Wicked: For Good review – A final act that soars
The much-anticipated second and final instalment of Wicked: For Good has arrived, and while it may not convert every sceptic, it lands with a steady, emotionally resonant punch. The musical, anchored by its rich score and a sense of forward momentum, maintains the production’s signature blend of spectacle and heart, offering a finale that fans and newcomers alike can find stirring—even if the verdict on its transformative power remains divided among critics.
What works best: Ariana Grande and a consistently engaging score
At the center of the show’s appeal is Ariana Grande, whose performance is a standout element of this chapter. Grande’s vocal versatility—ranging from lighter, airy pop-infused lines to soaring, bel canto-style highs—helps lift sequences that might otherwise sag under the weight of their emotional demands. She’s not simply performing songs; she’s shaping moments of doubt, longing, and renewed resolve. The production benefits from her ability to make even familiar themes feel personal and immediate.
Musically, Wicked: For Good continues to deliver earworms that lodge in the listener’s memory. The songs carry narrative weight, advancing character arcs while still delivering big, crowd-pleasing refrains. The score tends to favor melodies that are both accessible and anthemic, creating a sonic bridge between the familiar material of the first act and the new emotional terrain of the finale. It’s not merely entertainment; it’s a continuation of the emotional throughline that the audience has followed from the start.
Character journeys and emotional stakes
The emotional core of the show remains its two lead figures and their evolving friendship, risk, and resilience. The ensemble shines in moments that require ensemble storytelling—harmonies that feel like a shared breath, precise blocking that underscores the stakes, and character choices that reveal the fragility and strength of trust. The second act leans into heart-tugging revelations and a sense of closure, inviting audiences to reflect on what the characters have endured and what they choose to become in the end.
Strengths: performance, pacing, and production design
One of the production’s strongest aspects is its pacing. The show moves with a confident tempo, balancing digital spectacle and intimate character work so that neither dominates at the expense of the other. The production design—lush costumes, imaginative set pieces, and a lighting design that shifts mood with surgical precision—consistently reinforces the emotional beats. The effect is a cohesive whole where visuals, story, and music feel inseparable, culminating in a finale that lands with sincerity rather than mere fan service.
Areas that may divide opinion
As with any sequel, expectations are high, and some critics may long for the spark that defined the first installment. The second part has a couple of narrative speed bumps and moments where the emotional payoff hinges on particular moments of recognition that may feel earned rather than inevitable. For some, the shift in tone and the height of the emotional arc could come across as orchestrated rather than organic. Yet even those who are wary will likely admit that the show remains a compelling and polished experience—especially for fans who have tracked the characters from the very beginning.
Conclusion: a worthy finale that sings
Wicked: For Good delivers a finale that is emotionally generous and technically precise. It may not win over every sceptic, but it offers a consistently engaging evening that resonates on a human level. Ariana Grande’s star presence is a key driver of the show’s appeal, ensuring that the final act feels personal, poignant, and, at times, truly magical. If you loved the first film’s energy and the musical’s warm, hum-worthy melodies, this sequel respects those instincts while confidently pushing the story toward a hopeful, cathartic close.
