“ Wicked ,” part one of the long-awaited screen adaptation of one of Broadway’s longest-running musicals, has a bevy of seasoned experts in the musical genre both in front of and behind the camera. The film is directed by Jon M. Chu , who previously received critical acclaim for his movie version of Lin Manuel-Miranda’s “In the Heights.
” Leading the cast as Elphaba is Cynthia Erivo, a Tony winner for “The Color Purple,” while her love interest Fiyero is played by Jonathan Bailey , an Olivier Award winner for a role in a London revival of “Company.” And beyond being one of the biggest pop stars of the last decade, Ariana Grande is a theater kid at heart who got her start in showbusiness in the ensemble of tween musical “13.” But in two key roles are actors who are probably the most familiar faces for cinephiles and moviegoers — but not ones known for breaking out in tune.
Playing a more sinister version of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is Jeff Goldblum , who fronts his own jazz band “The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra” but who’s best known musical role is as one of Rachel’s dads in “Glee.” And playing the devious Shiz professor Madame Morrible is Michelle Yeoh , who is a complete newbie to the genre entirely. Speaking to IndieWire before she had seen the final cut of the movie, Yeoh professed that “I don’t know whether I’m in fear or excited.
” “’Wicked’ has been around for two decades, and it’s quite loved,” Yeoh said to IndieWir.