Mickey-Jo attended an early screening of WICKED, the long-awaited film adaptation of the long-running, hugely popular stage musical currently seen both on Broadway and in the West End. After having shared his spoiler-free thoughts from an advance screening of the film earlier this week, Mickey-Jo is now bringing you his more detailed, spoiler inclusive review of the film discussing everything from changes to the plot, to the affected character arcs and even some exciting cameo appearances! The 2024 feature film, which is the first in a two part series, has been directed by Jon M Chu and stars Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, pop star Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Check it out and don't forget to share your thoughts about the film in the comments section below. • 00:00 | introduction 02:51 | overall thoughts 08:25 | plot + changes 17:12 | themes 23:15 | Cynthia as Elphaba 27:16 | Ariana as Glinda 32:28 | musical numbers 37:37 | supporting cast 44:15 | the cameos •

About Mickey-Jo:

As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

Tonight Mickey-Jo attended an early screening of WICKED, the long-awaited film adaptation of the long-running, hugely popular stage musical currently seen both on Broadway and in the West End. The 2024 feature film, which is the first in a two part series, has been directed by Jon M Chu and stars Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, pop star Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Check out this brand new *spoiler-free* review for Mickey-Jo's thoughts on the film, its aesthetics, its themes and its performances without the details that would prevent you from enjoying the experience for yourself when the film is released on November 22nd. Remember to keep your thoughts spoiler-free in the comments section! • 00:00 | introduction 02:49 | overall thoughts 05:46 | visuals 07:43 | pre-criticisms 08:53 | themes 11:14 | music 13:39 | performances •

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About Mickey-Jo:

As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

One of a handful of new musicals to open on Broadway this month is TAMMY FAYE, the musical story of the life of the controversial evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. Having seen the show's world premiere production at the Almeida Theatre in London in 2022, Mickey-Jo was eager to catch the show's New York transfer at the recently refurbished Palace Theatre. This new production, directed by Rupert Goold stars Olivier Award winner Katie Brayben alongside Tony Award winners Christian Borle and Michael Cerveris, with a score by Sir Elton John and Jake Shears and a book from James Graham. Check out this full review for Mcikey-Jo's thoughts on the show's Broadway evolution, and why it fails to practice what it preaches. • 00:00 | introduction 02:51 | overview 10:13 | material 17:10 | production 23:36 | performances •

get in person / live stream tickets to see MickeyJoTheatre LIVE at the Phoenix Arts Club: https://phoenixartsclub.com/events/mickeyjotheatre-live/

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get in person / live stream tickets to see MickeyJoTheatre LIVE at the Phoenix Arts Club: https://phoenixartsclub.com/events/mickeyjotheatre-live/

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About Mickey-Jo:

As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

On Mickey-Jo's most recent trip to New York, one of the many new musicals he saw was MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, and it instantly became his favourite Broadway show. The musical, which first premiered in South Korea, and has been written by Will Aaronson and Hue Park, stars Darren Criss and Helen J Shen as a pair of retired robots who go on a road trip together. Check out this full review to find out why Mickey-Jo loved this show so much, as well as which creative choices make it feel like a charming animated film! • 00:00 | introduction 02:27 | history, synopsis 12:19 | material, creative choices 24:50 | performances •
get in person / live stream tickets to see MickeyJoTheatre LIVE at the Phoenix Arts Club: https://phoenixartsclub.com/events/mickeyjotheatre-live/

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get in person / live stream tickets to see MickeyJoTheatre LIVE at the Phoenix Arts Club: https://phoenixartsclub.com/events/mickeyjotheatre-live/

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About Mickey-Jo:

As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

Mickey-Jo is currently in New York City on a trip motivated largely by the current concert staging of RAGTIME at New York City Center. The annual gala presentation production stars Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz and more, and features a striking score including 'Wheels of a Dream', 'Back to Before', and 'Make Them Hear You'. Check out this full review for Mickey-Jo's thoughts on this production, the material, the sublime cast, and even the viability of a Broadway transfer. • 00:00 | introduction 03:25 | material / history 11:37 | this production 20:28 | the performances 31:39 | the future

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get in person / live stream tickets to see MickeyJoTheatre LIVE at the Phoenix Arts Club: https://phoenixartsclub.com/events/mickeyjotheatre-live/

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About Mickey-Jo:

As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

One of the most anticipated shows of Mickey-Jo's most recent trip back to New York has been the new production of ROMEO & JULIET at The Circle in the Square Theatre on Broadway. This new staging of the show is directed by Sam Gold and stars Kit Connor (Heartstopper) and Rachel Zegler (West Side Story). Check out this full review for his thoughts on the new production, its popular stars, as well as the inevitable comparison to the West End production earlier this year which starred Tom Holland... • 00:00 | introduction 03:17 | context / synopsis 08:40 | this production 20:56 | creative choices 30:04 | performances •

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get in person / live stream tickets to see MickeyJoTheatre LIVE at the Phoenix Arts Club: https://phoenixartsclub.com/events/mickeyjotheatre-live/

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About Mickey-Jo:

As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

This week Mickey-Jo had the opportunity to sit down with the composer Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, The Wild Party, Big Fish) to discuss the upcoming European premiere of his theatrical work: I AM HARVEY MILK. The piece will have two performances on Sunday 27th October at Cadogan Hall in London and will star Joel Harper Jackson and Sierra Boggess, with Vanessa Williams and Alex Jennings hosting a performance each. Check out the full interview for their conversations about his body of work, musical tributes to Stephen Sondheim, reflections of his own personal journey in I Am Harvey Milk and some astonishing revelations about events in the show's history. Comment down below with who you'd love to see Mcikey-Jo interview next! •

book tickets to see I AM HARVEY MILK: https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/i-am-harvey-milk-in-concert/ get in person / live stream tickets to see MickeyJoTheatre LIVE at the Phoenix Arts Club: https://phoenixartsclub.com/events/mickeyjotheatre-live/

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About Mickey-Jo:

As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

Based on the novel by Terry Ronald, the musical BECOMING NANCY has recently opened at Birmingham Rep in the UK and features a book by Elliot Davis and a score from Stiles and Drewe. The show stars Joseph Peacock as David Starr, a boy cast unexpectedly in the role of Nancy in his school production of OLIVER! He is supported by a talented cast including Rebecca Trehearn, Genevieve Nicole, Paige Peddie, Joseph Vella, Stephen Ashfield, Richard Meek, and more. Check out Mickey-Jo's thoughts about this brand new production, currently receiving its UK premiere in this brand new review. • 00:00 | introduction 01:50 | synopsis 05:52 | the material 16:01 | the production 24:29 | the performances •

get in person / live stream tickets to see MickeyJoTheatre LIVE at the Phoenix Arts Club: https://phoenixartsclub.com/events/mickeyjotheatre-live/

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About Mickey-Jo:

As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre