Wicked’s Impact: From Strictly’s Stage to Chicago’s Rooftop Cinema

Wicked Steals the Spotlight: From Stage to Screen

There are few musicals that possess the magnetic pull of Wicked. Its green-skinned heroine Elphaba and the dazzling spectacle of Oz have enchanted audiences worldwide, with each new adaptation or homage sparking fresh waves of interest. This week, the musical’s influence was felt on both sides of the Atlantic—on the glitzy dancefloor of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and amid the twinkling Chicago skyline at a rooftop cinema event.

Strictly’s Movie Week: A Nod to Wicked’s Legacy

Strictly Come Dancing’s much-anticipated Movie Week is usually a riot of costumes and cinematic nostalgia. This year, however, the show’s producers decided to give the proceedings a musical twist, centering the professional dance routine around Wicked—undoubtedly in honor of guest judge Cynthia Erivo, who is herself a star of stage and screen. The pro dancers took on the roles of Elphaba and Fiyero, though the absence of trademark green makeup left some fans scratching their heads.

Why this particular homage? Erivo’s connection to Wicked is strong, and her presence was designed to draw in musical theater devotees. Yet, as The Canary noted, the choice to use a song from the second half of Wicked (despite the second movie not yet being released) felt oddly out of sync. Karen, one of the show’s pro dancers, had even played a role in the Wicked film, making the homage both personal and slightly perplexing.

Movie Week, which is traditionally filled with movie references, seemed to blur the lines between musicals and films this time around. The result? A show that oscillated between earnest tributes and moments of genuine Strictly chaos—think awkward costumes, stretched themes, and dances that ranged from sublime to bizarre.

Behind the Glitter: The Dancers’ Journey

The night was a tapestry of highs and lows. Amber and Nikita’s American smooth, set to a song from The Sound of Music, wowed the judges and scored early nines—a rarity for week three. Meanwhile, Chris and Nadiya’s paso doble, themed around Thor, landed them in the bottom two, with judges feeling they’d been overmarked.

The evening’s emotional core came from La Voix and Aljaz, who tackled the waltz to «Feed the Birds» from Mary Poppins. La Voix’s struggle to reveal her authentic self through dance—while dressed as the bird woman—echoed Wicked’s themes of identity and acceptance. Judges praised the performance, acknowledging the vulnerability required to step outside one’s comedic comfort zone.

Ross and Jowita’s paso doble to the Thunderbirds theme was classic Strictly eccentricity. Ross joked he’d rather endure a kidney stone than dance the paso doble, a sentiment that resonated with anyone who’s ever faced a challenge outside their comfort zone.

Scoring controversies, format changes, and a mysterious illness sidelining Stefan and Dianne added further unpredictability. The show’s embrace of TikTok and viral moments—intended to lure younger viewers—sometimes felt forced, leading longtime fans to lament the loss of the show’s campy charm.

Chicago’s Rooftop Cinema: Wicked Under the Stars

While UK audiences debated the merits of Strictly’s musical mashup, Chicago’s Rooftop Cinema Club offered a different experience: an open-air screening of Wicked, bringing together fans for a night of community and nostalgia. Listed in the Chicago Reader’s event calendar, the screening was more than just a movie—it was a celebration of connection. Attendees gathered above the city’s bustle, sharing popcorn and stories under the autumn sky.

The rooftop event highlights how Wicked’s story, with its themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery, resonates far beyond the theater. Whether relived through dance on a televised competition or watched in the company of friends, its emotional core endures.

Wicked’s Cultural Resonance: Why Does It Endure?

What keeps Wicked at the forefront of popular culture? At its heart, the musical is more than spectacle—it’s a narrative of outsiders finding their voice. Elphaba’s journey, fraught with misunderstanding and struggle, is a mirror for anyone who’s ever felt out of step with the world around them.

This universality is what allows Wicked to cross boundaries, from the Strictly dancefloor to Chicago’s rooftops. The story’s adaptability—whether told through dance, film, or communal screenings—speaks to its lasting relevance. As new generations discover its magic, the musical’s message of embracing one’s uniqueness remains powerful.

Strictly’s Changing Format: Striving for Relevance

Strictly’s current season, in its quest for fresh appeal, has stretched its format with longer episodes and more viral content. The result, according to some viewers, is a show struggling to balance its roots with modern trends. The attempt to capture the TikTok generation sometimes sidelines the quirky, joyful essence that made the show beloved in the first place.

The tension between tradition and innovation is palpable. While the inclusion of Wicked’s music pays tribute to musical theater, some fans yearn for the “camp and silly” atmosphere of years past. The dance-off, featuring Ross and Balvinder, showcased the show’s ability to mix absurdity with genuine talent—reminding viewers why they tune in year after year.

The Verdict: Wicked’s Place in Contemporary Culture

As the credits roll on both Strictly’s Movie Week and Chicago’s rooftop screening, one thing is clear: Wicked’s influence shows no signs of waning. The musical’s ability to inspire, challenge, and connect people—whether through the medium of dance or cinema—proves its enduring appeal.

For fans old and new, Wicked remains more than just a spectacle. It’s a story of transformation, courage, and the power of standing out. In a world that often prizes conformity, its message is a breath of fresh air—whether experienced on a brightly lit stage or under a canopy of stars.

Wicked’s simultaneous presence on Strictly’s stage and Chicago’s rooftop cinema illustrates the musical’s unique power to unite audiences across continents and mediums. Its story continues to inspire personal reflection and communal joy, reminding us that even the most fantastical tales can hold a mirror to our own lives.