Wicked at The State Theatre
It’s the movie that everyone has been dying to watch- and it’s finally out this week. Wicked, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, probably takes the No. 1 spot as the most talked about movie in 2024. Especially for the gays. On November 3, the stars of the movie started their global premiere tour here in the land of Oz, at the State Theatre. Crowds blocked George St as the cast walked into the ‘Palace of Dreams’ as the State Theatre has been dubbed since its opening back in 1929.
The State Theatre gave Gay Sydney Australia a handful of passes to come along to the limited-season screening of the movie, for us to review. Take a look.
We’re also going to try our best to keep this spoiler-free, so if you haven’t watched the movie yet, don’t stress.
The Magic of The State Theatre
Part of what made Wicked’s launch in Australia truly magical was the iconic venue in which it premiered. Renowned as one of the most stunning and historically rich venues in Sydney—and arguably all of Australia—it exudes an old-world charm that perfectly complements a production as grand and enchanting as Wicked.
The State Theatre’s ornate architecture, with its lavish chandeliers, intricate ceiling designs, and elegant interiors, creates an unforgettable atmosphere for audiences and performers alike. It has played host to an impressive roster of legends across various entertainment industries, including musical icons like Prince, Cyndi Lauper, Olivia Newton-John, and Julie Andrews; comedic stars such as Dawn French; modern-day powerhouses like Zendaya; and of course, Ariana & Cynthia. This rich legacy has cemented the State Theatre’s reputation as a venue that enhances every event it hosts, making it the perfect setting for the debut of a globally celebrated musical like Wicked.
Wicked is GAY
The move is GAY, with a capital G-A-Y. We don’t need to tell you the impact the musical has had on the queer community since its inception in 2003- because if you’re reading this, you already know. Of course, the movie is no exception. Casting Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as the leads? Gay. Already 100%, without a doubt, gay.
This connection goes back to our community’s connection with the original The Wizard of Oz. Famously back when homosexuality was criminalised, the way you could discretely ask after someone’s sexuality was asking if they’re “a friend of Dorothy”, a direct reference to Garland’s role in the 1939 film.
Judy Garland was (and still is) an icon to the community. She passed away on 22 June 1969, and her funeral took place on 27 June 1969, just hours before the Stonewall Riots began- which began the movement that has given us the rights we are so privileged to enjoy today.
So yes, Wicked and its connection to the Wizard of Oz are incredibly important to the community, making the 2024 motion picture undeniably an instant queer classic.
Beyond the hype around this movie, you can’t escape Wicked in the gay scene even if you tried. If you’re going out on Oxford St or Newtown to see a drag show, there’s a decent chance one of the queens will be doing ‘Defying Gravity’ as a spot number.
Especially on a casting level, the movie is screaming homo. There’s direct LGBTQIA+ representation through Jonathan Baily and Bowen Yang, and of course the queer icons Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo.
Ariana & Cynthia’s Performances
We all knew from Ariana’s stellar music career that the girl can sing. But her performance as Glinda is on another level. It’s no secret Wicked has always meant the world to Ariana, through her expressions of love for the musical over the years. However, her performance is even better than expected, which is impressive considering the amount of hype around her casting.
Cynthia Erivo absolutely lives up to her reputation as a vocalist who is playing in a league of her own. We knew this through her mesmerising talents on The Colour Purple and Harriet soundtracks, but her feature tracks The Wizard & I and Defying Gravity in the movie soundtrack just prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the role was perfectly cast.
Considering how stunning the original Broadway soundtrack is, Ariana and Cynthia had a tough job following this up- but they did, and in exceptional style.
Production Value
The movie also dazzles with production value that truly brings the beloved musical to life on the big screen. With a staggering $150 million budget, the film spares no expense in creating a cinematic spectacle. Every detail, from the intricately designed costumes and elaborate set pieces to the seamless blend of practical and digital effects, immerses audiences in the magical world of Oz like never before.
The investment in cutting-edge technology and a star-studded cast ensures that this adaptation not only honours the original stage production but elevates it into a visual and emotional masterpiece that’s destined to captivate fans old and new.
To see what’s coming up at the State Theatre, please click HERE
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