File under media.

Yeah—I’m gonna start off annoying: I read the book first. Maguire’s Wicked is so rich, so layered, and so unexpected. Every detail begins askew and then aligns with what an Oz sicko might expect—Galinda to Glinda, Fiyero to the Scarecrow, etc. It’s delicious to read through and see transform.

I saw the musical in the 2010s and instantly fell in love. The story of female friendship. The music. The end of ACT I—I was absolutely transported. Defying Gravity ended and the curtain closed and I realized I was in a theatre in Los Angeles and not in the Emerald City. It was a jarring coming-back-to-Earth. Every time I’ve seen it, I have experienced a similar transportation.

And now the movie. It’s such a beautiful blend of the novel and the stage musical. The richness and detail of the book and the energy and emotion of the stage musical. It’s so well done. My only complaints being the jarring (though necessary) cameo and that ACT II isn’t til next year (and makes the story feel incomplete).

I’m so glad more people are experiencing Wicked. Hope you are too.

Now, time for a reread.