61. “Vouchin’ for the Wicked” (with Quincy & Kevin)

Summary

Sentimental Men Podcast - Episode 61: “Vouchin’ for the Wicked”

Release Date: September 27, 2024
Host/Authors: Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi
Podcast Network: Broadway Podcast Network
Description: Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi dive deep into their favorite women in musical theatre, offering passionate discussions and heartfelt insights.

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1. Introduction to the Episode

Quincy and Kevin kick off Episode 61 with their signature enthusiasm, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on the highly anticipated “Wicked” movie adaptation. They express their excitement and eagerness to delve into the various facets of the production.

Notable Quote:

• Quincy [00:25]: “It really was no miracle. What happened was just this.”
• Kevin [00:26]: “We're here now vouching for the Wicked.”

2. "Wicked" Movie Adaptation: Split into Two Parts

The hosts address the decision to split the “Wicked” movie into two parts, a topic that has sparked considerable debate among fans. Quincy and Kevin explore the marketing strategies and audience expectations surrounding this choice.

Key Points:

• Awareness of Musical Roots: Both hosts agree that “Wicked” is unmistakably a musical, evident through its trailers showcasing singing and dancing.

• Comparison with Other Adaptations: Quincy draws parallels with the “Mean Girls” movie, noting the differing public reactions to their marketing approaches.

• Act One as a Standalone Film: They discuss how Act One of “Wicked” serves as a complete narrative, focusing on Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West, similar to how “Into the Woods” functions.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin [02:21]: “Morning is a mindset. I love it, Quincy.”
• Quincy [05:00]: “Act one works as a standalone film and story.”

3. Marketing and Trailer Analysis

Quincy and Kevin dissect the various trailers released for the “Wicked” movie, highlighting differences between international and domestic marketing materials.

Key Points:

• International vs. Domestic Trailers: The international trailer offers a more comprehensive Act One summary, incorporating elements of political unrest and the broader Oz storyline. In contrast, domestic trailers focus more on the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda without delving deeply into the overarching plot.

• Visual and Thematic Elements: They note the inclusion of key symbols like the rainbow poppy field and discuss how these visuals tie back to significant plot points from the musical.

Notable Quotes:

• Quincy [09:00]: “There has been a lot of collaboration with merchandise and toy companies.”
• Kevin [24:15]: “Something that always gets not forgotten is that Madame Marribel herself is an animal.”

4. Character Design and Costume Analysis

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the design and costumes of the characters, particularly Elphaba, Glinda, and Madame Morrible.

Key Points:

• Elphaba’s Evolution: Quincy and Kevin commend the costume designs, emphasizing Elphaba’s transformation in Act Two, showcasing her strength and magical prowess.

• Madame Morrible’s Portrayal: They discuss the enhanced depiction of Madame Morrible, highlighting the costume’s intricate details and the character’s more menacing presence compared to the stage version.

• Nessarose’s Representation: The hosts appreciate Nessarose’s portrayal, noting the attention to detail in her wheelchair design and costume, which underscores her character’s gentleness and complexity.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin [16:14]: “It's like a nice homage to the little gag he does where he steps up on the ledge.”
• Quincy [21:08]: “The bottom half of the bubble is representative of the fake technological magic that the wizard is capable of doing.”

5. Merchandise and Collaborations

The discussion shifts to the various merchandise collaborations tied to the “Wicked” movie, showcasing the marketing team's efforts to expand the brand’s reach.

Key Points:

• Monopoly Board Launch: Quincy expresses excitement for the “Wicked” Monopoly board, envisioning game nights themed around the film’s characters.

• Barbie Dolls: Both hosts delight in the release of “Wicked” Barbie dolls, from schoolgirl versions to more elaborate designs like the Ozdust collection.

Notable Quotes:

• Quincy [25:34]: “Personally, I am most excited for that Monopoly board.”
• Kevin [26:16]: “I want every single Barbie that's being. I'm thinking about going to Target this weekend and maybe just buying.”

6. Featurettes and Character Insights

Quincy and Kevin delve into the featurettes released for characters like Glinda, providing insights into their personalities and roles within the story.

Key Points:

• Glinda’s Characterization: They analyze the featurette lines, noting Glinda’s determination, flirty nature, and stylish demeanor. The hosts appreciate how these traits are being effectively portrayed through the character’s dialogue and actions.

• Elphaba’s Duality: The conversation touches on Elphaba’s complex nature, balancing her identity as wicked with her underlying bravery and misunderstood persona.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin [27:22]: “It’s the key to comedy, baby. Just say it like it's the truth and it'll be funny.”
• Quincy [29:49]: “And she's not that girl.”

7. Visual Storytelling and Symbolism

The hosts explore the symbolic elements present in the movie’s promotional materials, discussing how visuals enhance the storytelling.

Key Points:

• Lens Flare and Rainbow Imagery: Kevin points out the use of lens flare creating a rainbow as Elphaba flies, symbolizing the theme “Over the Rainbow” and foreshadowing key plot developments.

• Bubble Imagery: The depiction of Elphaba in a bubble symbolizes the interplay between genuine magic and the wizard’s technological illusions.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin [24:38]: “There's a lens flare that creates a rainbow in the exact path that she's flying.”
• Quincy [20:39]: “If Elphaba is a true witch and has real powers and the wizard is not, the bottom half of the bubble is representative of the fake technological magic.”

8. Personal Reactions and Anticipation

Quincy and Kevin share their personal excitement and anticipation for the “Wicked” movie, expressing their admiration for the production’s faithfulness to the source material.

Key Points:

• Reverence for the Source Material: Both hosts commend the production team for their deep respect and understanding of the original musical, ensuring that the movie remains true to its roots while expanding its narrative.

• Future Speculations: They speculate on potential future installments, merchandise, and additional featurettes, reflecting their enthusiasm for the franchise’s growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin [24:40]: “Lost my mind. It's just so good.”
• Quincy [30:22]: “I'm not that girl. Underscored. And it's. You know her as wicked.”

9. Conclusion

Quincy and Kevin wrap up the episode by reiterating their excitement for the upcoming “Wicked” movie and encouraging listeners to share their thoughts and engage with the podcast community.

Notable Quote:

• Quincy [31:27]: “So excited for this movie. Can't wait to see what else is coming out.”

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Key Takeaways:

• Dual-Part Movie Strategy: The decision to split “Wicked” into two parts is seen as a strategic move to maintain narrative integrity while expanding the story.

• Comprehensive Marketing: The marketing efforts, including diverse trailers and extensive merchandise collaborations, aim to engage a broad audience and enhance the film’s cultural footprint.

• Character Depth and Design: The movie’s character designs and costume choices are meticulously crafted to reflect the intricate personalities and backstories of the beloved characters, staying true to the original musical.

• Symbolism and Visuals: The use of symbolic imagery in promotional materials effectively foreshadows key plot elements and enriches the storytelling experience.

Quincy and Kevin’s passionate and detailed analysis offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the “Wicked” movie adaptation, blending their love for musical theatre with insightful commentary on the production’s creative choices.

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Note: All timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript provided.

Transcript

[Kevin]

Hi y'all.

[Quincy]

This is Kristin Chenoweth. Hi, I'm Gloria Stefan. This is Sara Bareilles. Hi, I'm Patti LuPone. This is Lin Manuel Miranda. You're listening to the Broadway podcast network. I have just been through hell and back. It is good to see me sing your song. I'm Quincy.

[Kevin]

And I'm Kevin.

[Quincy]

And this is Sentimental Men. We're here to talk and maybe scream.

[Kevin]

About our favorite women in musical theater.

[Unknown]

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[Quincy]

It really was no miracle. What happened was just this.

[Kevin]

The house and suddenly the hinging window hitch started to unhinge. Unhinge.

[Quincy]

Just then, a witch dissatisfying.

[Kevin]

For a.

[Quincy]

Hitch and oh, what happened was. Good morning, Kevin.

[Kevin]

Good morning, Quincy. Well, it's the afternoon, but good morning.

[Quincy]

Morning is a mindset. Morning is when you get out of bed.

[Kevin]

Morning is a mindset. I love it, Quincy. How could we not be jumping out of bed on a day like this when there is sun in the sky and so much wicked to talk about.

[Quincy]

We are so behind on Wicked movie discourse. Our apologies.

[Kevin]

Our apologies. No, I don't apologize for anything.

[Quincy]

You're right, I'm all was apologizing.

[Kevin]

No apologies. We're here now vouching for the Wicked. Okay, let's first begin, Quincy, with. I think this kind of rolls into a couple topics. There is continued conversation about. Nobody's ever happy with how any movie is advertised either. People are not happy that it's obvious enough it's a musical. People are not happy that it's obvious enough that it's going to be two parts. Okay. I feel like people know Wicked's a musical. That's my opinion. That's what it comes down to.

[Quincy]

Yeah, when I thought about it, I was like, Mean Girls movie was getting the same kind of blowback for not advertising was a musical.

[Kevin]

But that makes sense.

[Quincy]

To that I say one, sure, that makes sense because you're advertising mean girls, the IP property. Two mean girls was still a box office success, wasn't it? 3. Wicked is not like there's a book I know, but Wicked as anyone in culture knows it is Wicked the musical.

[Kevin]

Correct.

[Quincy]

It's not some IP that we took that wasn't musical before and are now advertising. Also. It's just fine and dandy. Also, they're singing throughout.

[Kevin]

They're singing throughout and like it's Ariana Grande. You know her to be a singer. You hear her sing.

[Quincy]

You know Cynthia Erivo to be a.

[Kevin]

Musical theater performer, you know the wizard of Oz to be a musical. I just like, I don't see the confusion. Like, I think people know Wicked is.

[Quincy]

A musical and you're hearing singing throughout the trailer. You're seeing dancing, obvious dance scenes in a way that I don't think Mean Girls did in their trailers. I don't find it to be an issue if anyone walks in there and is surprised. Surprised that they start singing. I think they haven't been paying attention.

[Kevin]

Yeah, I think they're very musical advertisements. Two parts.

[Quincy]

What are your thoughts on the two parts? Not well, it's a little bit of a moot point now because they recently Posted. Wicked Part 2 coming November 2023 yeah.

[Kevin]

But we always knew that Part 2 is like there's always been a release date on the books for Part two. Let me ask you this first. Do you feel like people are upset because they are expecting, anticipating all of it to be in one movie? Or do you think people are upset that there's not like an upfrontness about the fact that it's being split up?

[Quincy]

I actually can't unpack the reason.

[Kevin]

I think people just like to be angry.

[Quincy]

Why one would feel upset over this, either part of it.

[Kevin]

I agree. I'm glad we're both having trouble getting into the mindset of this.

[Quincy]

But what I will say is that from a marketing perspective, and if it is to be true, that they are just splitting it, act one is Part one and act two is part two. Then the promise. Oh, because people are saying it's like they're false advertising. But to me it's like all the trailers are promising to give you the story before Dorothy dropped in. That is act one.

[Kevin]

That is act one.

[Quincy]

Act one more so than act two. I think which is why supposedly most of the new material is in the part two of the movie. Act one works as a standalone film and story. You're getting the story of how the Wicked Witch became the Wicked Witch of the West.

[Kevin]

Correct. You're getting.

[Quincy]

Which by Defying Gravity, we see.

[Kevin]

Right. It's very like into the Woods. How you could take just act one and do into the Woods Junior.

[Quincy]

Yes, we know Wicked, the stage show in its entirety, but maybe we need to just reframe how we think about this.

[Kevin]

Yeah.

[Quincy]

And Wicked Part one, the movie is a standalone film and Part two is just going to be a sequel. As a sequel is after a movie is a success.

[Kevin]

Yeah. Yeah. And I also feel like as somebody viewing all of these like ads and things with a very like Wicked minded perspective, like, it's not like they're showing us things that are going to end up being in Act 2. Like, there's been a couple clips that I think, like you can kind of point towards happening in Act 2. But like, I don't feel like we're being sold the full plot of Wicked. I feel like we're being sold. The wizard and I, through Defying Gravity.

[Quincy]

Have we gotten a clip of like the wizard of Oz foursome in front of the Wizard? We have.

[Kevin]

Right, yeah. That's what I mean. Like, there's little things like that, but like, there's no. They're not selling us the plot of like Elphaba as the outlaw. Like on the. They're not selling us the Act 2 conflict at all. They're selling us. Elphaba is different. And then the wizard wants to meet her and then she discovers he has no real power and she sings. Yeah, like that. That in and of itself is enough plot.

[Quincy]

What is it down. Which to that logic, it even makes more sense. Cause imagine trying to sell all of Wicked the Musical's story. Correct. How do you do that in a succinct trailer?

[Kevin]

That's why they're not doing it. Because to sell Wicked, you have to kind of get people to undo their plot of the wizard of Oz. But then to sell Act 2, you then have to reinsert what they already know and have them on board with.

[Quincy]

What you've set up.

[Kevin]

Yeah, it's too confusing.

[Quincy]

I rarely am. Like, movies need to be in two parts, but I think this was a smart decision.

[Kevin]

I'm really excited.

[Quincy]

Especially because one stands alone. So. Well, like, what are you upset about?

[Kevin]

I don't know.

[Quincy]

That you get more Wicked.

[Kevin]

Boohoo.

[Quincy]

Make it five parts.

[Kevin]

Make it literally five Parts, six parts.

[Quincy]

I hope we get a trilogy. What comes after part two?

[Kevin]

Right when she pops her little head out at the end. Part 3.

[Quincy]

I want Elphaba on the run. Same Elphaba on the run. Streaming on only Disney on Peacock.

[Kevin]

I think this kind of leads us into another conversation I would like to have about all of the different trailers that are coming out. And I would like to start us with the point that so what first comes is the. Not first comes, but like. So with this international trailer that has come out that I feel like is selling advertising the, like, a very honest Act 1 plot summary of what the show is about. Whereas everything that we are seeing as Americans are very focused on, like, an element. It's like the friendship or like, here is the wizard component that you are familiar with. Or like, here is this Glinda featurette. So recently, I want to say in the last week or two, Quincy, we've been getting sent a lot the international trailer that came out. And I find that very interesting because I feel like a lot of the quote unquote, like, domestic trailers and the featurettes even are selling me wicked as a story about Elphaba and Glinda and their friendship, period. The international trailer is selling me wicked, the story of Elphaba and Glinda and their friendship. And also this, like, political unrest that is happening. Like, to see the Dr. Dillimond animal should be seen and not heard slide getting, like, flipped over and then seeing him getting pulled out. And there's just a little bit more of the corruption of the wizard. Like, you see Alpha or. I forget if it's Elphaba or Glinda saying it, but one of them is like, this is so much bigger than the two of us. They're really setting up the kind of overarching Oz plot as opposed to just the plot about these two girlies going from being roommates to enemies in the wizard of Oz. I feel like there's always a final trailer. I feel like we will know when the final trailer comes out. And I feel like that'll probably come out in October, sometime next month, I guess.

[Quincy]

Also now they start doing press in earnest. So the official marketing materials will all be supplemented by that.

[Kevin]

Yeah, I think our final trailer will probably be a lot more expansive like the international trailer is. I think it'll be more inclusive of all elements of Act 1.

[Quincy]

You know what I can't unsee, though? There's a kind of hero image they released of Ariana and Cynthia in front of a rainbow poppy field that's Kind of one of their key images. Every time I see that, I think of Jackie Burns and I think Amanda Jane Cooper in their pride paint.

[Kevin]

Like hair brush.

[Quincy]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kevin]

Okay, here, I've got them. I've got them. Number one.

[Quincy]

I got it up Dr. Zillow. They posted Ariana first.

[Kevin]

Oh, are you talking about these two?

[Quincy]

Yeah.

[Kevin]

Oh, yeah. Okay, so they posted those. I was thinking you meant they posted this one first.

[Quincy]

Oh. Oh, wow. Oh. So we got two solos of Arianna.

[Kevin]

We got two solos. Yeah. They put out these two, which feel very much like they are meant to be displays inside a movie theater lobby with the big word wicked in between them. But then they have these two, which feel more like they're meant to be actual posters.

[Quincy]

The first two that Kevin's talking about are the ones where they're on the banister. And the second two is when Cynthia is in her sleigh fucking outfit. Pants is legs out.

[Kevin]

Let's talk about Cynthia. Leggings, fishnet dress moment.

[Quincy]

Like, what's happening?

[Kevin]

Sexy. Act two, Elphaba is sexy.

[Quincy]

Powerful. This is giving act two Elphaba.

[Kevin]

Yeah.

[Quincy]

Could you make the argument that they're both giving Act 2? That the first set that were released of Ariana and Cynthia are kind of Act 1Y vibes, and then the second.

[Kevin]

Set, the banister ones.

[Quincy]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kevin]

Because the banister one of Elphaba, that one looks like she's in the one Short Day dress with the cape added on. Kind of like it looks like the stage one version of the Wicked Witch of the West. Whereas the second one is clearly elevated to the point of it being like, the quote unquote Act 2 dress.

[Quincy]

We did have someone reach out and say this first photo released of Ariana on the banister has Shiz University in the background. And that was upsetting because Glinda never is at shiz as Glinda the Good Witch on stage. Yeah. To that I say, we don't know how Oz is set up. Maybe Shiz is like in the town square where she comes down to do Let us be glad, Let us be grateful.

[Kevin]

Also, it's just like an advertisement. It's a composite image. Grow up. Like, they gotta get it in there somewhere. I also love in images like these character portraits to see the prop elements that they kind of stage around them. Cause even just seeing like this, all these, like, different, like, luggages.

[Quincy]

That's Glenda's luggage for sure.

[Kevin]

Yeah. Like I said, someone's got to do the dirty work. Someone's got to carry all that shit. Up the stairs to the private suite. All right, let's go. Nessa Rose. I think it's a cute little image. I love her costume interpretation.

[Quincy]

The wheelchair is very cute.

[Kevin]

The wheelchair, yeah.

[Quincy]

The wheel itself, it's all the attention to detail.

[Kevin]

Yeah.

[Quincy]

And she just looks sweet. Like, this Nessarose looks sweet and not hateful. And I'm so curious to see how her character develops throughout the course of the movies.

[Kevin]

Something that always, I feel like, gets not forgotten, but it isn't really brought up in the show, is that Nessa is the throp daughter that is of college attending age. Elphaba's the older sister. Nessarose is the one who is like, I'm 18 or whatever. However, it's determined that it's time to go to college in Oz.

[Quincy]

And she looks young. She looks young.

[Kevin]

She's that. Right, right. So to see a young ingenuity, Nessa Rose, I think that really is captured well in this image. And I hope we get then, like, act two character portraits for everybody a year from now with, like, a side by side of her in, like, the very state.

[Quincy]

Act two. Act two makeup.

[Kevin]

Yeah, yeah. Give. Give her a contour. Something else that I like about the Nessero's portrait is I like her shoes just because, like, her shoes are an important part of her plot. I like her little shiz shoes. Yeah. They just look special. Like, it's nice that. Yeah.

[Quincy]

Moving on to Bach.

[Kevin]

Moving on to Bach.

[Quincy]

Love that he's on a stack of books.

[Kevin]

Love it. Yeah. We've been studying.

[Quincy]

It's like, a nice homage to the little gag he does where he steps up on the ledge when he's talking to Glinda and walks through life on stage.

[Kevin]

I agree. I also, I love the inclusion of orange in his, like, wardrobe color palette, because it makes him stick out from the orange.

[Quincy]

I mean, he looks like a dweeb. He's dressed like a dweeb.

[Kevin]

Yeah. As he should be, which is so cute.

[Quincy]

And the, like, two short pants with the striped socks underneath.

[Kevin]

Yeah, it's cute.

[Quincy]

The clashing pattern of the bow tie and the vest.

[Kevin]

Yeah. Good job. Ethan Slater.

[Quincy]

I'm excited.

[Kevin]

Jeff Goldblum. No notes. No notes. What a perfect, perfect man. He's so hot. Like, you know when you watch a movie and it's like, even like this, it's like, oh, I'm supposed to believe this gorgeous actress is this, like, dowdy girl because she has a ponytail? I'm like, you want me to root against this man? You want me to think bad things about this.

[Quincy]

No, I'd be manipulated and deceived by.

[Kevin]

This wizard pro communism. Like control the railways, make your yellow brick road. Take advantage of my special skills. Do whatever you gotta do. You've got my vote.

[Quincy]

Oh my God.

[Kevin]

It's great. And I love the design of the wizard head. The big golden one feels like a perfect middle ground to me between the stage show and the mgm. I love it.

[Quincy]

Madam Marribel.

[Kevin]

You mean Agatha all along.

[Quincy]

Also Once upon a time abc. It's giving that.

[Kevin]

It is giving. Once upon a time. You're so right.

[Quincy]

But also it's implying that Madame Morrible is powerful and magical in ways that I don't feel like we get on stage. On stage she kind of goes a ding, ding, ding. And supposedly the weather's better. This looks like she's fucking shit up.

[Kevin]

This looks like she's fucking shit up. And this is introducing. It's like a tornado shape around her. It's twisting around her. So it's nice foreshadowing.

[Quincy]

Do you think the twister that kills Nessa is gonna like a giant purple lightning vibe?

[Kevin]

Yeah, I bet it'll that moment with a budget attached to like with like. Cause on stage it's just like a projection. Cause we have to move on with the plot. But when they can like devote a minute of screen time to this. I also like about Michelle Yeoh's costume, the one that they have her in here. That the bottom of the dress is also kind of like a twistery pattern. Like her costume, that robe or that co kind of looks like it's like wrapping up around her live. Yeah, she looks gorgeous. And I'm so obsessed with her white hair in this. I think it's so beautiful. It's such a good translation of like the vibe of her stage look.

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[Kevin]

No, no, Because I was turning in.

[Quincy]

A performance that would get standing of Asians. Excuse me.

[Unknown]

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[Kevin]

Also, a lot of elements in the book. In the Wicked novel, there's a lot of suggestion that Madame Marribel herself is an animal. Like, she's. She's very like fish like. And they describe her that way a lot. And I see that in this costume design as well.

[Quincy]

All right, this is the poster I want for my wall.

[Kevin]

I know it is. I know it is. It's so good.

[Quincy]

I mean, the pants.

[Kevin]

So good. The pants.

[Quincy]

I'm assuming this is our Fiero white pants. And I'll take it. It's great.

[Kevin]

I'll take it. Yeah. Yeah.

[Quincy]

I also love. Maybe this isn't what they were going for, but like, the pattern on the pants is giving a little tribal, which is a good reference to the book.

[Kevin]

Yes, I thought the same thing. Also, something that I've. A connection that I have made. I'm noticing in this picture the flowers. And it's reminding me of in the trailer. There's the scene of the flowers floating up and the students passing out, which is a throwback or a throw forward to the poppy field poppies will make them sleep. In the wizard of Oz, the scarecrow and the Tin man do not fall asleep in the poppy field. Because in that circumstances, I think it's. Cause they don't breathe. Cause they're not like humans or whatever. But the lion and Dorothy do fall asleep. And so then I just then get the echoes of like, what did you do back there? And why was I the only one you didn't do it to? And so then I think about the whole class falling asleep when she's levitating the poppies, but not Fiero and Glinda. And then later, when the Scarecrow and the Oz gang are going through the poppy field and Fiora doesn't fall asleep then either.

[Quincy]

I love this dress more and more every time I see it.

[Kevin]

It's so gorgeous. It's like. Yeah, it just looks so light and airy and floaty. I love this materialization of the bubble where it's a thing she stands in that bubbles around her like that. She's not just standing in a bubble, which is cool.

[Quincy]

Cause I think a lot of the magic, if Elphaba is like a true witch and has real powers and the wizard is not, the bottom half of the bubble, to me, is representative of the fake technological magic that the wizard is capable of doing. And then the Rest of the bubble gives a real magic sense, which Glynda does feel like she lives in that. Does she have powers? Does she not? What is her story?

[Kevin]

Right. Can magic be taught or does it have to be born with it? Are people born?

[Quincy]

Speaking of her wand, I guess is.

[Kevin]

What I'm asking, what do you think of her wand? Her, like, scepter wand? Yeah, I think it's pretty. I'm like, curious to see it in motion, if that makes sense. Like, it's so.

[Quincy]

It's 360 in a way. It's not on stage, obviously.

[Kevin]

Yeah. And it's like. I'm sure it glitters and sparkles in a way that an image isn't gonna capture. I love her popping it with the. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think she looks. I think she looks gorgeous. The more and more I see it, the better and better it gets. Ariana looks incredible too, in this picture.

[Quincy]

The body is bodying.

[Kevin]

The body is body. I know. The decolletage is so gorgeous. The hair color's perfect. It's really. It's great. It's great.

[Quincy]

Okay, now moving, which we talked about a little bit earlier, but the photo of Cynthia.

[Kevin]

Oh, wait. I also am just noticing too, that the background of Cynthia, the Emerald City in this character portrait is what's reflected in Ariana's bubble. The broom looks so like, of the earth. And like, you're saying if she's supposed to be this, like, natural sorceress with these powers that come from her, like, the broom doesn't look like a man made broom. It looks like a bunch of sticks warped, but to the point where I'm.

[Quincy]

Like, are we gonna get an origin of how this broom came to be? Because that's not just a broom that's sitting in a basement somewhere. You know what I mean? Like, why does it look like that?

[Kevin]

Yeah, I don't know. Maybe we will.

[Quincy]

And what is she serving? Is she serving pants with a dress over it?

[Kevin]

No, she's serving. I think. I think that's like stocking. I think that's like.

[Quincy]

It's powerful. She's grounded.

[Kevin]

It's powerful. It's really insane. The texturing on the bodice of this gown is unreal. And it's like such a. Like a little love letter to the Act 2 dress. But I remember reading a long time ago that Cynthia and Paul Tazewell worked together to like, capture the exact right energy for her quote, unquote, act two dress. And, like, seeing it in motion like this with, like. She looks like. She's like, Walking in this image and so like to see the dress kicking up around. Stop shredding.

[Quincy]

There's monkeys behind her.

[Kevin]

Yeah. It's so good. And she's in that field. I know she's gonna fly in that field. I'm sorry for who I become if. When she flies during the wizard and I. Quincy. I'm really sorry for who I become.

[Quincy]

These are all really, really beautiful. Bravo.

[Kevin]

They're really stunning. I wanna find. I wanna go to a movie theater where they're all, like, up big.

[Quincy]

The Beyonce Renaissance movie where, like, you get a little poster with your movie ticket.

[Kevin]

I hope so, too. I hope so, too.

[Quincy]

What do you think the popcorn buckets are gonna be like a witch's hat?

[Kevin]

Like a witch's hat or. There will probably be two. One that's the witch's hat and one that's her Glinda. Yeah, her Glinda.

[Quincy]

Oh, interesting.

[Kevin]

Oh, a bubble would be cute.

[Quincy]

Yeah. God.

[Kevin]

Something else that is new in the Wicked advertisements is in the latest trailer that was released, the inclusion of the do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do.

[Quincy]

Which I know you lost your mind over.

[Kevin]

Lost my mind. Lost my mind. It's just so good.

[Quincy]

And another point of, like, everyone making this movie has such reverence for the source material.

[Kevin]

Prince. Yes. That's the perfect word to use. I also clocked in that most recent trailer for the first time in that one shot that I'm fixated on where she's running in the field and she flies for a second. When in that shot, she's flying along, there's a lens flare that creates a rainbow in the exact path that she's flying, which then also makes me. Is my supportive evidence for the fact that I believe that she will be flying on the unlimited theme right over the rainbow.

[Quincy]

Okay. Wicked has also been announcing, dropping, collaborating with a lot of merchandise and toy companies.

[Kevin]

Correct.

[Quincy]

Personally, I am most excited for that Monopoly board. It looks so well done. And I just want to, like. I want us to do a game night with the former Elphabas where we all sit around and play Wicked Monopoly.

[Kevin]

Okay. Yes. Somebody send us one, please.

[Quincy]

Even the little figurines, they're like little witch hats and wands. Like, it's so fun.

[Kevin]

Yeah, it's very cute. It's very cute. I want every single Barbie that's being.

[Quincy]

I'm thinking about going to Target this weekend and maybe just buying. But I'm gonna buy, like, the slay ones. There's, like, Schoolgirl Elphaba and Glinda and Then there's Slay Elphaba and Glinda.

[Kevin]

Yeah, the Ozdust ones.

[Quincy]

Yeah.

[Kevin]

Yeah, you want the Ozdust ones. I do love the schoolgirl one, though. I just want my one that to.

[Quincy]

Serve a little, you know.

[Kevin]

Yeah.

[Quincy]

But I'm like, can I, a grown man, go and purchase two wicked Barbies and just, what, sit them on a hairdresser? Yes.

[Kevin]

I don't think you'll have been the first grown man to walk in and purchase those. I also love you get to hear through that Barbie doll. We can hear a little bit more of Ariana singing. Popular.

[Quincy]

Yeah, there's something. It's cool to hear. Like, she's singing it with her chest in a way that I don't think I was anticipating, but I'm very excited about.

[Kevin]

I can't wait to hear it.

[Quincy]

I know about Bar Mim. Should we talk about the Glinda featurette?

[Kevin]

Yes. Yes, we should.

[Quincy]

It's the lion. What are they saying? I'm gonna watch it really quick.

[Kevin]

You know her as good. She's also ambitious, popular, pink, whatever it is. Something like that.

[Quincy]

But she's also determined.

[Kevin]

Determined. There it is.

[Quincy]

Flirty, stylish and popular.

[Kevin]

I just wanna make that my new Instagram bio.

[Quincy]

She is so determined. Flirty, stylish and popular.

[Kevin]

So I've been told.

[Quincy]

Well, let's talk about her. It's good to see me, isn't it? Threatening.

[Kevin]

Threatening. Say it's good. You.

[Quincy]

I have just been through hell and back. It is good to see me. Sing your song.

[Kevin]

Sing. Answer me. Yeah, she. We get that line.

[Quincy]

You know, she's gonna shoot daggers at that girl who goes, is it true you were her friend?

[Kevin]

Not now. Yeah, not now. Shen. Shen. Wait. What?

[Quincy]

Stop.

[Kevin]

What? I also love the line reading. So I've been told. I don't know the context. I don't know what it's in response to, but I can tell it's gonna be a go to gif of mine for the rest of my life.

[Quincy]

She's a very. It's seeming like she's a very matter of fact Glinda, Even in all the line readings we're getting. Yeah, she's not really putting anything on top of it. She is just saying it. Which, like, isn't that.

[Kevin]

Which is the key to comedy, baby. Just say it like it's the truth and it'll be funny. And it goes back to. I mean, I think that clip of I give it away, but I Don't hate Anyone that much was like the perfect first clip of us to get of her performance. Because it's just that it's not. There's nothing added onto the joke. She's just saying it and that's making it so funny. And like, what's the other one that I love? I do not. But thanks for asking. Like, it's just so, like there's not even anything bratty about it. It's just like, no, I don't think this is fair. Thank you for being concerned with my opinion right now.

[Quincy]

Just so funny.

[Kevin]

It's so good. And it's like, it's good. I love that. That brings like a, like a cluelessness to her. Like a tone deafness rather than a meanness.

[Quincy]

You know what I hope they do for Elphabas?

[Kevin]

I hope it's.

[Quincy]

I'm not that girl. Underscored. And it's. You know her as wicked.

[Kevin]

As wicked, but she's also brave and bruised.

[Quincy]

This is me.

[Kevin]

She's also sad and serene and depressed.

[Quincy]

And misunderstood and gay.

[Kevin]

But she's not that girl.

[Quincy]

Not that girl.

[Kevin]

And muscular, I think that would be. And muscular. She's also.

[Quincy]

That'd be emotional.

[Kevin]

And then end it with ah.

[Quincy]

Because I'm like, what can you do for. Well, I mean, we'll see. Or maybe it's a wizard and I. No, save it.

[Kevin]

No, save it, save it. I think you're right. I think the way to do it is like you know her as wicked because everything they've been showing us so far is like I can do or you can do anything.

[Quincy]

I know, I know.

[Kevin]

Like I know. Oh, am I green? Like she's been so like self assured and everything we've seen so far. Yeah, you know her as wicked, but she's also quiet.

[Quincy]

If they do one of these for Fiero, bye.

[Kevin]

Well, we don't know him as anything, so I don't think we already had the Fiero featurette. Quincy.

[Quincy]

Oh yeah.

[Kevin]

Remember the newspaper?

[Quincy]

The newspaper. Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep, yep. Okay, slay so. Oh, I can't wait to see.

[Kevin]

I can't wait. I want more.

[Quincy]

Oh, there's a Madam Morrible Barbie.

[Kevin]

Yeah.

[Quincy]

Oh, Cynthia Schoolgirl Barbie is kind of slay.

[Kevin]

Yeah, that's what I was referencing. I like this one shot. There's one shot of it like, of the doll where she's like over the shoulder she looks. So I took a screenshot of it because it's so stupid. This one, like, to me that's just like when I hear someone talking about wicked and I'm like, like.

[Quincy]

That'S funny. So excited for this movie. Can't wait to see what else is coming out. Let us know your thoughts, questions, concerns. We'll be back on Mike soon.

[Kevin]

Very soon.

[Quincy]

All right, talk to you later.

[Kevin]

Bye.

[Quincy]

You've been listening to Sentimental Men.

[Kevin]

We'd like to say a big thank you to our editor, Anthony Appetangelo, and.

[Quincy]

A special thanks to Mikayla Reynolds and Julia DeMarzo, our photographer and logo designer.

[Kevin]

And of course, thanks to everyone at the Broadway Podcast Network.

[Quincy]

You can find Sentimental men on Instagram, TikTok and Xentmenpod, or you can email.

[Kevin]

[e-mail] till next time.

[Quincy]

I'm Quincy.

[Kevin]

And I'm Kevin.

[Robert Peter Paul]

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 vpn, host of the Art of Kindness, a podcast that spotlights people in the arts who make the world, well, you guessed it, kinder. From icons like Carol Burnett 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]

Woop woop.

[Robert Peter Paul]

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 VPN fm aok. And I do hope you're doing as a okay as you can. Let's build a kinder world.

[Quincy]

Aw.

[Robert Peter Paul]

Audio hug.