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Behind the Scenes of the Upcoming Film Adaptation of Wicked
Over the past two decades, the story of Wicked has become a significant part of Broadway history, marked by impressive statistics that highlight its cultural impact. The production has been running for 21 years at the Gershwin Theatre in New York, grossing an astounding $1.66 billion. The character Elphaba has been portrayed by 25 different actors during this time, with Glinda being played by 22. Each performance is a spectacle, featuring 238 costume changes, 226 pairs of shoes, and 84 wigs—a testament to the show’s ambitious nature. Wicked embodies grand themes of good versus evil, infused with imagination through elements like a talking goat and flying monkeys.
The highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of Wicked is set to star Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and the production team is fully embracing the show’s larger-than-life essence. Costume designer Paul Tazewell, who previously won a Tony Award for Hamilton and received an Oscar nomination for West Side Story, draws inspiration from several sources. His main references include Gregory Maguire’s novel, which expands on L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the classic 1939 film adaptation, and the original Broadway production, which features a beloved score by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, who also penned the film’s screenplay. Tazewell emphasizes the importance of engaging the existing fan base while remaining true to the essence of Wicked.
In line with Susan Hilferty’s Tony-winning costume designs for the stage version, Tazewell focuses on elemental themes as he creates the wardrobes for the lead characters: Elphaba, the misunderstood outcast portrayed by Erivo, and Glinda, the bubbly blonde played by Grande. Notable supporting characters include Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as the dashing Fiyero, and Jeff Goldblum as the enigmatic Wizard.
Both Erivo and Tazewell share a long-standing creative relationship. Erivo reflects on how Tazewell’s previous work on the film Harriet has given them a mutual understanding of character expression through costume. She contributed ideas for Elphaba’s attire, including the design of her boots, which evolve in height to reflect her character’s journey. According to Erivo, “No piece of costume is frivolous; everything has a use, and everything is meaningful.” This sentiment resonates with director Jon M. Chu, a lifelong fan of Wicked, who notes that every costume piece plays an integral role in storytelling.
In terms of visual aesthetics, Tazewell contrasts Elphaba’s initial attire—characterized by earth tones and Victorian silhouettes—with Glinda’s enchanting costumes. The latter represents a light-hearted, airy quality, embodied in Tazewell’s iconic bubble dress design, influenced by natural motifs like butterflies and the elegant Fibonacci spiral.
Grande praises Tazewell’s extraordinary talent, stating, “Paul Tazewell is the most brilliant human being on the planet,” recognizing his innovative shapes, color palettes, and thoughtful designs. During peak production times, Tazewell leads a diverse team of over one hundred specialists, including tailors, weavers, and even 3D-printing experts, all contributing to the magic of Wicked on screen.
As excitement builds for the film’s release on November 22, this adaptation aims to capture the spectacle and depth that has made Wicked a cultural phenomenon.
Source
www.vogue.com