‘Wicked’ Is a Sensation. But Is It Good? Plus: The Top Five 21st Century Musicals.
Nov 25, 2024
auto_awesome
Juliet Litman, head of production at The Ringer and pop culture expert, joins the discussion alongside Malcolm Washington, writer and director of 'The Piano Lesson.' They explore the mixed feelings surrounding the film adaptation of 'Wicked,' its cultural significance, and potential Oscar prospects. The duo also ranks their top five 21st-century musicals. Malcolm shares insights on transforming August Wilson's work into film, the influence of his Hollywood legacy, and the broader themes of identity and resilience in storytelling.
The hosts express mixed feelings about the film adaptation of 'Wicked,' highlighting its cultural significance and box office success.
They discuss the evolving challenges of adapting beloved musicals for the screen, balancing respect for the source material with innovation.
The conversation includes speculations about 'Wicked's' Oscar chances and its potential to win Best Picture.
Sean and Juliet rank their top five favorite musicals of the 21st century, showcasing their personal tastes in the genre.
The episode features Malcolm Washington, who shares insights on adapting August Wilson's 'The Piano Lesson' into a cinematic experience.
Deep dives
Introduction of The McShay Show
The McShay Show is introduced as a year-round video and audio podcast dedicated to NFL draft information. The host discusses the structure of the episodes, which will air twice a week, featuring discussions about player rankings, movements, and insights into what NFL teams should be attentive to. Listeners can expect reactions to college football playoff polls and previews of weekly matchups. Emphasizing a love for college football, the podcast aims to engage fans consistently throughout the year.
Podcast Structure and Content
The podcast is structured to provide comprehensive insights into the NFL draft process, including big boards and mock drafts. Each week, there will be dedicated episodes reacting to player movements and performance in college football. The host hints at entertaining discussions alongside notable friends from the football community, enriching the listening experience with varied perspectives. This format aims to keep listeners engaged and informed about the ever-changing dynamics of NFL talent.
Engagement with College Football
The speaker expresses a strong passion for college football, reflecting on the excitement it brings to fans and how integral it is during the season. They plan to analyze and discuss college football games, focusing on how those performances influence NFL team strategies. Engaging with college football playoff polls will also be part of the discussions, ensuring that listeners are kept in the loop about important developments. The podcast aims to bridge the gap for fans transitioning from college to professional football.
Live Reactions and Insights
A segment of the podcast will feature immediate reactions to Saturday's college football games, allowing the host to share fresh insights shortly after the events. This highlights a commitment to staying relevant and offering timely commentary on current trends in college football. Listeners can expect a dynamic and lively breakdown of the day’s events, adding a layer of excitement to the podcast. Such reactions will help create a connection between fans and the unfolding drama of the sport.
The Influence of Bank of America
The episode is presented by Bank of America, showcasing their digital tools designed to empower clients in managing their finances. The concept of 'yes and' is introduced, emphasizing a mindset that allows for balancing desires, such as setting up entertainment spaces while planning vacations. This narrative draws in listeners by highlighting the importance of financial decisions in achieving personal goals. The association with Bank of America reinforces the podcast's professional tone and credibility.
State Farm's Personal Price Plan
Another sponsorship spot for State Farm discusses their Personal Price Plan, which focuses on helping clients streamline their insurance decisions. The ad emphasizes the importance of personalized service and coverage options tailored to individual needs. By using relatable and friendly language, the sponsor aims to connect with listeners on a personal level. This is coupled with the classic sentiment of reliability that State Farm promotes, positioning the brand as an integral part of listeners' lives.
Transition to The Big Picture
The episode transitions from The McShay Show to The Big Picture, where the host engages in a conversation about the latest trends in film. The discussion centers on recent cinematic releases, particularly the adaptation of beloved stories into movies. The conversation introduces notable guests who share insights about their experiences and views on the evolving landscape of film. This transition aims to capture the audience’s interest in both sports and film, showcasing the podcast's broader cultural relevance.
Discussion on Wicked
The hosts discuss the highly anticipated film adaptation of 'Wicked,' analyzing its box office success. The conversation explores the cultural significance of the Broadway musical and how its themes relate to contemporary society. The dynamics between the original musical and the new adaptation are examined, with thoughts on character portrayals and overall execution. This segment provides a thoughtful lens on how adaptations can evolve and resonate with a new audience while maintaining their foundational elements.
Reflections on Musical Adaptations
As the discussion on 'Wicked' progresses, the hosts reflect on the challenges of adapting musical properties for the screen. They emphasize that while many adaptations exist, the balance between honoring the source material and creating something new is critical. Conversations about what makes a successful musical adaptation weave through personal anecdotes and insights into the industry. The hosts also express hope for the future of such adaptations, wishing for innovation that respects the original while still being engaging on its own terms.
Sean is joined by Juliet Litman to discuss another highly anticipated 2024 release in Jon M. Chu’s ‘Wicked.’ They unpack their very mixed feelings (1:07), hypothesize why this movie is such a big hit (41:30), and forecast its Oscar chances by asking whether it could really win Best Picture (50:37). Then, they both rank their top five favorite musicals from the 21st century (58:58). Finally, Sean is joined by writer and director Malcolm Washington to discuss his new film, ‘The Piano Lesson.’ They talk about coming from a Hollywood family, what he hoped to attempt when given the chance to make this film, and turning August Wilson’s stage play into a bold cinematic experience (1:26:57).
