By Sebastian Alpizar
On November 22, 2024, the movie musical Wicked was released in theaters. Similar to its predecessor, the movie follows the Broadway musical’s original success. Originally released in 2003, Wicked attained $1.6 billion and was the second highest-grossing Broadway musical. Today, the new film adaptation has grossed $634.4 million at the box office. Ariana Grande, a well known pop star plays Glinda. Throughout many interviews, Ariana Grande has shared her devoted interest to play Glinda or to merely be a part of the Wicked adaptation when first announced in 2012. When Ariana originally accepted the role she hoped to deliver an authentic and unforgettable interpretation of Glinda; and the audience reviews say she did so beautifully.
In Wicked, Glinda´s complexities and nuance is demonstrated through Grande’s portrayal. As the story progresses, Glinda’s morals are challenged when she has to choose between her friendship with Elphaba and her goal to learn witchcraft and earn the title of “Glinda the Good.” The emotional strife Glinda battles is seen primarily in the song "No One Mourns the Wicked."Ariana’s vocal control and subtle facial expressions completely illustrate Glinda’s conflicting emotions with becoming the Good Witch and betraying Elphaba. In “What Is This Feeling?”, the original rivalry between Glinda and Elphaba is shown. Ariana portrays Glinda to be radiating with energy. The snappy, quick-paced attitude of the song pays tribute to both Glinda’s and Elphaba’s inner child. Glinda's bubbly enthusiasm continues into “Popular." At thirty-one, Ariana brings an unparalleled vibrancy to Glinda´s character. Her whimsical portrayal strengthens the youthful, playful attributes of twenty-year-old Glinda. Ariana is able to beautifully maintain child-like enthusiasm while exhibiting nuance and complexity. At the end of the film, Elphaba learns that the wizard she has admired is a charlatan, becoming the Wicked Witch, and Glinda is forced to choose between her friend and her dream. Glinda repeats the words “I hope you’re happy.” When she originally sings “What Is This Feeling?” Glinda has an annoyed expression when speaking to her rival; at the end, in “Defying Gravity” Glinda’s expression is much more troubled, battling heartbreak when speaking to her friend. Ariana’s facial expressions and her tone beautifully highlight the relationship´s parallel arc.
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