“Wicked: For Good”

Directed by: Jon M. Chu

Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, & Colman Domingo

Synopsis: Now demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba lives in exile in the Ozian forest, while Glinda resides at the palace in Emerald City, reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, she’ll need to reunite with Glinda to transform herself, and all of Oz, for good.

Review:

Wow.

As someone who has never seen the musical, but knew the songs “For Good” and “Defying Gravity” very well, it’s been gratifying to put the pieces together of what those songs actually mean.

“Wicked: For Good” picks up with Elphaba living in the forest constantly warning Ozians that the Wizard is a liar and a fraud. Meanwhile, Glinda is living her best life, smitten with Fiyero, but under the watchful eye of Madame Morrible.

It cannot be stated enough how phenomenal Ariana Grande is in this film. I’m not a huge fan of her music, but (again) wow. She’s more dramatic in this one but she still provided me with a few LOL moments. Cynthia Erivo is dynamite as Elphaba and Jonathan Bailey is so charismatic as Fiyero.

The production design is sensational and of course the songs are great. “For Good” is the big song here and it’s so well done. It absolutely brought a tear to my eye.

I’m not going to go into too much detail as I want folks to be surprised and gasp like I did. But I will say “Wicked” Part 1 is more a Elphaba vehicle, while this one Glinda is front and center. But the ending is so poignant. THIS is how musicals should be made!

***** out of *****

“Wicked: For Good” is playing everywhere!