as I’m sure many people can agree. The CGI and effects looked terrible. The movie should have kept the more classic feeling with the typical costumes and makeup that the stage version has, as well as used less autotune. Live theatre feels very natural and organic, which is the charm of the theatre, and the movie adaptation of Cats ruined the comfort and warmth of the original show.”
Hood: “My least favorite is Dear Evan Hansen (2021)…that movie was just a FLOP. Barely anything redeemable about it other than some standout performances from Amy Adams and Amandla Stenberg.”
What do you hope stays the same in the movie version of Wicked as it was in the musical?
Hoenie: “One of my favorite parts of Wicked is the ensemble’s choreography. I hope there are still those beautiful dance numbers throughout the movie. Choreography and dance are such crucial parts of a musical, and it makes me emotional every time I see Wicked.”
Hood: “Honestly, I hope the integrity of the characters Elphaba and Glinda stays the same in the film, as that is something that tends to be lost when casting for the sake of talent. However, I do not doubt that Cynthia and Ariana will take the utmost care of these characters.”
With the release of the film coming so soon to theaters, tickets will be selling fast as people go to see for themself if it lives up to the musical’s great legacy. No matter the success of the film, there is no doubt that it will bring new attention to the musical, and bring new blood to the fans of the media.