Wicked has been on Broadway for 21 years and is still a running show. The first part of the musical was recently released as a movie, starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. The second part is set to be released on Nov. 21, 2025, a year after the first.
When Wicked was first advertised, there was controversy over Grande being cast for Glinda. Some viewers believed she was not right for the role due to her past in the pop genre. However, opinions have changed after the release of the movie. According to The New York Times, “Grande throws herself into the role, wringing comedy from Glinda’s vacuity and self-regard.”
A poll sent out to Ross High School students and staff revealed that “Defying Gravity” sung by the character Elphaba, is an overwhelming favorite. Of 115 responses, 55 answered “Defying Gravity” as their favorite song. The options for favorite songs were “What is This Feeling”, “Popular”, “The Wizard and I”, “Dancing Through Life”, and “Defying Gravity”.
The film was a great representation of the original musical. It even had a cameo in the movie of the original Broadway actors that played Elphaba and Glinda (Idina Menzel–Elphaba, Kristen Chenoweth–Glinda).
Overall, there has been plentiful positive feedback regarding the movie. Fans are patiently awaiting the release of its second part, which viewers can watch at most if not all movie theaters near them.
