Headline: 'Wicked:' Production Designer Unveils Inspiration and Collaboration
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Warner Bros.' eagerly anticipated adaptation of the Broadway musical "Wicked" has been in the works for over two decades. The task of translating the beloved stage production to the big screen fell upon Oscar-nominated production designer Nathan Crowley.
In a recent screening hosted by Variety, Crowley shared his close collaboration with director Jon M. Chu. Together, they aimed to push the design boundaries and create a truly immersive and magical realm through intricate set construction.
Crowley expressed his love for practical building, emphasizing the camaraderie and physical demands of working with the crew. He described the process as "overwhelmingly good fun."
Oscar-nominated producer Marc Platt, who brought "Wicked" to life on Broadway, saw this adaptation as his most personal project. Platt's initial encounter with Gregory Maguire's novel inspired him to envision its potential on screen.
While the show's Broadway debut took place in 2003, it took over two decades to materialize as a film. Platt attributed this delay to a desire to honor the characters and their devoted fanbase.
The film's cast members, including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, also recognized "Wicked's" cinematic potential. Grande, portraying Glinda, admitted to being a longtime fan of the musical. She emphasized the importance of exploring the character's emotional depth beneath the comedic surface.
Erivo, who plays Elphaba, described filming the iconic "Defying Gravity" climax as both joyful and challenging. She stressed the significance of conveying the character's pain and resilience. Grande echoed this sentiment, highlighting the profound emotional weight behind her performance.
The intense preparation for the roles involved months of vocal and physical training. Erivo and Grande dedicated themselves to mastering their performances, including singing in harnesses at high altitudes.
Despite the challenges, the cast and crew expressed their love for the project. They described the experience as a labor of love that has resulted in a truly unique and cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical.