© 2026 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Oscars Run: The 1A Movie Club Sees 'Wicked: Part 1'

US singer Ariana Grande (L) and Nigerian-British actor Cynthia Erivo (R) pose upon arrival for the European Premiere of the film "Wicked" at the Royal Festival Hall in central London.
BEN STANSALL
/
AFP via Getty Images
US singer Ariana Grande (L) and Nigerian-British actor Cynthia Erivo (R) pose upon arrival for the European Premiere of the film "Wicked" at the Royal Festival Hall in central London.

It's a classic story of the struggle between good and evil. And where good eventually vanquishes the evil – with a bucket of water. All the people in the land celebrate its departure and with it, all of their problems.

But what if that story is all wrong?

"Wicked: Part 1" follows the origin story of Elphaba, known in the original "Wizard of Oz" movie as the Wicked Witch of the West. And it follows her friend, Galinda, who eventually becomes the Good Witch.

The movie is based on the Broadway musical which debuted in 2003. Last year, it became the fourth-longest running musical in Broadway history. And that musical comes from a 1995 novel of the same name. The new Wicked movie stars singer-actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the witches Elphaba and Galinda.

The result this past weekend has been gravity-defying. "Wicked" brought in $114 million in North America and another $50 million internationally. That's the best-ever opening for a film adaptation of a Broadway musical.

For this meeting of the 1A Movie Club, we discuss the new "Wicked" film.

Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.

Copyright 2025 NPR

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.