Erivo's "Wicked" concert hints at film magic
The glow of the Emerald City has never felt quite so palpable, even through the lens of a television screen. Watching "Wicked: One Wonderful Night," a concert special built around the upcoming film adaptation, is a curious experience. It’s less a traditional broadcast and more a meticulously curated glimpse behind a glittering curtain, a warm-up act designed to amp up anticipation for a cinematic event years in the making. Cynthia Erivo, stepping into the formidable green shoes of Elphaba, anchors this special with a raw, captivating energy. We see not just her powerful rendition of "Defying Gravity," but glimpses of the sheer effort and artistry that goes into bringing such an iconic role to life, even for multiple takes in front of an audience that's already under the spell.
This special, which also features Ariana Grande as Glinda, is a fascinating exercise in selective storytelling. The broadcast aims for a tightly packaged, nearly two-hour spectacle, but the reality of its taping was a much longer, more organic affair, as those fortunate enough to be in the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles can attest. They witnessed not just the polished performances but the enthusiastic crowd, complete with dedicated fans in costume and even drag queens channeling the magic of Oz. They experienced the deliberate choreography of audience participation, the flower-tossing on cue during "No One Mourns the Wicked," and the palpable buzz that comes from being part of something truly momentous. It’s this layered reality – the intimate, almost backstage feel of the live taping versus the streamlined broadcast – that offers a unique insight into the careful construction of Hollywood magic.
What’s particularly striking is the subtle editorializing that occurs between the live event and its televised version. A potentially political jab about "power-hungry dictators," delivered by cast member Marissa Bode in reference to "Defying Gravity," was famously excised from the final broadcast. This decision, while understandable from a network’s perspective aiming for broad appeal, highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and commercial viability. It makes one wonder how much of the original spirit, the underlying themes of rebellion and authenticity that resonate so deeply with the Wicked narrative, are being carefully sanded down for wider consumption.
The presence of Erivo and Grande themselves, along with director Jon M. Chu and composer Stephen Schwartz, lends an undeniable gravitas to the special. They serve as both performers and custodians of this beloved story, offering behind-the-scenes peeks and introducing new musical numbers that hint at the depth and emotional complexity still to come. Yet, even within this star-studded ensemble, it’s Erivo’s commanding presence that truly seizes the narrative. Watching her tackle "Defying Gravity," especially knowing the effort involved in getting those soaring notes just right, is a testament to her extraordinary talent. The audience’s visceral reaction, the collective gasp as she takes flight, speaks volumes about the impact of a performance that transcends the screen. It’s a moment where the sheer spectacle and emotional weight of the material collide, leaving an indelible mark.
As the film adaptation of Wicked inches closer to its theatrical release, the anticipation is almost as potent as the magic of the story itself. The concert special, "Wicked: One Wonderful Night," serves as a potent reminder of why this musical has captivated audiences for two decades. It’s a story about embracing one’s true self, even when the world tries to demonize you. Cynthia Erivo's journey into the heart of Elphaba, both in performance and in the behind-the-scenes glimpses, is a compelling narrative in its own right. With the film poised to bring this world to a new generation, one can only hope that the potent messages of defiance and self-acceptance, so expertly embodied by Erivo, will land with the same impact in theaters as they do in a live performance. Will this cinematic adaptation be able to capture the full, unvarnished magic that has made Wicked endure for so long?
This special, which also features Ariana Grande as Glinda, is a fascinating exercise in selective storytelling. The broadcast aims for a tightly packaged, nearly two-hour spectacle, but the reality of its taping was a much longer, more organic affair, as those fortunate enough to be in the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles can attest. They witnessed not just the polished performances but the enthusiastic crowd, complete with dedicated fans in costume and even drag queens channeling the magic of Oz. They experienced the deliberate choreography of audience participation, the flower-tossing on cue during "No One Mourns the Wicked," and the palpable buzz that comes from being part of something truly momentous. It’s this layered reality – the intimate, almost backstage feel of the live taping versus the streamlined broadcast – that offers a unique insight into the careful construction of Hollywood magic.
What’s particularly striking is the subtle editorializing that occurs between the live event and its televised version. A potentially political jab about "power-hungry dictators," delivered by cast member Marissa Bode in reference to "Defying Gravity," was famously excised from the final broadcast. This decision, while understandable from a network’s perspective aiming for broad appeal, highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and commercial viability. It makes one wonder how much of the original spirit, the underlying themes of rebellion and authenticity that resonate so deeply with the Wicked narrative, are being carefully sanded down for wider consumption.
The presence of Erivo and Grande themselves, along with director Jon M. Chu and composer Stephen Schwartz, lends an undeniable gravitas to the special. They serve as both performers and custodians of this beloved story, offering behind-the-scenes peeks and introducing new musical numbers that hint at the depth and emotional complexity still to come. Yet, even within this star-studded ensemble, it’s Erivo’s commanding presence that truly seizes the narrative. Watching her tackle "Defying Gravity," especially knowing the effort involved in getting those soaring notes just right, is a testament to her extraordinary talent. The audience’s visceral reaction, the collective gasp as she takes flight, speaks volumes about the impact of a performance that transcends the screen. It’s a moment where the sheer spectacle and emotional weight of the material collide, leaving an indelible mark.
As the film adaptation of Wicked inches closer to its theatrical release, the anticipation is almost as potent as the magic of the story itself. The concert special, "Wicked: One Wonderful Night," serves as a potent reminder of why this musical has captivated audiences for two decades. It’s a story about embracing one’s true self, even when the world tries to demonize you. Cynthia Erivo's journey into the heart of Elphaba, both in performance and in the behind-the-scenes glimpses, is a compelling narrative in its own right. With the film poised to bring this world to a new generation, one can only hope that the potent messages of defiance and self-acceptance, so expertly embodied by Erivo, will land with the same impact in theaters as they do in a live performance. Will this cinematic adaptation be able to capture the full, unvarnished magic that has made Wicked endure for so long?
