58. "How Absolutely Remarkable" (Movie Trailer Reactions)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Sentimental Men – Episode 58: "How Absolutely Remarkable" (Movie Trailer Reactions)

Introduction

In Episode 58 of Sentimental Men, hosted by Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi from the Broadway Podcast Network, the duo dives deep into their reactions and analyses of the much-anticipated Wicked movie trailer. Released on May 17, 2024, this episode, titled "How Absolutely Remarkable," serves as a platform for Quincy and Kevin to discuss their favorite women in musical theatre, with a special focus on the Wicked adaptation.

General Reaction to the Wicked Movie Trailer

From the onset, Quincy and Kevin express their excitement and emotional investment in the Wicked movie trailer. They reminisce about the original Broadway production and share their hopes for how the film adaptation will translate beloved stage moments to the big screen.

Discussion of Specific Trailer Elements

Glinda’s Performance

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Ariana Grande's portrayal of Glinda. Quincy remarks on the vibrancy Grande brings to the character:

"I'm loving whatever is happening with the voice. It's golden." ([12:23])

Kevin echoes this sentiment, appreciating the balance Grande strikes between her pop star persona and the character's depth:

"It's not the pop star Ariana Grande voice, but it's not all the way just like her normal speaking voice either." ([13:08])

Elphaba’s Emotional Depth

Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba receives praise for adding layers to the character that the stage production couldn't fully explore. Quincy highlights the film's ability to delve into Elphaba's inner life:

"It's very exciting that we're going to get to see the inner life of Elphaba. And every shot of Cynthia's face, the eyes, there's always a story behind." ([15:30])

Kevin adds that the film provides opportunities to showcase moments that wouldn't translate well on stage, enhancing Elphaba's complexity:

"This trailer made me feel 12. You know what I mean?" ([10:28])

Visuals and Special Effects

The hosts are particularly impressed with the visual representation of iconic scenes from the musical. They discuss the transition from stage to screen, noting the extended sequences and enhanced special effects that bring new dimensions to the story. Quincy muses:

"I hope we're getting tons of Toddler Elphaba. It was amazing on stage... how much of it we're getting in this movie." ([17:22])

Choreography and Physicality

Their admiration extends to the choreography, especially the physicality required for the performances. Kevin expresses awe at the stunts and fight scenes, highlighting the challenging nature of translating stage movements to film:

"John M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande decided to make a Marvel movie. Like they are doing stunts on stunts on pratfalls, on fight scenes, on flying." ([18:24])

Emotional Impact and Fans' Reactions

Quincy and Kevin note the emotional resonance the trailer has sparked among fans, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. They observe:

"It's been really beautiful to see how this has brought everyone back to that version of themselves." ([10:35])

Kevin shares his personal emotional response, indicating how the trailer evokes a sense of nostalgia and excitement:

"It made me cry watching the thing a couple days ago." ([09:16])

Expectations for the Movie

The hosts set high expectations for the Wicked film adaptation, hoping it remains faithful to the source material while offering new insights and expansions. They anticipate that the movie will serve as a love letter to the original show, enriched by the passion of the cast and creative team.

Character Analysis

Glinda and Elphaba

Quincy and Kevin explore the dynamic between Glinda and Elphaba, emphasizing how the film will present their relationship from Glinda's perspective. They discuss the potential for deeper character development, particularly in showcasing Elphaba's vulnerabilities and Glinda's growth as an agent of change.

"We’ve talked about this on podcast. I believe we heard like a leaked audio that sounded like someone recording outside of the set." ([02:08])

Nessa Rose

Nessa Rose emerges as a character of interest, with the hosts expressing excitement about her expanded role and potential backstory in the film:

"I hope we give her some material." ([29:19])

Musical Elements and New Songs

The inclusion of new musical numbers is a topic of enthusiasm. Quincy and Kevin discuss how the trailer hints at fresh compositions that will enhance the narrative:

"We hear Ariana Grande sing popular. We also hear the beginning of Defying Gravity, which we have yet to hear." ([34:16])

They anticipate that these new songs will not only stay true to the original score but also add unique elements that leverage the cinematic medium.

Visual Design and Make-Up

The hosts delve into the film's visual aesthetics, particularly the make-up and costume design that brings the fantastical elements of Wicked to life:

"I need all of the tea." ([16:24])

Quincy appreciates the natural look of Elphaba's green make-up, marveling at how it seamlessly blends with Cynthia Erivo's performance:

"The green is so natural." ([15:30])

Plot and Storytelling Changes from Stage to Film

Quincy and Kevin discuss the potential narrative adjustments necessary for the film adaptation. They consider how the movie might explore act two of the musical, offering a more comprehensive storytelling experience that stage limitations couldn't accommodate.

"If it was a trailer for a movie of Act 1 and 2, it would be a great plot setup trailer." ([06:16])

They also speculate on the inclusion of flashbacks and additional character development scenes that deepen the story beyond the stage version.

Emotional Depth and Backstory

The conversation touches on the emotional depth the film can achieve, showcasing moments like Elphaba's personal struggles and magical lessons that add layers to her character:

"We’re in for such a treat that two of the best voices on the planet are going to go to fucking town on this score." ([34:53])

Quincy reflects on how the film's ability to capture subtle emotional cues, such as tears and facial expressions, elevates the storytelling:

"Something has slightly changed within me that I would love a live performance from Cynthia at some point in the lead up to this movie." ([34:23])

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Quincy and Kevin reiterate their excitement for the Wicked movie adaptation, expressing confidence that the film will honor the legacy of the musical while introducing new elements that enrich the narrative. They anticipate that the passionate involvement of the cast and crew will manifest in a visually stunning and emotionally compelling film.

"It's gonna all feel like a love letter to this show that means so much to us all, because it means so much to all of them too." ([36:20])

They encourage listeners to stay tuned for more updates and express their shared enthusiasm for the upcoming release.

Notable Quotes

• Quincy: "I'm loving whatever is happening with the voice. It's golden." ([12:23])
• Kevin: "It’s not the pop star Ariana Grande voice, but it’s not all the way just like her normal speaking voice either." ([13:08])
• Quincy: "I hope we're getting tons of Toddler Elphaba. It was amazing on stage... how much of it we're getting in this movie." ([17:22])
• Kevin: "I cried watching the thing a couple days ago." ([09:16])
• Quincy: "Something has slightly changed within me that I would love a live performance from Cynthia at some point in the lead up to this movie." ([34:23])
• Kevin: "It's gonna all feel like a love letter to this show that means so much to us all, because it means so much to all of them too." ([36:20])

Closing Remarks

Overall, Episode 58 of Sentimental Men offers a heartfelt and comprehensive analysis of the Wicked movie trailer, highlighting the hosts' deep connection to the musical and their excitement for its cinematic adaptation. Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi adeptly balance nostalgia with anticipation, providing listeners with insightful commentary and enthusiastic support for the beloved story's next chapter.

Transcript

[Quincy]

Hi, y'all. This is Kristin Chenoweth. Hi, I'm Gloria Stefan.

[Kevin]

This is Sara Bareilles. Hi, I'm Patti LuPone. This is Lin Manuel Miranda. You're listening to the Broadway Podcast Network.

[Quincy]

I'm sure we will see a Broadway Glinda do that high kick once. The movie is well now. Yeah.

[Kevin]

Alexandra Shosha put it into the show tonight.

[Quincy]

Can you imagine? I hope she did. She saw it dropped at 11am and she started stretching. My name's Quincy.

[Kevin]

And my name's Kevin. We're here to talk and maybe scream about our favorite women in musical theater.

[Kristin Chenoweth]

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[Gloria Estefan]

Use code Spotify@cozy earth.com and save up to 40%. That's cozy earth.com Spotify.

[Quincy]

Did you catch that?

[Kevin]

I caught Quincy. What a place to start this episode. Are there.

[Quincy]

That's what's been weighing on my mind this entire day.

[Kevin]

Yes. Is the.

[Quincy]

Hi, everyone. It's 11 o'clock at night.

[Kevin]

It's 11 11. Make a wish.

[Quincy]

Oh, my wish is that we get to watch the Wicked premiere together this.

[Kevin]

Year and next year. My wish is that. Oh, fuck, it's 11:12. I missed it. But yours counted.

[Quincy]

What was your wish gonna be?

[Kevin]

I'll just retweet yours.

[Quincy]

Okay. Is it bad luck to say you're.

[Kevin]

A wish after 11:00 anyway? So, yes, I did catch that.

[Quincy]

What are your thoughts? I have thoughts.

[Kevin]

I just. Okay, well, my dream scenario, because we assume the battle cry is the very end of the first movie, dream scenario, it's like clue. And you never know which ending you're gonna get.

[Quincy]

Yeah. Can you imagine if they, like, do a different battle cry for every city or every, like, hemisphere of the United States?

[Kevin]

I would like that. I think that would bring the spice of Broadway.

[Quincy]

And then you have all the gays online being like, oh, my God, this one. Oh, my God. And everyone's talking about different things, different war cries.

[Kevin]

Yeah, I think that. I don't know.

[Quincy]

Okay, can I talk about what I think it actually is? Yes. We've talked about this on podcast. I believe we heard Like a leaked audio that sounded like someone recording outside of the set of a lot at Universal. And it feels like Defying Gravity, the song takes place, and then before the flight section, there's like a newly written chunk of music and singing that happens before the flight section that I am assuming that.

[Kevin]

Is from she's warm tonight. It's 11:30.

[Quincy]

I drank a coffee at 6pm Because I knew we were doing this. I was like, I can't be dead for Kevin.

[Kevin]

Oh, my God. Well, I think. So the leaked audio that we heard is in this trailer or was in the little thing that came out two days ago.

[Quincy]

What are you talking about?

[Kevin]

It's in it. Of Ariana singing Unlimited. Yeah, it's in there. Oh, really? It was the very beginning of the first one a couple days ago, I think.

[Quincy]

Oh, wow. I didn't clock that.

[Kevin]

Regardless, I think this trailer makes it clear that Defying Gravity is an extended sequence because it's like.

[Quincy]

Oh, does it?

[Kevin]

You know, there's. Well, there's just so much. They're in the balloon trying to escape, and they're running, and she's in that giant chamber full of all the monkeys. Like, there was a lot of escape.

[Quincy]

Moment in this trailer.

[Kevin]

Did you watch the trailer, Tamar?

[Quincy]

You know how I let media just kind of wash over me?

[Kevin]

There's a moment where it shows them Cynthia and Ariana in the wizard's balloon rising up, and they're in the one short day Defying Gravity outfits, and they're, like, looking stressed. Like, I'm pretty sure that they try to escape and the balloon is part of that.

[Quincy]

Hmm. Elphaba and Glinda try to escape together.

[Kevin]

I think when they run out of the chamber and they're running and they're running, and then it's like. And then it's like, I think we can't go any further. I think this is the attic. Like, I think they try to. In that moment, they try to get into the balloon. I don't know. I'm very intrigued. But I do feel like we've got lots of visual cues about Defying Gravity that I think we can assume it's an extended sequence, which is what I want. I hope it's 20 minutes long.

[Quincy]

I'm feeling like this trailer was. The entire plot of the movie was like the spark notes of the movie, of the plot.

[Kevin]

Do you feel that way knowing that this movie is only Act 1, or do you feel like it gave away. No, I feel like it gave away caboodle.

[Quincy]

No, it did all of Act One though.

[Kevin]

Yeah.

[Quincy]

Which I'm like, is that what movie trailers typically do? It feels different.

[Kevin]

I don't know. Because it's like this does.

[Quincy]

It was also three minutes and 30 seconds, which I feel like movie trailers are not usually.

[Kevin]

Yeah, I mean, it's like people knew what Les Mis was about when that movie came out. You know what I mean? This is a 25 year old. Your property. 25 year old property.

[Quincy]

That's what I can't tell is like, is that so bubble minded thinking though, where it's like there is, I would assume, still a large demographic of the nation that has no idea what happens in Wicked.

[Kevin]

Yeah. But then this educates them, right? Like then this. Here's what I think. Okay, here's what I'm going to say to you, Quincy, and my Wicked T shirt.

[Quincy]

We know that the wizard has no power. I guess we do know that because of the wizard of Oz. Okay, maybe I'm.

[Kevin]

Yeah, we know that because of the wizard of Oz.

[Quincy]

Yeah.

[Kevin]

But the people who don't know what Wicked's about don't know that they aren't getting act two. Like this trailer. If it was a trailer for a movie of Act 1 and 2, it would be a great like plot, setup trailer. But really what it's doing is like laying out what part one is gonna be. But if you don't know Wicked, you don't know that. You know what I mean? Because you don't. If you don't know how it ends, you don't know that that's so much of the plot. It's a non issue.

[Quincy]

I, I agree. It's a non issue. I was seeing some discourse online. There's been so much discourse online today, which has been so lovely and enjoyable and disruptive to my work day. But people were voicing that this gives everything away, blah, blah, blah. But then. And like going back on the spiel I literally just gave. But then when I thought about it, there's a lot of other. Like they're keeping the secondary characters out of the promo so far. Like we're not getting any Bach, we're not getting any Nessa Rose, Mrs. Coddle, all of that stuff. Ariana and Cynthia Wise, it was pretty even. You heard popular, you heard some defying gravity, you kind of saw them both equally. But it does set up Glinda, I don't know if I want to say as the protagonist, but as that central character agent of change in the story, which goes back to the show kind of initially being built around the character of Glinda.

[Kevin]

It's good to see me, isn't it? Yeah. Like we're supposed to go into it through Glinda's point of view. So they're doing exactly what the show does.

[Quincy]

Yeah. I've just never viewed the show as a Glinda vehicle.

[Kevin]

But I mean, it's a memory play, literally. She comes out and says, you guys want to hear the story of Wicked? And then it happens. So I do think that it makes sense that it feels like that trailer was kind of like from a Glinda pov.

[Quincy]

Okay. We kind of dived into the middle of it all. Should we take a step back?

[Kevin]

Let's take a step back.

[Quincy]

Are people born wicked or do they just have wickedness thrust upon them?

[Kevin]

Quincy, did you cry?

[Quincy]

I got. I got internally emotional. I'm not a crier.

[Kevin]

I cried watching the thing a couple days ago.

[Quincy]

That made me get teary eyed. Yes.

[Kevin]

When John M. Chu was like, you know, anytime someone asked me what my dream movie was, I said Wicked. And Cynthia was like, you know, I never thought I'd be part of it. And oh my God, that made me.

[Quincy]

And it was such a brilliant way to like prop up the movie and the show and like bring deeper meaning to all of this. I thought it was so effective. That first video we saw before the trailer.

[Kevin]

Yeah. And it was fun too, because it was like everyone was like itching to know what happened at Cinemacon. If there were leaks, we didn't get them and we all.

[Quincy]

That wasn't what played. That wasn't that leak. That.

[Kevin]

No.

[Quincy]

Okay.

[Kevin]

No, but so that's what I'm saying is like, it was fun because it feels like, okay, we get a little taste of like the interviews that happened and the talking that happened.

[Quincy]

Sure.

[Kevin]

That's what I took away from it leading up to the trailer, which was then the main event. So. No. So I didn't cry today was the short answer.

[Quincy]

Gotcha. You texted me something, though. Chills.

[Kevin]

I don't know. It made me. It made me feel 12. You know what I mean?

[Quincy]

That kind of has been the general sentiment of everyone I've spoken to today. And it has been really beautiful to see how this has brought everyone back to that version of themselves. And people I like, gays. And people I weren't really expecting to care about The Wicked movie trailer have been very outspoken about how much they love it.

[Kevin]

Yeah.

[Quincy]

Which is really beautiful and makes me really excited for like the rest of this year.

[Kevin]

Yeah. I don't know. When you. I was waiting for you to Click in to record. I was like, wow. It's been like, probably two. Two full decades. It's probably been between 18 and 20 years since the, like, Broadway world message boards started to click clatter about a movie adaptation. And so I'm like, wow. I've been waiting two thirds of my life to watch this fucking trailer. Two thirds of my life, Quincy.

[Quincy]

And it looks beautiful.

[Kevin]

I think it looks great.

[Quincy]

What is the water situation at Shiz University?

[Kevin]

I think it's like, surrounded by a moat.

[Quincy]

What is a moat? Does a moat go all the way around something?

[Kevin]

A moat goes all the way around. But then it also, like, what's it called when it's. It was. It's like a water driveway. I don't know what it's called, but I love that they have to have little boats.

[Quincy]

And let me say that I would like to attend this Shiz University. It looks stunning.

[Kevin]

Me too. Okay, key moments. We said we were gonna do key moments.

[Quincy]

Okay. I did mine with the. That one wasn't as clean.

[Kevin]

You mean you did yours 15 minutes ago when we started recording.

[Quincy]

So you give me a key moment now.

[Kevin]

For me, key moment is I'd give it away, but I don't hate anybody that much.

[Quincy]

I am loving whatever is happening with the voice. It's golden.

[Kevin]

It's golden. It's not the pop star Ariana Grande voice, but it's not all the way just like her normal speaking voice either. Because I feel like she's gonna save that for the moments where it's like, Glinda totally stripped down, part two. Like, this trailer is like all of the very, like, affected Galinda. Yeah. Gah.

[Quincy]

That's her. Galinda. Imagine that's her Galinda voice. And then Glinda's.

[Kevin]

Someone else is someone else.

[Quincy]

And it is uniquely her too. Like, it doesn't. It doesn't sound like an impression of anyone.

[Kevin]

No, that's the thing is it's like it still sounds like her voice. I don't know. And it's great. I love you, said White Claw. Glinda confirmed. And it's like, I love. No other Glinda in the rest of history is gonna have the chance to do the high kicks and spin around on the chandelier. And so I'm glad that she took the chance.

[Quincy]

Okay, well, while we're on the high kick, that is one of my key moments too, is seeing how White cloud Glynda Ariana's Glinda is. And I'm very excited for it.

[Kevin]

Yes.

[Quincy]

One thing this trailer did communicate to me is that Ariana's Glynda is going to be very, very funny. And I think the drama and underscoring of this trailer kind of distracted you from that. But if you watch the, like, mannerisms and ways in which she's moving in certain moments in the trailer, it's funny and I'm excited to see it in the actual. In actual context in the movie.

[Kevin]

Yeah. Kind of the same, like we're saying is that the movie is giving Ariana space for all of these kind of like bigger, more like externally things. And on the flip side of that, something that this trailer showed me is that with Cynthia, this film is giving her the space to show us the much smaller parts of Elphaba that just wouldn't and couldn't work. In the Gershwin.

[Quincy]

Yeah. Because Elphaba live on stage, the character is grading objectively. Just like, there's a lot of big. Yeah, I'm. I'm an Elphaba enthusiast, but as a character, because of the way it needs to be on a stage, it's a lot. And would. That would not translate on film and what you're saying, I think it's very exciting that we're going to get to see the inner life of Elphaba. And every shot of Cynthia's face, the eyes, there's always a story behind.

[Kevin]

Oh, my God. And those gorgeous green contacts that she has.

[Quincy]

The green is so natural. And granted, we live in Wicked World, but, like, I don't even really register that she's green. It looks so natural.

[Kevin]

Oh, God. I'll be so interested once they start rolling out featurettes about the makeup of this movie, because I'm so curious. We all know now at this point, like, how they get the girlies green for the stage.

[Quincy]

But, like, something tells me it's a lot longer of a process for this film.

[Kevin]

Longer of a process. And like you. It's something that you're wearing for like, 8, 10, 12 hours at a time.

[Quincy]

In how much of it is really painted and how much of it is digitally enhanced and smoothed and whatnot. It's very.

[Kevin]

I need all of the tea.

[Quincy]

Yeah.

[Kevin]

Bringing it back. The smaller things, that clip in the little thing from a couple days ago with the. And she wiped the tear away. That. That's what I'm talking about. We would never get that on stage. Even if. Even if Mary Kate and Alex are doing that. We would never see it while we're.

[Quincy]

On the Elphaba train. The shot. The sequence in Defying Gravity where she's like, don't be afraid. And then Elphaba has her little flashback. But the editing of adult Elphaba hand cutting to baby Toddler Elphaba. And then we see her face. Oh my God. And she's getting teased by the little kids. And it's like, that was amazing. And I wonder how much of Toddler Elphaba we're getting in this movie.

[Kevin]

I hope tons. I hope that's why it's two movies.

[Quincy]

Can you imagine? The movie starts and we spend like 45 minutes with baby Elphaba.

[Kevin]

Part one is all toddler Elphaba.

[Quincy]

Holy crazy. And introducing it did opened my mind to like, okay, say these movies are smash successes. Let's get a prequel to the prequel that is Baby Elphaba and her growing up. Let's get a spin off series on Paramount or something with Fanny and Shen Shen. Because that is just begging for something.

[Kevin]

Love it.

[Quincy]

Like there's a whole multiverse that can happen here.

[Kevin]

Great. You'll hear no objections from me. Other moment, overall, John M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande decided to make a Marvel movie. Like they are doing stunts on stunts on pratfalls, on fight scenes, on flying.

[Quincy]

The little glimpses of choreography that we got.

[Kevin]

I'm like intimidated by how like physical these performances are proving to be it.

[Quincy]

Also, that train moment was interesting because that moment in the show is like actually a very quiet, sentimental, like emotional moment. And this seems very different in the way it's presented in the movie. Like Elphaba is yelling as she's on the train, come with me. So that means Elphaba. They did their whole little Fiero, good to see you. I've been thinking Elphaba still was like, I'm doing this alone. And then as she's jetting off at the last minute decided, you know what, actually you should probably call.

[Kevin]

That is so funny. Okay. Another moment for me that I loved was seeing some fleshed out examples of Elphaba's magical powers again beyond the limitations of stage trickery. And even the gentler moments with the flowers was so pretty. But then obviously the big shot of Ness Rose flying up into the air and all of the keys pulling up.

[Quincy]

I loved the little glimpse we got of that magic lesson with Madam Morrible and Elphaba where Elphaba accidentally flies something through the glass. Because I'm like, oh, we're gonna get to see what their lessons were, which we don't get to in the musical.

[Kevin]

Wait, sorry, I haven't comment about the lessons, the seminars. And this is thanks to Ms. Kimber Elaine Sprawl is like, I can't not feel, like, some lesbian undertones in those, like, steamy shots of, like, Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Erivo. And she's, like, guiding her how to do magic. It's just, like, hot.

[Quincy]

That's fascinating.

[Kevin]

It's very, like, ghost. You know what I mean? Like, when she's doing the pottery with.

[Quincy]

Patrick Swayze, with Richard Fleishman and Casey Levy.

[Kevin]

Yeah. Yeah. I loved the moment where, like, it's like Elphaba, I think, at, like, running in a field and, like, kind of flying. But then, like, for like, a second, like, it was like she was, like, trying to, like, learn or teach herself how to fly. That was very cool.

[Quincy]

Or maybe she accidentally flew and then she landed and she was like, whoa. What the. What was that?

[Kevin]

High flew.

[Quincy]

Speaking of flying, Nessa Rose flying through the freaking air in her wheelchair.

[Kevin]

Now that is motivation for a musical number.

[Quincy]

That is a reason for Nessa Rose to be upset.

[Kevin]

I love that we're using the extra screen time to just to expand on that. Also, if we're seeing baby Elphaba, maybe we'll see baby Nessa Rose and we'll see what their childhood relationship was like.

[Quincy]

Oh, that's going to be so cute.

[Sara Bareilles]

If you love Broadway gossip, you are not going to want to miss any episode of this podcast, Singular Sensation. The triumph of Broadway. Plenty of dramas unfold on stage, but the best dramas unfold backstage. And there were no bigger dramas than behind the scenes of Sunset Boulevard. So you were being crucified over here, but not there?

[Kevin]

No, no, because I was turning in a performance that would get standing of Asians.

[Quincy]

Excuse me.

[Sara Bareilles]

So check out my podcast, Singular Sensation, for all the juicy details of Sunset Boulevard.

[Quincy]

Oh, let's talk about Elphaba and Glinda's dorm room.

[Kevin]

Oh, God, yes.

[Quincy]

Which is nicer than any place I will probably ever live.

[Kevin]

But I love that because it's totally like, it's a room that shouldn't be somebody's bedroom. And she was like, I'll take this as my private suite. Did you clock there's in that shot, right next to her is a dress that looks just like the popular rock dress.

[Quincy]

Oh, really?

[Kevin]

Yeah.

[Quincy]

Aw. I mean, the dress that Elphaba wears in the Ozdust is giving very much Act 2. As long as you're mine, I gotta.

[Kevin]

Point out a plot hole that that.

[Quincy]

Dress is actually kind of stunning.

[Kevin]

The Elphaba is smoking from the first frame. She's hot. Not to reduce either of these women to their appearance, but they both look.

[Quincy]

Hot and arguably have better fashion than the other students at Shiz University.

[Kevin]

Okay, wait, question for you. Because you are always like that stupid beanie. She would never wear that on the first day of school.

[Quincy]

Oh, the frock with the chunky boots and a beanie? Yeah. It's a tough look that I don't think anyone would just pick out to wear on the first day of school.

[Kevin]

So how does this feel to you instead?

[Quincy]

Good. She looks great. They both look great.

[Kevin]

She looks great.

[Quincy]

Yeah. It just goes to show racism. You can be as hot as you want if your skin is green. People aren't gonna like you. Nope. In either this official trailer or the video. We got the, like, emotional connections to Wicked video that we got before the trailer. There's a shot of Jonathan Bailey seemingly doing choreography on a boat with a bunch of Shiz students.

[Kevin]

Uh huh.

[Quincy]

Which makes me so excited for Dancing Through Life.

[Kevin]

I'm glad we're getting sex appeal because, like, obviously Pharaoh's sexy on stage always, but in just like a leading man way. But it'll be fun to see a much more, like, party boy college.

[Quincy]

Yeah, that's true. I realize they're kind of gatekeeping. I'm not that girl. Which I. I love. Save that. I don't think there's anything else I would kind of be upset if I saw before.

[Kevin]

Before this movie. No, no good deed. Keep it in a vault until next Thanksgiving. I don't want to hear a syllable.

[Quincy]

Nor do I want to hear for good. Really? Until the movie.

[Kevin]

No. When you believe was enough.

[Quincy]

Oh, wow. We didn't even talk about that. Yeah.

[Kevin]

Whose idea? Who do I owe a smooch to? That was like, what if in the Egypt Room.

[Quincy]

Yeah.

[Kevin]

These two sang the Prince of Egypt. That's just like, by Stephen. It's just like.

[Quincy]

Yeah.

[Kevin]

It was the closest we could get to Wicked promo at the Met Gala.

[Quincy]

Oh. One thing this trailer made me very excited for is the. What is this feeling sequence. Because you see them fighting with weapons. You see them running in the classroom, busting each other out. It's physical.

[Kevin]

Physical.

[Quincy]

Yeah.

[Kevin]

And like, did you also clock. Okay, wait, there was a shot, two shots that I loved. One where, like, Elphaba's kind of like, looking over, like, a balcony type thing, and Marribel's behind her. And then Glinda's looking up and she's like, real mad at Elphaba. Behind her you can see there's people dancing. And then I'm like, oh, okay. Well, I love the addition of like, Glinda's jealousy journey. Yeah, like, I'm getting. And I'm getting what you want. Cause like, Elphaba's a little like, you know what I mean?

[Quincy]

Yeah. I would actually love to see Elphaba have a little popular arc in this first movie where we get to see her really riding her hoity toity high when she's the crown jewel.

[Kevin]

I hope that popular also, like, I hope it ex. It is more than just like in the bedroom. Them girly popping in their dorm room.

[Quincy]

Oh, interesting. We hear Ariana Grande sing popular in this trailer.

[Kevin]

We get to hear her singing popular. And as a special treat, we get to hear it with these big, like, adventurous trailer orchestrations underneath it.

[Quincy]

I mean, the orchestrations throughout the entire trailer I was very, very impressed with. Let's talk about the Ozda's Ballroom.

[Kevin]

Okay, let's talk about it. It's the most swankified place in town.

[Quincy]

If the Ozdus Ballroom is the club you go to in college, that's like the hot club that all the college kids are going to. That is what it would look like.

[Kevin]

I have always struggled to visualize, like, what the Ozdust Ballroom is meant to look like. It never feels right for that scene to take place in, like, a ballroom in, like, the Bridgerton sense. Like, that's not right, but it also doesn't feel all the way. Like it takes place in a ballroom. Like, ballroom.

[Quincy]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kevin]

But so, yeah, so I did think the Asda Ballroom looked cool and moody and like, a place where, like, college kids probably aren't supposed to be hanging out. You know what I mean? Like, it feels like a place that they'd have to sneak away to go to. And that they'd be like, what is Madame Marble doing here? Like, that feels correct.

[Quincy]

Kevin, you got your look at the goat. I saw a tweet that was like, no offense, but how does Dr. Dilliman write on the chalkboard?

[Kevin]

I look forward to finding out.

[Quincy]

You know what? I thought he probably has a little monkey helper who like, sits on his shoulder.

[Kevin]

Ta.

[Quincy]

Yeah. And writes everything as he dictates.

[Kevin]

We got a DM a while ago that said that part of what they were expanding with Nessero's was like, the disability and accessibility of it all. And that that was going to tie into, like, Dr. Dillamond as an animal needing accessibility to, like, teach in the class.

[Quincy]

Oh, interesting.

[Kevin]

Because then that also is like, well, elphaba, you're helping Dr. Dillamond, and I also need help. Like, it just like it Deepens that.

[Quincy]

I wasn't connecting that dot. Okay. Okay.

[Kevin]

Which I think is. Is cool connecting Dilamond and Nessa in that way.

[Quincy]

Yeah, that's interesting.

[Kevin]

Is a good layer to add.

[Quincy]

I hope Nessa gets a song in Act 1.

[Kevin]

I hope she gets more than a song.

[Quincy]

I hope we give her some material.

[Kevin]

Who else do you think is gonna have a new song? Do you think Bach will have a new song?

[Quincy]

I'm not sure I need Bach to have a new song.

[Kevin]

But do you think he will have a new song?

[Quincy]

My bet would be no. If you're gonna give a male character a song, give it to Fiero. Give Fiero a song alone in his dorm room. Everyone thinks I'm hot and macho, but I'm really sensitive and I love Elphaba, and she doesn't even look at me.

[Kevin]

You're describing Ken. I'm just.

[Quincy]

That is. Ken is Fiero.

[Kevin]

I hope Fiero gets a song of his own in Act 2 in addition to the duet. Like a hot military song.

[Quincy]

Let's get down to business.

[Kevin]

Make a man out of me. Pierro.

[Quincy]

Kevin. Oh, my God. It's been a minute since I've watched the wizard of Oz, but I did love that the Wizard's Head talking head thing seemed very reminiscent of the Broadway production of Wicked. And if I'm remembering correctly, in wizard of Oz, it's kind of like projectiony.

[Kevin]

It did look like the Broadway production. I loved how big it was, and I loved that it looked like it kind of came through those car wash things. Speaking of things looking like MGM wizard of Oz, though, I love how hand in hand the, like, Munchkinland visuals are with the MGM movie. Because it's like, even if you've never heard of Wicked, you've only seen one musical in your whole life, and it was the wizard of Oz on Thanksgiving on tbs. You're gonna go to Wicked.

[Quincy]

Wow. Is TV still here?

[Kevin]

I don't know. Are you calling me old? Did you interrupt my story?

[Quincy]

It just made me. It made me miss my childhood back when TVs TBS and TNT.

[Kevin]

But if you're gonna. If you've never seen anything but the wizard of Oz, you're gonna walk into Wicked Part one on Thanksgiving. You're gonna sit down, and no one mourns the Wicked. The very first thing you're gonna see is happening visually in a place that you recognize, like a scenery and a place that is recognizable.

[Quincy]

Yeah. We also saw the Glinda Bubble in full effect.

[Kevin]

Yes, we did. And I would like to say Roll the clip. I did say on this podcast, I wonder if she stands on a little thing and a bubble happens around her.

[Quincy]

I'm gonna be too lazy to roll the clip in the actual.

[Kevin]

That's okay.

[Quincy]

So I hope you all remember that.

[Kevin]

Wait, wait, wait. You said something too. You called something.

[Quincy]

You know who I'm kind of scared of in this trailer? And I hate to say it. Chistery.

[Kevin]

Oh, it's giving Planet of the Apes.

[Quincy]

Yeah, he's. He's kind of spooky. He has, like, a way of. The shot where they're walking down the aisle and he's leading the way with his staff. And then there's another shot of him right before he, like, busts out. I'm like, oh, yeah.

[Kevin]

Like, I don't know that I ever thought of Chistry as anything bigger than, like, Curious George and, like, a cute little monkey. A cute monkey. Yeah. No, like, I.

[Quincy]

Those things flying around us would freak me out.

[Kevin]

Would scare the out of me. Of course the wizard wants to use them as spies. They're scary as shit. I was not necessarily anticipating, like, for as happy I am that Dr. Dillamond is like a functioning real goat.

[Quincy]

Yeah.

[Kevin]

I'm that much upset that Chistery is a real monkey slay.

[Quincy]

And it's great, but, like, spooky. Spooky. Also spooky. That couple of shots where they drop that big Elphaba is a bad person sign, and then you see the witch statue burning. I was like, ooh, this is real in a way that, like, that you just can't translate. On the Broadway production, when the ensemble is with their pitchforks and stuff, that is like musical theater. Okay. The mob is out to get her. This. I was like, oh, my God, this is.

[Kevin]

Yeah, they're burning an effigy of this woman.

[Quincy]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kevin]

It's. It's like a stakes raiser.

[Quincy]

So we hear Ariana sing popular. We also hear the beginning of Defying Gravity, which we have yet to hear. Something has changed within me that I would love a live performance from Cynthia at some point in the lead up to this movie.

[Kevin]

It sounded great. I keep going back to this idea that, like, wow, we're in for such a treat that two of, like, the best voices on the planet are gonna go to fucking town on this score. I'm so excited and, like, what?

[Quincy]

Cynthia has just been so perfect and solid for this throughout, like, from the get go. When casting was announced, everyone was excited. No one was nervous or scared. And just consistently, in everything we've seen, it Stayed that way. Go with me on this journey. Something I have noticed about Wicked, obviously, as we're in our, like, third or whatever year of doing this podcast. But, like, you can talk. You can talk to somebody who barely knows theater and they are down with Wicked and like it. You can talk to, like, the snobbiest snob in the theater industry and they are down with Wicked and can get into it and, like, at the end of the day, like, they're like, y, that's my ish. And that first video we saw before the trailer obviously communicated what we already knew about the cast and creative team involved with this movie. But I do think that translates into the final product in the sense where, like, when everyone on the project cares so deeply on a personal level about it, it's only going to affect the product in a positive way.

[Kevin]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Period. Agree. I have nothing to add. I think it's gonna all feel like a love letter to this show that means so much to us all, because it means so much to all of them too.

[Quincy]

I want to talk to someone who has no idea what Wicked is and how they take this trailer in.

[Kevin]

Well, good luck finding them because Wicked is the most popular show in the world.

[Gloria Estefan]

If you'd like this podcast you're listening to right now, then when it's over, you should also tune into the theater podcast with Alan Seals. That's me, Alan Seals. My podcast dives deep into the world of Broadway and beyond, and you get to hear from some of the biggest names in the industry, like Patti LuPone, James Monroe Iglehart, Ariana DeBose, Stephanie J. Block, and literally over 350 more equally amazing guests, I bring you exclusive interviews, behind the scenes insights, and captivating stories from the stars themselves. So whether you're a seasoned theater goer or just curious about the magic behind the curtain, the theater podcast with Alan Seals is your ultimate backstage pass. Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode.

[Kevin]

Let's wrap this up because it's 12:30. It's 12:30. It is exciting. I love the trailer. I love Wicked season.

[Quincy]

I was told there was going to be a little something else after. Did something else come out after the trailer?

[Kevin]

That shiz thing, that Shiz University.

[Quincy]

Oh, it was.

[Kevin]

Look at that.

[Quincy]

It was that. It was like a cool Legion thing that they're doing for data collection that was like Madam Marble here and applications are now for Shiz University. And then you go to it and it's like, do you hail from the Emerald City or Quoksawaks or. And what are you interested in language linguification? It was actually really cute. I signed up and they asked for your address and apparently they're gonna send some stuff, so that's fun. You should do it. Have you not done it?

[Kevin]

Yeah, I just haven't done it yet. Quincy, I've been recording this episode with you the whole time.

[Quincy]

All right, Kevin's getting cranky. Good night, everyone.

[Kevin]

Oh, my God. I don't even want to do this with you anymore.

[Quincy]

All right, I'm stopping.

[Kevin]

Good night. You've been listening to Sentimental Men. Thanks to Anthony Abatangelo, the most swankified podcast editor in town.

[Quincy]

And another thanks to Michaela Reynolds for making us look downright osmopolitan in our new key art, and to Julia DeMarzo for our logo design.

[Kevin]

If you want to get in touch, you can also connect with us across social media on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok at sentmenpod.

[Quincy]

Thanks for tuning in. Till next time. I'm Quincy.

[Kevin]

And I'm Kevin.

[Quincy]

It's the getting to the exhibit in the Met that is problematic. I always end up in Egypt.

[Kevin]

Well, Egypt is the best place to be. I fucking love the Egypt. And I always feel like I'm in the opening of Aida. This is a story of a love that flourished in a time of hate.

[Quincy]

Ariana and Cynthia should do that on Broadway.

[Kevin]

Get out.

[Quincy]

That'd be so good.

[Patti LuPone]

I don't know about you, but I personally feel like the world could use a lot more kindness right now. Hi, it's Robert Peter Paul, your friendly neighborhood BPN host of the Art of Kindness, a podcast that spotlights people in the art who make the world. Well, you guessed it, kinder. From icons like Carol Burnett.

[Kevin]

Whoop.

[Patti LuPone]

I blacked out. To Tony winners like Stephanie J. Block. To Olympians like Lori Hernandez, we've featured so many wonderful guests from all corners of the biz to give you intimate conversations and kindness tips. I'm thrilled to say we're returning for a fourth season.

[Kevin]

Woo.

[Quincy]

Woo.

[Patti LuPone]

This world Kindness Week with guests like Ian Armitage, Judith Light Betty who, Corbin Blue, and more. So please join our kindness community over at BPN fmak. And I do hope you're doing as a OK as you can. Let's build a kinder world.

[Quincy]

Aw.

[Patti LuPone]

Audio hug.