You know that feeling when your whole body tingles, from head to toe, as you listen to music that pierces straight through to your soul and fills every part of you? When you lose yourself in an alternate reality, in mere seconds? The moment when the theater walls and scattered popcorn from the previous showing fade away, and suddenly you're transported to a completely different world, far, far from our own? The kind of feeling that, when absent, leaves you walking out of the movie muttering, "Oh... the movie was...ok."
Wait, I haven't made my point just yet. I didn't gather here today to write about the unique magic of theater or cinema. At least, not just about that, but also about the greater implications of this experience, which is known for its addictive nature.
Social media is gushing with content expressing how thoroughly the world has fallen under the "Wicked" spell – from viral videos to endless memes, viewers share their inability to escape the soundtrack's grasp since leaving the theater. Unlike most film adaptations of musicals, which typically face harsh criticism, "Wicked" has audiences returning for second, third, and fourth viewings – a phenomenon we've seen with other blockbusters, but rarely with such persistence and enthusiasm.
Is it the musical's iconic Broadway status and its devoted fan base? Maybe. Is it the plot, which draws from the timeless classic "The Wizard of Oz"? That could definitely be it. Or is it Stephen Schwartz's brilliant soundtrack, Cynthia Erivo's moving performance, Ariana Grande's comedic turn, or perhaps the heartthrob Jonathan Bailey? Absolutely. Those are more than enough to get one hooked, but I believe there is more to it than merely that.
The enchanted realm of Oz, the legendary songs that have transcended the stage and resonate even with those who've never seen the original production, and the deeply relatable main characters create a universal language. Though set in a distant, fictional world, the story touches on experiences that echo within us all, creating a rare common ground in a year marked by global division and conflict.
True, most of us won't be literally "Defying Gravity" like Elphaba, but metaphorically we all sure would have wanted to. After all, what makes a production truly great is how it makes you feel, and "Wicked" delivers this in spades. Whether through joy, awe, or pure exhilaration (see what I did there?), the film has hooked viewers with its promise of revisiting these feelings – serving as a perfect balm for life's various voids. Be it the simple fantasy of finding our own dreamy Fiyero, a profound need for a brief respite from the weight of daily struggles and personal battles, or in my case – the harsh reality of war.
Yet the movie proved to be more than a form of magnificent escapism, and what truly elevated it to its hit status is how seamlessly its plot intertwines with our reality. Elphaba's courage in standing up against Madame Moribble (Michelle Yeoh) and the Wizard's (Jeff Goldblum) propaganda – which enables their oppression of Oz's animals – has inspired many, particularly through its portrayal of how public opinion can be manipulated to cast those who fight injustice as villains, just as Elphaba, though the true protagonist, becomes branded as the antagonist. However, this parallel has quickly led many on social media to crown Elphaba's character as a "freedom fighter," ironically remaining notably selective in their villain interpretation when it comes to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Before the inevitable "not everything has to be political" chorus chimes in – a sentiment I typically embrace – it's impossible to ignore the political nature of this story, which has been present since "The Wizard of Oz," and practically screams from the plot itself: "Back where I come from, the best way to bring folks together, is to give them a really good enemy," to quote the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
As part one climaxes with Elphaba's empowering war cry, we're left with a choice: Will we embody her courage, or are most of us really more like conformist Glinda? And if we see ourselves as exceptional as the Wicked Witch of the West we should consider her own moment of doubt in part two (spoiler alert!) when she questions whether she's "really seeking good, or just seeking attention?", before rushing to join any cause without truly understanding what we're fighting for or against.
As this spectacular adaptation leaves its imprint on our minds and hearts, if there's one thing to take away from it – beyond all its musical and visual splendor – it's this: don't let ourselves become blinded by hatred like the people of Oz.
