(2024)

Submitted by Jeremy


Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo) was born with green skin and shunned by her father, Governor Frexspar Thropp, in favor of her younger paraplegic sister, Nessarose. The sister start attending Shiz University to learn and practice magic. Elphaba meets Galinda Upland (Ariana Grande), a snooty but popular aspiring witch. Elphaba displays strong magic skills, which earns her the attention of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). She believes that Elphaba’s gifts can earn her good favors with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Prince Fiyero Tigelaar (Jonathan Bailey) joins Shiz, starting a relationship with Galinda but showing some interest in Elphaba. After bonding at a dance, Elphaba and Galinda become friends. However, Elphaba is distressed to learn that the animals of Oz are in danger of being subjugated and losing their ability to speak. The school’s goat professor, Dr. Dillamond (Peter Dinklage), is forcibly removed from his position and replaced with one who is cruel towards animals. Elphaba hopes the Wizard can help.

The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) invites Elphaba to the Emerald City, and Galinda (who decides to drop the “Ga” and just go by Glinda) joins her, along with Madame Morrible. She and the Wizard have Elphaba read from a powerful spellbook called the Grimmerie. After she reads an incantation, it causes the Wizard’s monkey guards to painfully grow wings. Elphaba realizes this was the Wizard and Madame Morrible’s plans all along to create spies, and that they are responsible for what is happening to the animals. Also, since the Wizard is incapable of actual magic, they needed someone like Elphaba to make it work.

Elphaba and Glinda try to escape, but their attempt is thwarted, and Madame Morrible quickly declares to the people of Oz that Elphaba is a “wicked witch” and an enemy of the city. Elphaba gets her broom and tries to get Glinda to join her, but she stays behind and lets Elphaba escape. Elphaba causes a power surge and declares the Wizard cannot bring her down before she flies away to parts unknown.
END OF PART ONE

02 hours 40 minutes