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I saw “Wicked” and finally understood all the songs I’ve been singing for over a decade

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Kanye West introduced me to “Wicked.” Not in person, after all, but many moons ago a video of Kanye West surfaced in the studio fiddling with the rhythm with a sample of the song “Popular”, sung by Kristin Chenoweth, who played Glinda in the original solid recording of the Broadway musical “Wicked.” As far as I know, nothing ever got here of this rhythm – nor should it have; so far as Kanye’s productions go, it felt more like a throwaway at this point – but the sample was so intoxicating that I had to listen to the source material. I looked it up on (probably) Spotify and the rest is history.

I love a good musical. While this will likely be problematic for many reasons, I still take heed to “Hamilton” in the automobile and on the TV. I know all the Disney musicals and have made my kids love musicals too. We are a dramatic, singing house. “Wicked” was my jam. After finding the Wicked soundtrack, every single day I would hop into my 2008 Dodge Magnum – with the Hemi – plug in the aux cable and let the songs transport me and my daughter to the wonderful world of Oz. There was just one problem: until recently, I literally had no reference points for what was really happening in the show.

While I loved the soundtrack, I never made it to Broadway (or anywhere else for that matter) to see the play. I desired to, but for some reason I didn’t go to see it. So despite knowing the words to all the songs and singing “Defying Gravity” at the top of my lungs at a stoplight, causing confusion amongst various driving demographics in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, with none clues from the lyrics, the plot was a bit lost for me.

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So you may imagine my joy when I came upon that the film adaptation of “Wicked” was hitting theaters. I was much more excited because the two foremost characters, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are powerful singers, which appeared to me to be based on songs I knew. Well, I finally watched the movie – and baby, it’s me.

First of all, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba? It worked. Phew, Chile. Ariana Grande looked like she had a great time playing the role of Glinda, also generally known as Galinda. Plus, as a kid who grew up watching The Wizard of Oz on VHS, it was pure pleasure to have a story that explained the history of so many things. I love a good narrative reframing and reimagining, so I’ll all the time be impressed by a super creative addition to an already compelling fiction. That’s why I’m so completely happy that Percival Everett won the National Book Award for his bestselling novel “James,” a retelling of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” from Jim’s perspective.

Watching Elphaba’s story was each emotional and insightful. Gaining access to the inner workings of a person’s mind, their journey and discovering how a good person “goes bad” shall be an investment ten times out of ten. Damn, I was rooting for the Wicked Witch throughout the entire movie. By the end of the movie I desired to burn Oz myself. It also made me rethink the opening scenes and the opening song “No One Mourns the Wicked”, you already know, perspective and all that jazz.

In hindsight, this really touched me because (I assume EVERYONE knows that the Wicked Witch of the West is killed in The Wizard of Oz) the movie opens with the entire community – Munchkinland – excitedly celebrating the death of Elphaba, who (spoiler alert ) As we learn, he got here from the same streets and was principally a freedom fighter who opposed the system and then became an enemy of the state. In fact, she would most definitely fight tooth and nail for these people. Seeing her burnt effigy after learning what we learned moved me. I’m not saying I cried, but I’m not saying I didn’t cry either. It’s complicated; leave me alone.

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That’s why I cannot wait for Wicked Part II to be released next yr; because I have to see where (perhaps if?) things modified. At the end of the first a part of “Wicked”, Elphaba realizes that she must forge her own path based on her morals and principles, and since she has learned about all the fiction behind the mythology of Oz – a discovery that Dorothy may even later make. How far people will go to keep up a lie and their evil ambitions, Elphaba discovered; her powers and abilities make her a threat, and the power structure in Oz was ready, willing and capable of publicly insist on characterizing Elphaba as just that – a danger. I wonder if I’ll still be rooting for her in the same way at the end of the next movie.

All I know is that I want more repetition, thought, and villain perspectives. For example, Disney did a good job; the entire “Descendants” film series, featuring the fictional children of Disney’s most famous villains, brilliantly pulls back the curtain (pun intended) behind the stories of the misunderstood and unfairly judged.

While I’m waiting, Elphaba is above every thing, darling. Defy gravity, girl! Defy gravity!


Panama Jackson theGrio.com

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

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“Sinners” by Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler is the number 1 at the ticket office, earning $ 45.6 million at the opening weekend

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As expected, the film “Sinners” by Ryan Coogler, with the participation of Michael B. Jordan, was an enormous success at the ticket office at the opening weekend. According to Diversity“Sinners” reached first place at the ticket office, earning about $ 45.6 million in the USA and $ 15.6 million abroad, which is $ 61 million of their global debut.

“When we still try to introduce a number of films to filmmakers, we are glad that Ryan Coogler Sinners’ original film (…) resonated with the audience in such a star way,” said in an announcement Mike de Luca and Pam Ryan Abdy Ryan Ryan Bros. Motion Picture Group for a thr. “Movies have the power to transport us to the worlds seen only on the big screen, and Warner Bros. Pictures remains involved in providing individual experience in the theater among viewers looking for bold films, both original and based on beloved existing real estate.”

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“Sinners” not only defeated “Minecraft Movie” from place 1, but apparently it is also the best starting of the original film since Jordan Peele’s “US”, who reached $ 71.1 million at the opening weekend in 2019. However, money sales should not the only thing that makes Coogler’s film observed. When negotiating the production of a movie with studies, Coogler reportedly asked to take care of the final reduction of the film, the percentage of revenues from the money register, and not waiting for a return, and most significantly, Property of “sinners” 25 years after its release.

“My uncle James was from Mississippi, he was born there and raised. I was very close to him and was my introduction, my point of entry into the blues (because) listened to him when I spent time with him,” explained Coogler. “After my death in 2015, I listened to CDs with a renovated perspective and a desire to understand my uncle again, although he was not here anymore. And thanks to these research I found the motivation to make this movie.”

(*1*)

With an almost ideal rating at Rotten Tomatoes, vampires Horror tells everyone talking. In 1932, Mississippi, “Sinners” appears in Jordan in double roles as an identical twins that smoke and piles that return to his hometown to open Juke Juke. But things are taken by an unexpected phrase when the great opening of dual entrepreneurs, which was to be full of music and fun, is interrupted by vampires. Delroy Lindo, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku and Pękaw Miles CatonThe sinners make clear the blues delta, spirituality and way more.

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Storm Reid: Actress and spokesman for diversity in entertainment

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2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards - Red Carpet

Storm Reid has been in the industry for over 10 years, with a complete variety of performances recognized by critics already in its CV. He can also be famous for its cooperation with the predominant brands, speaking about representation and other vital problems and difficult standards in the entertainment industry.

Learn more about this shiny star, in this movies and television programs Storm Reid, its origin and its spokesperson.

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Cultural origin and heritage

Los Angeles, California – 27 February: Storm Reid participates in the Essence Black Women in Hollywood in Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Essence) – credit: photo Leon Bennett / Getty Images

Storm Reid was born on July 1, 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia. Her father comes from Jamaican and African-American origin, and her mother has African-American and European-American origin.

Impact of identity on skilled elections

Storm often chooses movies and television programs that tell black narratives. In “When the sees us” by Ava DuverNay, Storm plays the figure of Lisa, who’s in a relationship with one among the Central Park Five, five African -American teenagers falsely convicted of raping a white woman in New York.

Representation in the media

Talking to the Instyle magazine, Storm says that he chooses projects as a chance to “represent people and situations of insufficiently represented.” Together with the mother and sister, co -founder of Seed & Wings, a production company that gives greater high -quality roles for black contractors.

Spokeswoman for diversity in entertainment

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Storm Reid takes part in the premiere of Los Angeles “The Last of Us” on the Village Theater Regency on 09 January 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo of Rodin Eckenroth/Wireimage)

Fans love a storm for difficult industry standards and attempt to make film and television industries more positive places.

Impact on industry standards

Storma was open to improving standards in the entertainment industry, especially for African -American women. For example, she said that she continues to be to be done for television and film scenes to be an environment that features black hair. Thanks to its huge supporters, such comments can affect the industry and encourage studies to make positive changes.

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Change of narrative in film and television

One of probably the most famous roles of Storm is Meg Murray in Disney “A Wrinkle in Time” based on the book Madeline L’Engle. The film, also organized by Ava DuverNay, as the primary with a budget of $ 100 million directed by an African -American woman, which is a major change in the entertainment industry.

By promoting the film, Storm said:

“We all inspire girls in color and African-American people to see that they are powerful, and know that they can be on the screen-that they are not only a stereotype and can be much stronger that they can see and believe.”

Noteworthy performances

Met gala in 2024
New York, New York – 06 May: Storm Reid participates in the MET 2024 Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reavning Fashion” on the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024 in New York. (Photo Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images) – credit: photo on Dipasupil / Getty Images

Despite the proven fact that he’s so young, Storm already had a powerful profession in the entertainment industry. There can also be far more for fans, including the cooperation of Storm Reid and TEYANA Taylor and a brand new series made by the manager director called “Jazzy Jumpers”.

Roles in regards to the turn

After appearing on the tv program “A Cross to Bear” Storm switched to a big screen in which he appears in the film “12 years of slave” from 2012 and the “Sleight” superhero. From there, she took the leading roles in which “Wrinkle in Time” perform with Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mandy Kaling.

Early awards for her acting are the Storm Reid’s Rising Star Award award in the course of the second annual Bether Awards dinner.

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Recognition and recognition of critics

One of probably the most respected roles of Storm is Gia Bennet in “Euphoria”, the HBO series, in which Zendaya also appears. (Storm won’t appear in the “Euphoria” season.) She also demanded attention after appearing in the episode “The Last of Us” “Left Behind”, which was broadcast in 2023. Storm won each the unique Emmy and Black Reel Award for its role.

Cooperation and partnerships

21. Annual film festival African American Martha's Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts – August 08: Storm Reid participates in the “Jazzy Jumpers” panel in the course of the twenty first AFRICAN AMERICAN MARTHA’s Vineyard Film Festival on August 8, 2023 at Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. (Photo Nick Hunt/Getty Images for MVAAFF) – credit: photo Nick Hunt / Getty Images

Like other stars, Storm has been cooperating with various organizations for years, especially in the cosmetics industry.

Kiss Colors & Care Initiative initiative

In 2024, the textured Hair brand Kiss Colors & Care announced Storm as the most recent brand ambassador, and the star says that she was enthusiastic about cooperation with the corporate and celebrates “confidence, expressing herself and the beauty of diversity.” Thanks to the partnership, Storm hopes to encourage other people to simply accept the “uniqueness” of their beauty and “express themselves fearlessness.”

Other significant projects

Storm is a brand ambassador in Prada and appeared in many promoting campaigns of the corporate. He also designs the Pacsun swimsuits line and has previously worked with New Balance.

A task model for beginner actors

USC DRAMATIC ARTS DRAMAT Center Ceremony and a great opening
Los Angeles, California-28 March: Storm Reid speaks on the DRMA DRMATIC Arts Dramatic Arts ceremony ceremony and an excellent opening on the Duramatic Center of the USC School of Dramatic Arts on March 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo of Amy Sussman/Getty Images) – credit: photo of Amy Sussman / Getty Images

In addition to the favored film star, Storm has change into a job model for individuals who need to enter the industry.

Strengthening the following generation

According to Bombshell, Storm has a positive impact on young and aspiring actors and actresses because of its composure, intelligence and spokeswoman in social issues:

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“He is constantly using his platform to speak about public issues, including misleading and less diversity in Hollywood. She is also a supporter of mental well -being and strengthen the position of women.”

Inspiring various talents

Storm Reid often talks in regards to the representation in Hollywood and cooperates with creators promoting diversity, equivalent to Ava DuverNay. Speaking of his role in “Wrinkles in time”, says:

“The representation is everything. If I was younger, if I saw meg as myself, Meg would strengthen me and inspire me and make me save the world. So have these characters and be able to be that for young African American girls or only young people in general.”

Personal observations and philosophy

Premiere of Los Angeles Amazon MGM Studios "Challengers" - arrivals
Los Angeles, California – April 16: Storm Reid participates in the premiere of “Challengers” Amazon Mgm Studios in Westwood Village Theater on April 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo Monica Schipper/Getty Images) – credit: photo Monica Schipper / Getty Images

Here are some Storm quotes with diversity and inclusion and how he juggled a successful profession as an activist.

Views for diversity and inclusion

  • “Diversity should be forever; it should be a normal thing.”
  • “I just think that women should be treated equally, not only in this industry, but in all industries, because unfortunately we are not.”

Balancing a profession and activism

  • “Fortunately, I do not have to act just to work. I can be very, very special with projects in which I will decide to be part. We, the actors, have a duty to tell representative stories and representing the world. I really feel that way.”
  • “I feel that we have the opportunity and the platform – not all of us, but many of us in Hollywood at the moment – say something. Say something in our art, is in a sense selfish.”

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The “The Greenwood Avenue Project” document honors Tuls’s stories, which the textbooks have forgotten

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Black older have all the time been our griots, passing stories not only to recollect, but to guard – truths often ignored from textbooks and conducted by talks on the porch and Sunday dinners. One hundred years after one in all the darkest chapters in the history of America, “Greenwood Avenue project” He sends these voices to the fore, visiting the massacre in the Tulsa race from 1921 and honoring immunity, which still pulsates the Greenwood community.

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Directed by Karen Reese and Terry Baccus, the film intertwines personal testimonies, historical context and contemporary reflections right into a story that extends beyond the tragedy and shows “a journey from devastation to recovery.” For Reese, the first documentary approach not only creates a way of connection, but in addition sheds light by force of telling stories.

“(This) the power of your history,” she said, explaining how, unlike other documents, the Greenwood project distinguishes people no matter their status or stars. “For me (plan) was about going to the community and just choosing your ordinary people and saying that you have a story. Meet and tell this story.”

Often known as “Black Wall Street”, Greenwood was once a blooming black community in Tulsa in Oklahom, until May 31, 1921, when a white crowd, many related to Ku Klux Klan, decimated the district in a terrifying 18-hour assault-extinguishing a whole lot and shifting hundreds. And for a long time, the massacre was faraway from the mainstream history. Now that the current administration continues the efforts to erase the black story, the creators of “Greenwood Ave Project” emphasized the importance of those stories for younger generations.

“I would like the document to be used as a didactic tool,” Reese explained. “A workbook was created to accompany the document. And it can be something that is embedded in the school system.”

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“Because they want to try to take Dei, they want to take these stories, it is important that we remind our children that … our story did not start with slavery,” Wayne S. III repeated. “It is important that our children understand what happened so that they can prepare. So if they see something, they can say:” Hey, we will not let it occur again and we are able to do something about it. ”

Through what Reese described as “small films in the film”, the document shows the power and meaning of the community in addition to maintaining the history and memories of our ancestors.

“I encourage people to stream and do something that is personal to them,” summed up Wayne S. III. “Here are so many things that happen in our community that either we tell them stories through our families … It is a way to convey this story to people so that they can see what is really going on (and hopefully) say,” You know what, I would like to do higher. I would like to be higher. ”

The 1921 federal probe.

“The Greenwood Ave Project” is now available for rent/possession on all digital, cable and satellite platforms in North America, in addition to on DVD.

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