NO REST FOR THE WICKED

Costume designer Paul Tazewell's work in Wicked is a testament to how thoughtful design can enrich storytelling

- Words PRATIKSHA ACHARYA

From the moment Dorothy Gale was swept away by a Kansas twister into the fantastical world of Oz, generations of viewers were spellbound. The 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz introduced us to ruby slippers, the Yellow Brick Road, and, of course, the Wicked Witch of the West. Clad in her iconic pointy hat and riding a broomstick, the Wicked Witch became the archetype for evil sorceresses, cementing her place in popular culture. But what if there was more to her story than what met the eye?

Gregory Maguire's Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West reimagined the witch not as a villain but as a misunderstood antihero. The novel inspired Wicked, the Broadway musical that has since become a cultural phenomenon, earning the distinction of being the second highest-grossing Broadway production of all time, surpassed only by The Lion King. Over its two-decade run, Wicked has captivated millions with its dazzling score, rich storytelling, and vibrant costumes. But when it comes to film adaptations of beloved stage musicals, the results often fail to live up to the magic of the live theatre experience.

Enter Jon M. Chu, the visionary director behind the cinematic adaptation of Wicked. With an ensemble cast featuring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathon Bailey as Fiyero and Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz, Chu's Wicked is sure to break the mould. At the heart of this ambitious production is a key ingredient to its success: the costumes, helmed by the legendary Paul Tazewell, whose portfolio includes Hamilton, West Side Story, and now, Wicked.

A TOUCH OF MAGIC

Bringing the fantastical world of Oz to life on the big screen posed a unique set of challenges for Tazewell, who had to balance honouring the original Wizard of Oz film, staying true to