Many fans argue that nothing compares to seeing a Broadway (or similar) production in person.
The first of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical.
There are more visual references to the animals and their place at Shiz before the events ofWicked.
Image via Universal Pictures
These inclusions and more bring a deeper level to the story that shapesWickedas a whole.
9The Friendship
The film gives more time for Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship to develop.
Beyond that scene, there are many others that are either lengthened from the stage musical or added altogether.
The story of how a green-skinned woman framed by the Wizard of Oz becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. The first of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical.
8The References
The film features more references to The Wizard of Oz.
One of the musical nods toThe Wizard of Ozis the melody to “Ding Dong!
The Witch Is Dead” plays at the beginning of the film.
7The Animals
The film portrays the animals in a more realistic way through CGI.
In the stage show ofWicked,an actor plays Dr. Dillamond in a goat costume.
In fact, all the animal characters in the production are portrayed by actors in costumes.
The animals in theWickedfilm are animated withCGI.
6The Costumes
The film has more extensive costume designs.
The costumes in the stage musical ofWickedare stunning and iconic.
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The film format lends itself to having more costumes, as stage actors have to do costume changes…
In the film version, there are so many more, even within singular songs.
5The Backstories
The film shows Elphaba and Nessarose’s childhoods.
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TheWickedfilm further develops Elphaba’s story by diving into her and Nessarose’s (Marissa Bode) childhoods.
In these flashback scenes, we get to see how Elphaba was treated as a child.
We get to see her relationship with Nessarose.We get to see howanimals were a formative part of her life.
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During the “Defying Gravity” sequence, Elphaba even connects to her younger self in a touching moment.
4The Score
The film’s score is more extensive and nuanced.
Stephen Schwartzwrote the gorgeous original music forWicked.He is an iconic composer who created a classic musical.
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But in the film version, he partnered with legendary film composerJohn Powellto score the film.
John Powell brought a new level of nuance and beauty toWicked’s incredible music.
John Powell brought a new level of nuance and beauty toWicked’s incredible music.
Image via Universal Pictures
In between Stephen Schwartz’s original songs,John Powell’s score shined.
It is absolutely stunning, and even has special references toWicked: For Goodwithin the music.
3The Ozdust Ballroom Scene
The film lets this scene speak without using any words.
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Even the film’s actors have acknowledged this scene’s importance.
This gorgeous bonding scene happens within the song “Dancing Through Life.”
It is an extended moment that stands as the moment that Galinda and Elphaba truly become friends… ## 2The Lore of Oz
The film gives more lore to The Grimmerie and The Wizard.
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Throughout theWickedfilm, more lore is given to the land of Oz.
This sequence features very prominent cameos fromIdina MenzelandKristin Chenoweth!
The iconic originalWickedduo play the wise women of Oz.
Image via Universal Pictures
Stephen Schwartz wrote in this new section of the song forMenzel and Chenoweth to deliver this lore.
1The Expressions
The film allows the audience to see more nuanced acting.
One element thatgreatly differs between film and theateris the way that facial expressions are done.
Image via Universal Pictrures
In theater productions, expressions are so dramatic as to be seen and understood by the entire audience.
It is widely known that stage acting and screen acting are different for this reason.
NEXT:The 10 Best Musical Numbers From ‘Wicked,’ Ranked
