SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The long-awaited film adaptation of the Broadway musical 'Wicked' opened in theaters Friday, drawing thousands of moviegoers across the country, including enthusiastic fans in the valley.
Fans lined up at Harkins Theater Camelview at Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale to view the film.
The movie is a reimagining of characters from "The Wizard of Oz" before the events of the Judy Garland classic.
The highly-anticipated film stars music star Ariana Grande as Galinda and Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
"I've actually seen 'Wicked' on Broadway twice, once in North Carolina when they were touring and once in New York City," said Theresa Donahue, right before she went in to watch the movie. "I'm really looking forward to it all coming back to me through the movie."
The film explores the relationship between the women who eventually become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
Charley Bathel said she gave the movie five stars and found a surprising liking to Elphaba.
"I think it was cool that she stood up for what she believed in and didn't listen to anyone else," Bathel said.
Jerome Kassi, another moviegoer, said he had been anticipating the release for months.
"We hear the music is great, and it's going to be so much fun," Kassi said.
Philip Glascock, another moviegoer, praised the production values.
"They knocked it out of the park. The cinematography, the costumes, the set design, the acting, the singing — they took the heart of the original musical and elevated it to new heights," said Glascock.
M.J. Porter said she couldn't stop smiling from ear to ear as she watched the movie.
Porter said the film was not only entertaining, but it also reflected on important themes.
"The power of friendship, the power of speaking up, and really understanding that you are your own individual," Porter explained.
Glascock recommended that viewers familiarize themselves with "The Wizard of Oz" before seeing "Wicked," noting numerous references to the 1939 classic throughout the film.
"[Also listen] to the original Broadway soundtrack before so you can kind of sing along in your head with some of the songs," Glascock said.
For fans eager for more, Part Two of "Wicked" is scheduled for release in November 2025.
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