Wicked Features Subtle Dorothy Reference in “Dancing Through Life”

Wicked has captivated audiences globally with its rich narrative and memorable music, and one of its standout tracks features an intriguing nod to Dorothy Gale. This beloved character is set to make her anticipated appearance in the upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good. The original film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, not only achieved critical acclaim but also garnered the prestigious Golden Globe for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. Wicked has solidified its status as a groundbreaking musical on the silver screen.

In this adaptation, viewers follow Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo), whose transformation into the notorious Wicked Witch of the West unfolds against the backdrop of the Emerald City and its events leading up to Dorothy’s arrival. Although Dorothy appears briefly at the film’s start, her role is expected to expand in the sequel, where clever references hint at her significant journey in Wicked.

The “Dancing Through Life”Tornado Wheel in Wicked

Fiyero’s Entrance with “Dancing Through Life”

Fiyero's performance in Dancing Through Life

Fiyero Tigelaar, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey, joins Shiz University with an air of charm and rebelliousness that draws everyone’s attention, particularly that of Glinda (Ariana Grande-Butera). His carefree attitude towards academics and penchant for fun are on display in the upbeat number “Dancing Through Life.”This iconic song features a thrilling performance within the Shiz University library, where Fiyero showcases impressive acrobatics in the library’s unique rotating section.

Watch “Dancing Through Life”Here

Known as the Tornado Wheel, this spinning section of the library played a crucial role in the musical sequence. Standing at an impressive height of 45 feet and spanning 180 feet in length and 145 feet in width, the Tornado Wheel was meticulously engineered to accommodate the demanding choreography of the performance. Cinematographer Alice Brooks emphasized the importance of the wheel, stating that the success of “Dancing Through Life”was integral to the overall impact of the film.

Wicked’s Tornado Wheel: Connecting to Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz

The production team behind Wicked faced various challenges while filming the “Dancing Through Life”segment on the Tornado Wheel. Christopher Scott, the film’s choreographer, noted the significant safety considerations involved, particularly regarding Jonathan Bailey’s stunts within the wheel. Bailey himself recounted the intense physical demands of maneuvering through the Tornado Wheel, acknowledging it as one of the toughest aspects of the performance.

This innovative Tornado Wheel not only enhances the musical’s vibrant atmosphere but also serves as a clever reference to Dorothy’s impending arrival in The Wizard of Oz. The narrative intertwines as Dorothy is swept away by a tornado, ultimately leading to her house crushing the Wicked Witch of the East—a backstory that Wicked further explores. Fiyero’s dramatic entry through the Tornado Wheel mirrors Dorothy’s own unforgettable entrance to the Land of Oz. While Dorothy’s exact role in Wicked: For Good remains unconfirmed, the existing references provide fans with exciting hints about the narratives that intertwine both storylines.

Sources:
Broadway World,
Vanity Fair,
Entertainment Weekly,
Collider

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