The smell of popcorn hitting you the second you walk in, people whispering “I can’t believe that just happened,” and holding your breath during an intense scene are just a few things that you could have experienced if you went to the Malden Teen Enrichment Center (MTEC) field trip on November 26th to watch “Wicked: For Good”, the sequel to “Wicked” which released in 2024.
Those participating in the field trip had to sign up prior for the event at the MTEC, located at 7 Washington St. Malden. This is often a key hang out spot after school for students, as they provide food, quiet spaces, and an array of activities for students to participate in before heading home.
Before the field trip took place, a screening of “Wicked” was provided on Monday, November 24th, so that everyone going to see the second movie could watch the first one if they had not already seen it.
Sophomore Cortez Thou elaborated on his thoughts while watching both movies, “I saw that Elphaba was mistreated and people didn’t like her. It was more like how she ended up becoming friends with Glinda and set things up for the second movie, but I feel like the first Wicked had way more drama than the second.”
On the day of the field trip, MTEC provided participants with a ride to AMC Theaters at Assembly Row. As you entered the establishment, there were promotional cardboard cut outs of Glinda and Elphaba, the main characters of the Wicked series, allowing students to have the opportunity to take pictures. Before going to sit down and watch the movie, most people ran over to the food area to buy snacks and drinks. Snacks are essential, especially when the movie is two hours long.
What makes a trip like this so unique is that it establishes connections through entertainment. Going to the theaters is already fun on its own, but being able to see the movie with a group of friends adds value to the experience.
The whole group reacts together, laughs together, and gasps together; the experience becomes more memorable rather than watching it alone. Field trips like this offer opportunities not just to see a movie, but to strengthen bonds and friendships, as well as creating shared memories that people will talk about long after the movie ends.
It’s a great way to meet new people too; you might find out you have the same favorite character as someone you barely knew before. You could find yourself discussing the different themes that appear throughout the movie. You might even see the movie through someone else’s eyes just by hearing their take on something you interpreted differently. These moments create a connection in a way that only a shared experience can.
In addition, “Wicked: For Good” combines storytelling, music, and performance which serves as a reminder of how powerful creativity can be. Experiencing it on a big screen with a group encourages everyone to think about filmmaking, theater, and storytelling with new appreciation.
Whether you are a long time fan of the Wicked series or new to the story, getting the opportunity to go with friends to the theater is a great experience that hopefully more people can be a part of in the future by utilizing the resources at MTEC. It’s a blend of excitement, creativity, and connection that will leave you with something to remember even after the final scene fades to black.
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