Wicked will likely never win over skeptics or those who have an allergy to earnestness, but longtime devotees of the admittedly silly but big-hearted musical will fall in love bringing newcomers into their club.

Is it enough for Wicked to be a better version of those live-action Disney remakes, one with more tactile sets, defter direction, and better leading performances? Maybe.

Indulgent and unwieldy as it is, Wicked is a thrill, at times wildly funny, heart-soaring, and ultimately inspirational in spite of itself.

If Wicked doesn’t win you over at first, you’ll be completely smitten by the final ‘AAAHHAAAYHUUAAAHAAA!’. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be counting down the days until part two.