Wicked
Yes, I said it. And I'm happy now. I hope you're happy, my friend.
I happened to be in Toronto this past summer on a short getaway and had a free night. One ticket was left, well one I saw open anyway, so I snagged it. That was my introduction to Elphaba, Glinda (the "Ga" is silent) and a little song called Defying Gravity.
The night before, I downloaded the original Broadway cast, just the album. I love Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel so I was of course loving their playful banter and stunning vocals. The songs were alright, didn't stick with me (except Defying Gravity) but at least I got the jist of what I was going to see. While the playhouse was like a homecoming, small but elegant, and the touring cast was VERY good, acting, voices, all of it, I wasn't a die-hard fan. The story was sweet and the music was fine, just didn't have me buying all the merch and wanting more. Truly, no slight to the production, I just was pleasantly entertained. I do remember being fond of the twist, enemies to friends. Girls supporting each other, even if somewhat hesitantly. I liked that.
Then the movie was coming out later in the fall and honestly I felt the same. Iwas willing to give it a shot but my expectations weren't high. Ariana acting? Cynthia, again no slight, love her, but I just didn't get jazzed about it.
Then I saw it...
Now, the last movie I remember seeingmultiple times in the theater FOR MYSELF was...
checks notes
Good Will Hunting, 1997.
So when I say that I have seen this movie in the theater now 3 TIMES, well it means something. With popcorn! Aside from so many replays of the soundtrack while working or cleaning. It is that good. I am a fan. It was released on streaming over the New Year, and I needed a little holiday pick-me-up...
Let's say that Cynthia Erivo is now my absolute favorite musical and dramatic actress. She can do no wrong, as if she ever would. He portrayal of Elphaba was steadfast, wondrous and heartbreaking. Aside from the voice, her depth of understanding for longing, understated willful obstinate individuality with a passionate desire for acceptance and finally her strength while accepting the reality of her situation and knowledge that she had to lead when no one else would. JFC, and Ariana hit those notes. Like, fucking smacked the shit out of them. The rest of the cast was good but those two reminded me of why I was at least a little touched when I saw the stage play. The story was about women becoming friends and finally sisters. And of course discovering their worth. Plus the backhanded fuckery of current social unrest and mistrial of justice, I need that release and finally that hope. They gave me the outlet that after a month of mourning and sadness I desperately needed.
While I will never not feel a pang of regret that Michelle Yoh betrayed us, along with Jeff Goldblum's creepy aging hippy stoner Wizard dad, I will always take the dance from Johnathan Bailey over the stage version. Every. Time.
So if you care to find me LOOK to the Western sky. As someone told me lately EVERYONE deserves a chance to fly.
And if I'm flying solo, at least I'm flying free. To those who'd ground me, take a message back from MEEEE!
Nobody, in all of Oz. No wizard that there is or was, is ever going to bring ME DOOOOOOOOOWWWWNNNN.
Can't wait for Act 2...
-Til the last drop, N
