Good News! The Arlington Museum of Art will present
an exclusive collection of costumes from the Universal film Wicked (2024), starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande
Arlington, TX (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Following the release of the highly anticipated film, the Arlington Museum of Art will debut a collection of costumes from Wicked (2024) celebrating the artistry of the costume design and twenty-one years of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked. One of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked (2024) makes its journey to the big screen this holiday season as a spectacular cinematic event. On the surface, Wicked is the origin story of how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West and Galinda Upland became Glinda the Good. It’s a story of an unlikely friendship between two young women—one ostracized, one adored — and how the untapped power of one will reshape their lives and Oz, forever.
Wicked is based on the musical stage play with music and lyrics by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz and book by Tony and Emmy nominee Winnie Holzman (creator, My So-Called Life), from the novel by Gregory Maguire. The film’s screenplay is by Willie Holzman and Winnie Holzman & Dana Fox (Cruella, The Lost City). The film’s score is by Grammy and Oscar® nominee John Powell (Solo: A Star Wars Story, How to Train Your Dragon) & Stephen Schwartz.
“Costuming and filmmaking is an exciting form of visual art and storytelling. The AMA is always excited to showcase the work of these artists, especially in our free community gallery spaces. We hope to see emerging designers, filmmakers, and other visual artists come to enjoy these costumes from such a universal story”, says Kendall Quirk, AMA Director of Exhibitions.
Academy Award®-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell was thrilled to revisit the world of Oz, a world deeply embedded in his professional and personal history. Having designed five productions of The Wiz, including NBC’s The Wiz Live!, Tazewell was no stranger to the world of Oz. “With this background, I felt empowered to dive into this world that was reflective of many elements of my creative brain,” Tazewell says. “Using costumes to tell stories and create characters is what truly excites me.”
Wicked Threads: The Artistry of Costume in Oz will open in the Arlington Museum of Art community art space on January 17, 2025 and close April 27, 2025. A private opening reception for members and donors will be held on January 16, 2025. The exhibition will be free to the public, no tickets will be required for entry.
Curated by the Arlington Museum of Art the exhibition will feature original costumes, props, and images from the film Wicked (2024), provided by NBCUniversal Archives & Collections. Highlights from the exhibition will include Glinda’s “bubble” dress and Elphaba’s “Defying Gravity” costume.
Brent DeRaad, President & CEO of Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau says, “The Arlington Museum of Art consistently delivers outstanding exhibits to Arlington residents and visitors and this Wicked (2024) exhibit continues that trend. We hope customers enjoy this free exhibit and buy tickets for the Museum’s current exhibits while there.”
“The Arlington Museum of Art is always proud to bring exciting new exhibits to Arlington and its visitors. We hope fans of Wicked (2024), costuming, and film enjoy seeing the new versions of these iconic costumes”, says Arlington Museum of Art President & CEO Chris Hightower.
About the Arlington Museum of Art
The Arlington Museum of Art is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to championing creativity and providing access to art for the educational enrichment and cultural development of the community. arlingtonmuseum.org
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