I just realized that you might be thinking I lumped you into the category of actors who should stay behind the fourth wall. I apologize if that's how my comment came across. No, I appreciate you and your thoughtful discourse. I'll open the grand drape. ☺️
I am pleased to have stumbled upon your Substack. You are a breath of fresh air in the polluted atmosphere of the theatre world. Yes, I agree with all the praise for your review. It was thorough and convincing. I have been resisting seeing this movie, along with the stage production. Every time the musical would roll through town, I'd always get a few students and other friends asking me what I thought of the show assuming I, of course, had seen it, due to the fact that this was my world and profession. But no. I have grown weary of the dramatic world. If only actors would remain behind the fourth wall. I much prefer them being a character than being themselves. I know that probably seems mean or weird, but I have grown tired of their whining in their interviews and posts - and I'm not just talking about Grande and Erivo. (I'm riding your "lace" train.) All of this weirdness in Grande's and Erivo's interviews has been rather pathetic. Yes, actors tend to be more open and neurotic, but sometimes it's just too much. I'd rather them stay in mysterium. I don't want to know that Grande thinks God is a woman or that Oz was really a gay show. Just stop. This is par for the theatre course these days. I can certainly separate my feelings about a show from understanding the amount of time and talent that went into the making of a production, but the enchantment and mystery is completely gone regardless of "how wonderful" it is. My ability to suspend disbelief is not working any more.
Intelligent, detailed, clear and specific. And aside from your 'lacey,' appreciate your perspective. A theatre critic, movie critic is another piece to your artistic portfolio!! Thank you.
Damn! Up until now I have resisted the Wicked populism, digging in against the onslaught of advertising and universal praise. Please forgive me, my friend, but I’m just not that into Broadway musicals. I saw a new rendition of Oedipus in London a month ago. Now that’s theatre! And yet…watching The Wizard of Oz as a young boy was the first time I was terrified and enchanted by a movie. It rightly belongs on the list of movie greats. In fact, I always assumed that The Wiz and Wicked were perversions of the MGM masterpiece. But now, faced with your sparkling and cogent prose, I capitulate! Damn.
Great review and I totally agree with the musical numbers not “singing” as much as they could! But on the bright side, it was harder for certain voices in the movie theatre to sing along ad nauseam! 😅
yes yes yes yes. I did seven Wicked contracts from 2010-2019 (Madame Morrible) and was not excited about the film at all until a few weeks ago and then I SAW IT and was blown away by it's magnificence. Your review is perfection.
I must go back for a second viewing.
I laughed, cried and CHEERED at what they created.
I just realized that you might be thinking I lumped you into the category of actors who should stay behind the fourth wall. I apologize if that's how my comment came across. No, I appreciate you and your thoughtful discourse. I'll open the grand drape. ☺️
I totally got what you meant. Thank you for sharing and keep on doing so!
I am pleased to have stumbled upon your Substack. You are a breath of fresh air in the polluted atmosphere of the theatre world. Yes, I agree with all the praise for your review. It was thorough and convincing. I have been resisting seeing this movie, along with the stage production. Every time the musical would roll through town, I'd always get a few students and other friends asking me what I thought of the show assuming I, of course, had seen it, due to the fact that this was my world and profession. But no. I have grown weary of the dramatic world. If only actors would remain behind the fourth wall. I much prefer them being a character than being themselves. I know that probably seems mean or weird, but I have grown tired of their whining in their interviews and posts - and I'm not just talking about Grande and Erivo. (I'm riding your "lace" train.) All of this weirdness in Grande's and Erivo's interviews has been rather pathetic. Yes, actors tend to be more open and neurotic, but sometimes it's just too much. I'd rather them stay in mysterium. I don't want to know that Grande thinks God is a woman or that Oz was really a gay show. Just stop. This is par for the theatre course these days. I can certainly separate my feelings about a show from understanding the amount of time and talent that went into the making of a production, but the enchantment and mystery is completely gone regardless of "how wonderful" it is. My ability to suspend disbelief is not working any more.
THANK YOU STACY! I feel you. And I appreciate your sharing!
Intelligent, detailed, clear and specific. And aside from your 'lacey,' appreciate your perspective. A theatre critic, movie critic is another piece to your artistic portfolio!! Thank you.
Damn! Up until now I have resisted the Wicked populism, digging in against the onslaught of advertising and universal praise. Please forgive me, my friend, but I’m just not that into Broadway musicals. I saw a new rendition of Oedipus in London a month ago. Now that’s theatre! And yet…watching The Wizard of Oz as a young boy was the first time I was terrified and enchanted by a movie. It rightly belongs on the list of movie greats. In fact, I always assumed that The Wiz and Wicked were perversions of the MGM masterpiece. But now, faced with your sparkling and cogent prose, I capitulate! Damn.
See it and let me know what you think!
Great review and I totally agree with the musical numbers not “singing” as much as they could! But on the bright side, it was harder for certain voices in the movie theatre to sing along ad nauseam! 😅
Loved this intelligent, insightful review! Makes me want to see the movie even more!
I can't wait to see this. What a wonderful review. Thank you.
Thanks for this insightful review James!
I will reblog it on my stack.
I have been sharing a bunch of Wicked “behind the scenes” content on Facebook.
So this video popped up in my feed the other day.
Sheer perfection!
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AyqouaShd/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Perfection indeed!! THANK YOU JENNY!!
So happy to restack this excellent review!
https://open.substack.com/pub/healthyfamilies/p/james-beamans-most-excellent-and?r=p6qrn&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I am looking forward to seeing the film, particularly after your review. I loved the musical.
My daughter went to a showing in Dublin where they served Oz themed cocktails (all green). Apparently a good time was had by all.
The late night showings with cocktails have apparently saved this cinema which dates from the 1930s.
I have loved the musical since I first saw it in London in 2007. It has a lot to say about friendship and schooling.
yes yes yes yes. I did seven Wicked contracts from 2010-2019 (Madame Morrible) and was not excited about the film at all until a few weeks ago and then I SAW IT and was blown away by it's magnificence. Your review is perfection.
I must go back for a second viewing.
I laughed, cried and CHEERED at what they created.
LOVE THIS!