"I’ve always loved musicals and Wicked has always been a special one," Outreach and Inclusion Coordinator and applied engineering junior Katie Winkler said. "I had this event planned out like six months in the making. I was like I have to do a Wicked event leading up to the release."

Since the first Wicked movie starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, came out last November it has had a strong hold on pop culture. The move introduces audiences to the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. Learning this backstory may challenge how The Wizard of Oz fans to see the Emerald City. 

"Personally, I’ve never seen Wicked, but I’m willing to because of the representation of Elphaba, especially with her hairstyle being braids," communication sophomore Zahara Johnson said. "I think that’s a really huge achievement as black people because we’re not represented in fantasy media as often."

Even before the Wicked movies took over the box offices, the grasp the Broadway show had on the musical theater fans is what makes this release so memorable. Bringing a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the original theater production. 

"I love everything Wicked," communications, leadership, and strategy and entrepreneurship sophomore Chrissy Anderson. "This is getting me in the spirit to see part two, and with Thanksgiving and everything coming up this event is perfect."

UAB events bring students together from all across Michigan State University’s campus. Showing up and being able to make new friends with other students who share similar interests helps take away the stressors from the week. Participating in activities like karaoke and craft making is what made "A Wicked Night" such a hit. 

"I kind of showed up on a whim but I thought it would be a good time," applied engineering freshman Jordan Newton said. "I just haven’t been out on campus as much as I wanted to, and so I thought I would meet some new people and just have a good time."