Premiere - Wicked: New York City Celebrates the Magic of Oz at The Met

By Mulder, New York City, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 14 november 2024

The New York City premiere of Wicked at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on November 14, 2024, was a dazzling celebration of cinematic and theatrical excellence. Hosted by Vogue's Anna Wintour, the event turned the red carpet into a glamorous spectacle, with Hollywood's elite and the film's star-studded cast coming together to mark the adaptation of one of Broadway’s most iconic musicals.

The premiere wasn’t just a screening—it was an experience. The venue itself, The Met, provided a regal backdrop, perfectly complementing the magical aura of the Wicked universe. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who play Glinda and Elphaba respectively, led the night in jaw-dropping couture that reflected their characters’ personas. Other notable attendees included Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh, who added their own flair to the red carpet. The fashion showcased during the evening ranged from classic elegance to avant-garde designs inspired by the fantastical world of Oz. Ariana Grande stunned in a glimmering pink gown reminiscent of Glinda's ethereal charm, while Cynthia Erivo wore a dramatic emerald ensemble, echoing Elphaba’s green-skinned brilliance.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked is a reimagining of the untold backstory of the witches of Oz. Based on Gregory Maguire's novel and the hit musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, the movie digs deeper into the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda. Themes of identity, morality, and friendship resonate as these two women navigate the challenges of their time at Shiz University and beyond. The decision to split the adaptation into two films is bold, allowing for an expansive exploration of Oz’s richly textured world. The first part sets the stage for the transformation of these young women into the iconic witches of Oz, offering fans a deeper dive into their motivations and conflicts.

The production journey of Wicked was as monumental as its narrative. Starting in December 2022, the film was shot at Sky Studios in Elstree, England, and involved grandiose set pieces, including a life-sized Yellow Brick Road and an art deco Emerald City. Despite setbacks like the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023, the team’s resilience ensured the completion of a visually spectacular film. The creative team’s dedication to authenticity shines through in every frame. Live vocal recordings, an 80-piece orchestra, and an expanded score by Stephen Schwartz contribute to an immersive musical experience. Additionally, the new scenes and character arcs provide a fresh perspective on the beloved story.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are expected to deliver career-defining performances. Erivo brings a profound emotional depth to Elphaba, while Grande’s charisma and vocals breathe life into Glinda’s charm and hidden vulnerabilities. The supporting cast, including Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, rounds out the ensemble with gravitas and whimsy.

The marketing campaign for Wicked has been nothing short of magical, with initiatives like immersive websites and international press tours building excitement. The Sydney premiere on November 3 set the tone for a global rollout, with critics praising the film for its visuals, performances, and faithfulness to the original musical. The journey of Wicked from stage to screen has been as extraordinary as the tale itself. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Broadway hit or a newcomer, this adaptation promises an unforgettable dive into the magical, complex, and transformative world of Oz.

Discover the red carpet interviews just below :

itw Jon M Chu 

itw Jonathan Bailey 

itw Kristin Chenoweth 

itw Marc Platt 

itw Marissa Bode Official video

itw Paul Tazewell 

itw Ethan Slater 

itw Christopher Scott 

itw Bowen Yang 

itw Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo 

itw Alice Brooks 

Synopsis :
Wicked follows the path of the legendary witches of the World of Oz. Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of the unusual color of her green skin, doesn't even suspect the extent of her powers. At her side is Glinda, who, as popular as she is privileged, still doesn't know the true nature of her heart. Their meeting at the University of Shiz, in the fantastic world of Oz, marks the beginning of an unlikely but profound friendship. However, their relationship with The Wizard of Oz is to put a strain on this friendship and see their paths drift apart. While Glinda, thirsting for popularity, allows herself to be seduced by power, Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself and to those around her will have consequences as unfortunate as they are unexpected. Their extraordinary adventures in the Land of Oz will ultimately lead them to fulfill their destinies, becoming respectively the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked
Directed by Jon M. Chu
Written by Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox
Based on Wicked by Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman, Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Produced by Marc Platt, David Stone
Starring  Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage
Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
Cinematography : Alice Brooks
Edited by Myron Kerstein
Music by John Powell, Stephen Schwartz
Production companies : Universal Pictures, Marc Platt Productions,
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release dates : November 3, 2024 (State Theatre), November 22, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 160 minutes

Photos : Getty Images / Universal Pictures