2025 Golden Globe Awards: Red Carpet Review (Kinda)

Last night was the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, and although I did not watch the ceremony, I eagerly followed the online postings of the various fashions on the red carpet. But just for a change of pace, instead of posting my own descriptions and critiques, I thought it would be interesting to post information about (and from) the designers and stylists. Stylists not only accessorize the celebrities' looks, but they frequently work with the designers to create or select a particular gown, and they rarely receive the credit due them. Ditto for the hair and makeup teams! Also, I discovered a number of sketches of the custom designs that ended up on the red carpet, which I found fascinating, and I hope you will, too! 

Since the vast majority of outfits fell neatly into the categories of black, white, red, or metallic, I have grouped them that way here, plus a few in the "miscellaneous" category. Also, with only one or two exceptions, I have included only the female nominees, cast members of nominated shows, and presenters, because there are PLENTY of them! 

And because I just couldn't help myself, I added a quick note of my opinion of each look. 

Black (and Midnight Blue and Deep Brown)

Who: Abby Elliot 

Why: Cast member of The Bear, nominated for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy

Designer: Monique Lhuillier

Stylist: Unknown; hair by Scott King, make-up by Lilly Keys

Description: Midnight blue-black gown featuring a pearl-encrusted rounded neckline and straps and a full, high-waisted skirt with a deep overlapping side front slit. 

Accessories: Black pumps and clutch, and a fabulous pair of long pearl earrings that echoed the neck details. 

My Take: A pretty look, but the scooped neckline makes her look very short-waisted, and overall it's just a bit bland. 

Who: Allison Janney 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television for The Diplomat

Designer: Christian Siriano

Stylist: Tara Swennen, hair by Jill Crosby, make-up by Marie DelPrete, nails by Lisa Pena Wong

Description: Midnight blue halter gown with dropped shoulders and a fit-and-flare silhouette with a short train. 

Accessories: A short diamond necklace by YEPREM, Jimmy Choo shoes, and a small black clutch. 

My Take: I love the necklace over the collar of the dress, and the only thing I would change about this look is to go back to Janney's dark chestnut hair. 

Who: Awkwafina 

Why: Presenter, 2020 winner for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Motion Picture for The Farewell

Designer: Jenny Packham

Stylist: Unknown

Description: Long-sleeved black column with squared-off shoulders and gold trim outlining a trio of triangular semi-sheer gold-studded panels in the bodice.

Accessories:  Sleek, straight, center-parted hair and diamond earrings.

My Take: For someone who doesn't have a "standard" Hollywood figure, this is a great look. She just needs to improve her posture a little. 

Who: Cristin Milioti 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television for The Penguin

Designer: Rodarte

Stylist: Bailey Moon, hair by Clayton Hawkins

Description: Black velvet sheath topped with stylized leaves with just a touch of sparkle. The gothic feel of the dress tied in to her dark, mob wife role in The Penguin. 

Accessories: Opera-length black velvet gloves topped with matching stylized leaves, long diamond and emerald drop earrings by Boucheron, a pair of large rings worn over the gloves, and sleek, center-parted hair. 

My Take: I love this look. I would love to add a green clutch to tie in to the gorgeous earrings and add one more touch of color. 

Who: Cynthia Erivo 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for Wicked

Designer: Louis Vuitton (custom)

Stylist: Jason Bolden, make-up by Joanna Simkin, nails by Shea Osei

Description: The black and silver dress featured a short architectural skirt over a long A-line skirt, intended to mimic the shape of Elphaba's hat in Wicked.  

Accessories: Erivo's super-long signature nails, painted and bejeweled in shades of green and pink, plus a pair of large diamond rings. 

My Take: I love the fabric and the concept, but between the low-cut bodice and the large hip detail, the viewer's eye is pulled away from her face. Move some of that visual weight back upwards and this look is a winner. 

Who: Fernanda Torres 

Why She Was There: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for I'm Still Here

Designer: Olivier Theyskens

Stylist: Antonio Frajado

Description: High-necked, long-sleeved flowing black column with diagonal velvet bands, slightly puffed overlong sleeves, with a high side slit and an unexpectedly revealing open back. 

Accessories: Large loop earrings and multiple diamond rings by Fernando Jorge. 

My Take: It's a lovely silhouette, but the overall look is blah. Add some iridescence or color to those diagonal bands and it would look much more interesting and youthful. 

Who: Gal Gadot 

Why: Presenter

Designer: Giorgio Armani Prive (custom)

Stylist: Karla Welch, make-up by Mary Philips, hair by Jacob Rozenberg, nails by Shigeko Taylor

Description: Black silk, high-necked, long-sleeved gown featuring an open back, asymmetrical side cutouts, and oversized pearls at the waist.  

Accessories: Diamond earrings by Tiffany & Co.

My Take: I don't love the giant pearls at the waist, and I wish the shoulders were more squared-off (as shown in the sketch), but it's not a bad look. 

Who: Glenn Close 

Why: Presenter, 2021 nominee as Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for Hillbilly Elegy

Designer: Balmain

Stylist: Jessica Paster

Description: Long-sleeved, jewel-necked black velvet column embellished with a handwritten love letter from Olivier Rousteing, Balmain's Creative Director, written in silver and crystals. 

Accessories: Black gloves, black and silver clutch, long diamond drop earrings.

My Take: This look is classy, flattering, and has an interesting story behind it. Winner!

Who: Jackie Tohn

Why: Cast member of Nobody Wants This, nominated for Best Television Series - Musical of Comedy

Designer: Christian Siriano

Stylist: Laura Schuffman, hair by Derek Yuen, make-up by Mai Quynh

Description: Spangled black sleeveless minidress with plunging neckline and flared skirt, worn over a sheer floor-length trumpet skirt with short train.  

Accessories: Wavy center-parted hair and small diamond earrings. 

My Take: The overskirt is too short and full, and the long underskirt is too sheer. Doesn't work for me. 

Who: Janelle James 

Why: Cast member of Abbott Elementary, nominated as Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy

Designer: Christian Siriano (custom)

Stylist: Katya Giles Netter, make-up by Carla N. Rosso-Neal 

Description: Black velvet gown with a modified sweetheart neckline with raised points and a short, narrow train.

Accessories: Matching black velvet opera gloves topped with a pair of diamond cuff bracelets. Jewelry by Neil Lane jewelry, bag by Jimmy Choo, shoes by Christian Louboutin. 

My Take: The bodice is riding just a hair too low, but otherwise this is a fantastic look. 

Who: Jennifer Coolidge 

Why: Presenter, 2023 winner, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television for The White Lotus

Designer: Aje

Stylist: Rudy Mance, hair by Scott King Hair, make-up by Jo Baker, nails by Temeka Jackson

Description: Black ruffled ankle-length prairie dress with long puffed sleeves and v-neck. 

Accessories: Narrow gold belt, black heeled sandals, metallic gold clutch, and long blonde wavy hair.

My Take: Too casual, and too frumpy. She deserves something prettier and more flattering. 

Who: Jodie Foster 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television for True Detective: Night Country

Designer: Dior

Stylist: Unknown

Description: Slightly flared black sleeveless column, featuring an embroidered pearl collar around the round neckline and armscyes and down the front of the dress. The embroidery was created by the Chanakya Atelier and took 100 hours to make; the dress itself took 250 hours. 

Accessories: Sleekly bobbed hair.

My Take: It's pretty and suits her style, but it would be more flattering if the silhouette were less flared and nipped in at the waist just a bit. 

Who: Justine Lupe

Why: Cast member of Nobody Wants This, nominated for Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy

Designer: Prada

Stylists: Rebecca Ramsey, hair by Barb Thompson, makeup by Tracey Levy

Description: Two-piece midnight blue trumpet dress. The bodice features a squared-off neckline with narrow straps, a barely flared reverse-curved peplum, and rhinestone detailing at the hip. The skirt is fitted to the knee before flaring to the floor. The skirt also features a straight train lined in white. 

Accessories: A single cuff bracelet and center-parted long hair. 

My Take: This is a pretty and flattering look. The only change I might make is to make the lining of the skirt a soft silver instead of stark white, to tie in to the silver detail on the bodice. 

Who: Kate Hudson 

Why: Presenter, 2021 nominee for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for Music

Designer: Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera

Stylist: Marc Eram

Description: Strapless midnight blue A-line ballgown with beaded and embroidered striping.  

Accessories: Short diamond and sapphire necklace and earrings by Bulgari and a blonde updo. 

My Take: This is classic Hollywood glamour at its finest, and that necklace is to DIE for. 

Who: Kali Reis 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television for True Detective: Night Country

Designer: Jovana Louis (custom)

Stylist: Mickey Freeman, hair by Richard Norman Grant, make-up by Tay Rivera

Description: Tailored black suit with flared pants and long double-breasted jacket with brass buttons and satin lapels, over a white dress shirt with extended folded-back cuffs and a black satin necktie. 

Accessories: Butterfly rings and long earrings by Jennifer Younger Designs.

My Take: The flare of the pants is just a hair out of proportion with the rest of the look, but in general  it's a great silhouette and works well on her. 

Who: Kathy Bates 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Drama for Matlock, and presenter

Designer: Unknown

Stylist: Unknown

Description: Waist-length beaded charcoal dinner jacket with a cinched waist, slightly raised collar, and overlapping curved front with wide-legged black tuxedo pants. 

Accessories: Navy Sneex, a sneaker-stiletto hybrid made from leather, suede, and mesh, touted by Oprah (lower photo), a black beaded evening bag with gold and gemstone chain handles, and a retro half-up "bumped" hairstyle. 

My Take: Give those sneakers a chunky heel for added comfort, and maybe throw a little bling to make them look less sporty, and this whole outfit is a dream red carpet look for me. 

Who: Keira Knightley 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Drama for Black Doves

Designer: Chanel

Stylist: Leith Clark, make-up by Kate Lee

Description: Black slip dress with spaghetti straps, adorned with 23,000 silver sequins, rhinestones, and crystals, a small bow and a rosette on the bodice, and a high ribbon belt finished with feathers over a pleated silk peplum. The lacquered jersey skirt was slim and slightly flared. The ensemble took 300 hours to make. 

Accessories: A sleek, smooth bob, a black manicure, and several diamond rings. 

My Take: There's a reason the empire waist slip dress is Knightley's go-to look. I don't love the feathers, but otherwise this is a hit for me. 

Who: Liza Colon-Zayas 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television for The Bear) 

Designer: Christian Siriano (custom)

Stylist: Unknown

Description: Short-sleeved, boat-necked black spangled mermaid gown with long tulle ruffles at the hem and feathers at the shoulders and on the bodice.

Accessories: Diamond bracelets, a short diamond necklace, and diamond drop earrings by Zales Jewelers. 

My Take: The cap sleeves give a little bit of a frumpy vibe. But I like the silhouette and it's just the right level of sparkle. 

Who: Michelle Yeoh

Why: Cast member of Wicked, nominated for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy AND Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, and presenter. Also because she is freaking MICHELLE YEOH. 

Designer: Balenciaga

Stylist: Hair by Renato Campora, make-up by Soo Park

Description: Sleeveless, black trumpet gown made of crinkled, wrapped fabric with a high neck embellished with pleated tulle and feathers, and a short train. 

Accessories: Large earrings and rings by Cartier, a large watch by Richard Mille, and baby doll bangs with a chignon. 

My Take: She's a goddess. *chef's kiss*

Who: Miley Cyrus 

Why: Nominee for Best Original Song - Motion Picture for "Beautiful That Way" from The Last Showgirl) 

Designer: Celine

Stylist: Bradley Kenneth, hair by Bob Recine, makeup by James Kaliardos

Description: Clingy black halter-style dress with an open back and criss-cross cut-outs in the front, embellished with silver and rhinestones edging the cutouts and plunging neckline and forming straps at that crossed at the back. 

Accessories: Matching strappy rhinestone sandals by Celine, a twisted topknot with long curtain bangs, and, as she arrived, a cool pair of Celine sunglasses. 

My Take: I really like this look. It's sexy but classy and somehow still suits her rebellious style. 

Who: Naomi Watts 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television for Feud: Capote vs. The Swans

Designer: Schiaparelli Haute Couture (custom) designed by Daniel Roseberry

Stylist: Jeanann Williams

Description: Strapless black velvet fitted gown with a sweetheart neckline and mille-feulle detailing beginning just below the knee, which involves stacking hundreds of individual petals made of pale pink organza. 

Accessories: Earrings by Hassanzadeh Jewelry and an asymmetrical flipped blond bob. 

My Take: Yeah, no. 

Who: Pamela Anderson 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for The Last Showgirl

Designer: Unknown

Stylist: Pamela Anderson

Description:  Sleeveless black gown with a wide square neck, draped front, wide straps, and a full skirt with a straight, rectangular train falling from the waist to the floor. 

Accessories: Black satin opera gloves, diamond necklace and cuff bracelets by Pandora, black satin clutch, straight blond hair with curtain bangs, and zero makeup except lip gloss, which has been Anderson's signature style for several years. 

My Take: I love the new Pamela. The other thing I might change is to go with sheer black gloves for some visual lightness. 

Who: Quinta Brunson 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy for Abbott Elementary

Designer: Roberto Cavalli Couture (custom) designed by Fausto Puglisi

Stylist: Jessica Paster, hair by Alexander Armand, make-up by Kasha Lassien, nails by Temeka Jackson

Description: Deep brown velvet figure-hugging column with a plunging sweetheart neckline, narrow straps, and a short back slit, accented with hand-embroidered crystals and beads, described by the designer as "sleek and body-conscious".  

Accessories: Marcelled hair, earrings and rings by Levian.

My Take: I generally think of Quinta Brunson as being short and stocky, but not after seeing her in the gown. Va-va-va-voom!

Who: Sarah Paulson 

Why: Presenter, 2021 nominee for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama for Ratched

Designer: Elie Saab

Stylist: Karla Welch

Description: Form-fitting black strapless gown accented with black marabou across the sweetheart neckline and edging a peplum that fell to a train in the back, with tiny off-the-shoulder rhinestone straps.  

Accessories: Diamond necklace, black satin clutch, straight center-parted hair.  

My Take: This dress is relatively ugly in still photos, but I came across a video of Paulson wearing it and I actually liked the way the marabou floated and moved. So I'm giving her a thumbs-up. She's certainly done much worse. 

Who: Sofia Vergara 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television for Griselda

Designer: Georges Chakra

Stylist: hair by DJ Quintero, make-up by Sabrina Bedrani

Description: Strapless black mermaid gown with wrapped spangled detailing over the bodice and to the hip. 

Accessories: 140-carat diamond necklace by Lorraine Schwartz, 28-carat pear-shaped diamond earrings, and a 7-carat diamond ring.  

My Take: The lines of this dress are simply gorgeous, and don't even get me started on that necklace. Fantastic.

Who: Zoe Saldana 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for Emilia Perez

Designer: Saint Laurent

Stylist: Petra Flannery, hair by Mara Roszak, make-up by Vera Steimberg, nails by Amy Ruiz

Description: Brown-black sequin column with a plunging sweetheart neckline.

Accessories: Matching silk taffeta cape, long diamond necklace and matching earrings, sleek center-parted bun. 

My Take: Saldana is SO thin and slight that she looks like a shapeless twig without the cape. But with it, she looks lovely. 

White (and Nearly White)

Who: Anna Sawai 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Drama for Shogun

Designer: Dior (custom)

Stylist: Karla Welch, make-up by Yukari Obayashi, skin prep by Ivan Polard

Description: Two-piece dress including a leather bustier with front peplum and satin-leather wraparound skirt with rectangular train from waist to floor. The ensemble required 450 hours to make.

Accessories: Vintage Cartier 4-strand diamond choker, a single diamond ring, and a long ponytail with a loose tendril. 

My Take: A beautiful look, and beautifully accessorized. 

Who: Auli'i Cravalho

Why: Presenter

Designer: House of Gilles

Stylist: Jessica Paster, skin prep Kirin Bhatty

Description: Two-piece white dress with a fitted satin corset bodice with narrow straps, a sweetheart neckline, and a scalloped hem, with an oversized tropical flower on one shoulder, over a floor-length, gauzy, crinkled broomstick skirt. 

Accessories: Diamond necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings.

My Take: This is such a lovely look, even with the giant flower. I would wear this dress (although maybe with a slightly smaller flower). 

Who: Emma D'Arcy 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Drama for House of the Dragon

Designer: Alexander McQueen

Stylist: Unknown

Description: White double-breasted cutaway jacket with stylized lapels, bell sleeves, paired with wide-legged black tuxedo pants and a white dress shirt. D'Arcy has stated that the look was inspired by the character of E.B. Farnum of the series Deadwood (played by William Sanderson).

Accessories: Diamond earrings and three large rings by Boucheron, a buckle in lieu of a bow tie, a lace-trimmed handkerchief, pointy-toed black shoes, simple hairstyle, and minimal makeup. 

My Take: The overlong length of the sleeves and hugely full pants create a bit of a sloppy feel, but a minimal amount of tailoring and this would be a terrifically avant garde look. 

Who: Hannah Einbinder 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television for Hacks

Designer: Louis Vuitton (custom), designed by Nicholas Ghesquiere

Stylist: Jamie Mizrahi, hair by Jerrod Roberts, make-up by Molly Greenwald

Description: Single-shoulder white flared column with a wide draped detail at the top of the bodice, falling to form a short train.  

Accessories: Diamond earrings and a smooth updo with a few loose tendrils. 

My Take: It's not a good color on her, but the lines are terrific. Replace the draped detail that falls to the floor with a pastel panel and it would look beautiful AND beautiful on her. 

Who: Kate Winslet 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for Lee AND Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television for The Regime

Designer: Erdem

Stylist: Unknown

Description: Tailored white suit with wide-legged trousers, embellished with beaded black flowers on one shoulder, hip, and sleeve, with no shirt underneath. 

Accessories: Drop sapphire and diamond earrings and large ring by Martin Katz, black patent pumps, and loose bun. 

My Take: The proportions are perfect, the peekaboo front opening is truly only a peek, and I would absolutely wear this suit myself. *chef's kiss*

Who: Keri Russell 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Drama for The Diplomat

Designer: Stephane Rolland

Stylist: Frank Fleming, hair by Brian Magallones, make-up by Tina Turnbow

Description: White belted coatdress with plunging neckline, unturned notched lapels, extended shoulders, and high front opening. The wide, gold-buckled belt runs inside the back of the dress, allowing the back to form a billowy cape. 

Accessories: Large onyx earrings by Lagos, black suede pointy pumps by Aquazurra, and a loose chignon. 

My Take: Is it a coat? Is it a cape? I don't care, I love it whatever it is. And she is rocking it. 

Who: Margaret Qualley 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for The Substance

Designer: Chanel 

Stylist: Unknown; make-up by Tyron Machhausen

Description: Sleeveless white silk dress with square neckline and narrow straps embroidered with silver, and a multi-tiered, gauzy skirt. 

Accessories: Delicate diamond headband, diamond chandelier earrings, sparkly black bow belt.

My Take: This outfit would be cute on a 17-year old, but it's a little frothy and girlish for a 30-year old. 

Who: Nicole Kidman 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for Babygirl

Designer: Balenciaga Couture (custom)

Stylist: Jason Bolden, hair by Adir Abergel

Description: Backless white spangled single-shouldered gown with loose draping and a dropped waist, with a train of crystal rhinestone embroidered mesh. 

Accessories: Diamond and sapphire butterfly-shaped earrings, a designer watch, and a retro updo enhanced by Bellami extensions. 

My Take: Kidman rarely takes a misstep on the red carpet and this is definitely not one. I especially love the I Dream of Jeannie hair. 

Who: Tilda Swinton 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for The Room Next Door)

Designer: Chanel 

Stylist: Jerry Stafford, hair by Orlando Pita, make-up by Roz Music

Description: Collarless tailored white boucle jacket with gold trim and a flared hem, paired with a narrow black skirt. 

Accessories: Gold and platinum starburst ring with white and yellow diamonds by Chanel, a kind of pompadour hairstyle, and a pale pink lip.

My Take: Swinton has such an angular, otherworldly look to her that a classic suit doesn't seem like it should work on her. But it absolutely does. She looks amazing. 

Red

Who: Ali Wong 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television for Ali Wong: Single Lady

Designer: Balenciaga couture 

Stylist: Tara Swennen

Description: Strapless crimson dress of cascading vertical tulle ruffles with a matching red satin ribbon belt and bow, possibly with a black underlayer under the skirt. 

Accessories: Shoulder-length black opera gloves, heavy black-framed eyeglasses, and straight dark center-parted hair. 

My Take: The dress itself is great, but the black underlayer and gloves don't work for me. Go with red or nude under the skirt and wear ivory or even blush pink gloves for a better look. 

Who: Amy Adams 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for Nightbitch

Designer: Dolce & Gabbana

Stylist: Makeup by Stephen Sollitto

Description: Deep maroon off-the-shoulder gown, gathered at the hip, with a slightly flared skirt and a short train. 

Accessories: Diamond necklace, diamond starburst earrings, diamond ring, and smooth center-parted hair. 

My Take: She looks lovely, but it's a little been there done that. The same gown in a vivid emerald or bright cobalt would work better on her. 

Who: Dakota Fanning 

Why: nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television for Ripley

Designer: Dolce & Gabbana

Stylist: Samantha McMillen; make-up by Erin Ayanian Monroe

Description: A glamorous scarlet dress with a fitted strapless wrapped bodice topped by an attached long scarf that wraps the neck before cascading to the floor, and a full softly draped skirt with a nearly waist-high side front slit. 

Accessories: Diamond stud earrings and a diamond bracelet, strappy red heels, and a vivid red lip. 

My Take: This is Old Hollywood Glamour done RIGHT. Gorgeous. 

Name: Emma Stone 

Why: In support of castmate Jesse Plemons, nominated for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for Kinds of Kindness

Designer: Louis Vuitton (custom)

Stylists: Tracey Cunningham, hair by Mara Roszak, skin prep by Ivan Polard

Description: Candy apple red strapless column with a satin bow at the waist above a pair of pleats forming a kind of inverse bubble skirt.

Accessories: A new, super-short pixie cut in a slighter darker color than her usual shade, described by her stylist as "nutmeg." 

My Take: Honestly, the pixie cut is screaming for a tailored suit or super-skinny pants. The extra volume at the hip makes her head look disproportionately tiny. 

Who: Isabella Rossellini 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for Conclave

Designer: Dolce & Gabbana (custom)

Stylist: Unknown; make-up by Matin Maulawizada

Description: Embroidered red lace column dress with a matching sheer cape.

Accessories: Large ruby chandelier earrings, pointy-toed red pumps, a red satin evening bag, and a bold red lip. 

My Take: Demure head-to-toe lace could easily be matronly, but the vivid red and the huge chandelier earrings, as well as the chic short hair and bright red lip bring it right around to both gorgeous and age-appropriate. 

Who: Lisa Ann Walter 

Why: Cast member of Abbott Elementary, nominated for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy

Designer: Marchesa (custom) designed by Georgina Chapman 

Stylist: Kelly Johnson

Description: The cherry red fishtail gown is made from silk faille and has a draped bodice and off the shoulder sleeves, with a pair of buckle accents at the waist, and an (according to the designer) "old Hollywood silhouette". The gown is fitted to just above the knee, where it flares out in multiple pleats. 

Accessories: Pink manicure, high half-pony, and a delicate watch and earrings. 

My Take: It's a gorgeous dress, but there is too much overflow at the bust. A little more coverage (or maybe a little less effort by "plumping undergarments") and this would be a winner for me. Oh, and add some more volume to her hair. 

Who: Maren Morris 

Why: Nominee for Best Original Song - Motion Picture for "Kiss the Sky" from The Wild Robot

Designer: Carolina Herrera

Stylist: Dani Michelle

Description: Vivid red strapless column with a raised circular neckline and a short train. 

Accessories: Delicate diamond choker and drop earrings by Jared, and custom Stuart Weitzman shoes.

My Take: It's hard for a bright red dress to be boring, but this one manages it. It's shapeless and it looks uncomfortable. 

Who: Salma Hayek Pinault 

Why: Presenter

Designer: Gucci

Stylist: Unknown

Description: Deep burgundy gown with a deep v-neck and narrow straps on the sequin-encrusted bodice which ends in an inverted v, a matte skirt fitted at the waist and hip, with a sequined panel falling from the waist to form a flared train. 

Accessories: Chunky 300-carat emerald necklace by Lorraine Schwartz, green cocktail ring, deep green eye makeup, and a poufed half-up hairstyle with a loose tendril, showing a few strands of gray.  

My Take: I love a pop of vivid color with a dark outfit, and this amazing emerald necklace fits the bill perfectly. Plus so many bonus points for the sexy salt-and-pepper hair. 

Metallics

Who: Angelina Jolie 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for Maria

Designer: Sean McGirr for Alexander McQueen 

Stylist: Unknown

Description: Fitted black tulle sheath "Banshee dress" encrusted with silver beading, a shredded hemline, and 3/4-length sleeves with trailing metal and crystal ribbons.

Accessories:  Hoop earrings and super-shiny, super-pointy-toed patent black pumps. 

My Take: I love the contrast of the elegant beading and fitted tailoring of the top of the dress with the shredded hem and trailing ribbons at the sleeves. It's not an ideal color on her, but she pulls it off. 

Who: Ariana Grande 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for Wicked

Designer: Givenchy (vintage) designed by Hubert de Givenchy

Stylist: Mimi Cuttrell

Description: 1966 vintage gown in champagne silk, designed during Givenchy's period of friendship with Audrey Hepburn. The gown features an elaborately hand-beaded empire bodice.

Accessories: White elbow-length gloves, pointy-toed satin pumps, and a delicate diamond necklace and earrings. 

My Take: Wicked made me fall in love with Ariana Grande, and this dress makes me fall in love with her even more. The perfect choice!

Who: Cate Blanchett 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television for Disclaimer. Also because she's freaking CATE BLANCHETT. 

Designer: Louis Vuitton (custom)

Stylist: Elizabeth Stewart

Description: Metallic gold column with a beaded shoulder yoke, a fully bloused sleeveless bodice, and a skirt fitted at the waist and hip, gaining fullness to fall to the floor in a short train. Blanchett wore the same dress to the premiere of her film Rumors at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.  

Accessories: Diamond hoop earrings and a sleek short bob tucked behind one ear. 

My Take: On most people this blousy top would look dated and unflattering, but Blanchett manages to still look gorgeous in it. And I love that she's worn it twice. 

Who: Demi Moore 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for The Substance

Designer: Giorgio Armani Prive (custom)

Stylist: Brad Goreski, make-up by Rokael Lizama, hair by Dimitris Giannetos

Description: Strapless silk satin trumpet gown accented with a sculptural neckline and a geometric, curved front panel embellished with Swarovski crystals. The gown is fitted to just below the hip, where it flares out to the floor. 

Accessories: Long diamond earrings by Cartier, a diamond cuff, Christian Louboutin heels, and long straight hair tucked behind one ear. 

My Take: The color isn't great on her, but the silhouette is simply stunning and the crystal beading is the icing on the cake. 

Who: Elle Fanning 

Why: In support of her sister, Dakota Fanning, nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television for Ripley

Designer: Balmain (custom), a recreation of a Pierre Balmain Haute Couture 1953 gown 

Stylist: Samantha McMillen, hair by Jenda

Description: The silhouette of the original 1953 gown was called a "reverse champagne flute." The full ballgown features a molded bustier bodice topped with animal print panels, a narrow belt, and a bell-shaped skirt. The original gown was tulle and fur (lower right sketch); Fanning's version (lower left sketch) is satin and beaded animal print. 

Accessories: Short thick C-shaped gold choker, bracelet, and ring by Cartier, with her hair swept across her forehead and below her ear, then pulled into a sleek chignon. 

My Take: Fanning always looks so happy in her red carpet dresses, and this one is no exception. She's so cute and retro and happy and looking at her makes me happy, too. 

Who: Felicity Jones 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for The Brutalist

Designer: Prada

Stylist: Nicky Yates

Description: Metallic silver halter sheath with mirrored flower details and rhinestone trim at the round neckline.  

Accessories: Diamond starburst earrings, silver sandals, a triangular silver clutch, and a messy chignon.

My Take: Felicity Jones is rarely at the top of my "Best of the Red Carpet" looks but I will happily add her to my list with this dress. It is unforgiving but she has absolutely nothing that needs forgiveness. Total smoke show!

Who: Kristen Bell 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy for Nobody Wants This

Designer: Ashi Studios

Stylist: Nicole Chavez, hair by Jenny Cho, make-up by Quinn Murphy, nails by Queenie Nguyen

Description: Two-piece metallic gold column studded with micro bugle beads, consisting of a long, straight skirt topped with a corset-seamed bustier fitted to the mid-hip, with a curved top. 

Accessories: Looped gold and diamond earrings/ear cuffs and cuff bracelet by Reza, Jimmy Choo shoes and bag, and severe center-parted hair pulled into a braided chignon. 

My Take: The hem is too long and her hair is too severe for the severe lines of this ensemble, but it is otherwise a fantastic look for her. 

Who: Mikey Madison 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for Anora 

Designer: Bottega Veneta (custom), designed by Mathieu Blazy

Stylist: Jamie Mizrahi

Description: Fitted strapless gold column made of overlapping metallic "fish scales".

Accessories: Diamond earrings by Tiffany & Co., a large diamond ring, and simple and natural hair and makeup. 

My Take: From just about the rib cage down, this dress is gorgeous and flattering. But from the rib cage up, my boobs are hurting in sympathy. Ouch. 

Who: Nikki Glaser 

Why: Host, nominee for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television for Nikki Glaser: Someday You'll Die

Designer: Atelier Prabal Gurung (custom). 

Stylist: Dani and Emma

Description: The strapless soft gold silk satin column features a sweetheart neckline, a narrow underskirt with draping at the waist swirling into a rosette at the hip, and an attached full overskirt forming a hint of a train. 

Accessories: Feather-shaped earrings by Buccellati, a large ring, and pointy-toed Giuseppe Zanotti heels. 

My Take: This dress is the perfect marriage of fabric and tailoring. The lines flow like butter, with just enough structure in the bodice to avoid looking droopy or mushy. And the color is wonderful on her. One of my favorites of the evening. 

Who: Zendaya 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for Challengers

Designer: Louis Vuitton (custom)

Stylists: Law Roach, hair by Coree Moreno, nails by Lisa Kon

Description: The strapless copper-colored silk satin sheath dress features a fitted bodice with a sweetheart neckline, and an attached voluminous half-skirt in the back. 

Accessories: Diamond statement necklace by Bulgari, pointy-toed copper satin pumps, and a full wavy bob.

My Take: Has Zendaya ever had a bad look on the red carpet? I don't think so, and she's not starting now. The gorgeous hairstyle is simply the icing on the glamorous cake. 

Miscellaneous

Who: Anya Taylor-Joy 

Why: Presenter, 2023 nominee for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for The Menu

Designer: Dior (vintage, 1998)

Stylists: Ryan Hastings, hair by Gregory Russell, make-up by Georgie Eisdell, nails by Kim Truong

Description: Bias-cut backless slip dress of blush pink satin with spaghetti straps and draped neckline.

Accessories: Silver statement necklace of flowers with pearl centers, tiny diamond stud earrings, pale pink fringed shawl, sleek low chignon with side part. 

My Take: A slip dress like this is what the statement necklace was invented for. This ensemble flawlessly combines fabric, design, body type, and accessories for a simple yet incredibly elegant look. 

Who: Ayo Edebiri 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy for The Bear

Designer: Loewe

Stylist: Danielle Goldberg, nails by Eri Ishizu

Description: Loose-fitting gray suit over a matching gray dress shirt. The look paid tribute to Julia Roberts' 1990 Golden Globes look (lower photo). 

Accessories: Gold feather-shaped necktie, wavy center-parted hair, and a red button on the lapel.

My Take: What a fun tribute! The only thing I would change would be to go all-out with the full, flipped-over '80s curly hair. 

Who: Jean Smart 

Why: Nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy for Hacks) 

Designer: Rhea Costa

Stylist: Micah Schifman, hair by Richard Marin, make-up by Keith Sayer.

Description: Sky blue crepe and taffeta dress with long bell sleeves, a surplice bodice, wide self sash, and flared skirt. 

Accessories: Long diamond loop earrings, large diamond pinkie ring, and a slight bouffant updo. 

My Take: Smart always manages to look gorgeous, elegant, and age-appropriate without coming off as matronly or frumpy. The wrap is so flattering, as is the full but not too full skirt. A-plus!

Who: Jessica Gunning 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television for Baby Reindeer

Designer: Christian Siriano

Stylist: Unknown

Description: Teal velvet off-the-shoulder column with a short train and a puffy ruffle along the neckline. 
Accessories: A few delicate rings, long dark wavy side-parted hair, and bright coral lips. 

My Take; Although the ruffle is a little too voluminous, it does bring the attention upwards towards her face, and the color is a dream on her. Cut back the bulk just a tad and this dress would be perfect. 

Who: Karla Sofia Gascon 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for Emilia Perez

Designer: Saint Laurent

Stylist: Unknown; make-up by Vincent Oquendo

Description: Orange single-shouldered toga style draped gown with a gold panel at the top of the bodice, cascading over the shoulder to the floor. 

Accessories: Pale manicure, gold watch, a short large-link chain necklace, short drop earrings, and long wavy hair. 

My Take: I love the concept and the colors, but with such a straight, narrow-hipped figure, this look would be more flattering if it flowed away from the body to skim instead of cling. But on the whole, a nice look. 

Who: Kathryn Hahn 

Why: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy for Agatha All Along 

Designer: Altuzarra

Stylist: Unknown

Description: The look combines a black, asymmetrical, off-the-shoulder knit sweater with a stiffened peplum and knit cuffs with stitched detailing, and a voluminous mustard-colored silk skirt.

Accessories: Vintage black leather belt with brass buckle, square black earrings, black manicure. 

My Take: I actually love this look on her. It suits her style and has great lines and a fun, boho, artsy vibe. An excellent choice for a star whose looks aren't quite in line with the Hollywood idea of beauty.   

Who: Kerry Washington 

Why: Presenter

Designer: Balenciaga

Stylists: Make-up by Carola Gonzalez, hair by Takisha Sturdivant Drew, nails by Sreynin Peng

Description: Bubblegum-pink one-shouldered wrap dress gathered in to one hip, where it drops to the floor in a train.

Accessories: Black opera gloves, sheer black hose, pointy-toed black pumps, diamond hoop earrings,  several diamond rings, and a long low ponytail.

My Take: Whoever told her to wear black hose with this dress should be fired (maybe that's why I couldn't find the stylist's name). The black gloves are okay, but the cap sleeve looks droopy and the hem of the skirt is too snug for that short length. The general idea is fine, but there are a bunch of details that needs tweaking before it works on the red carpet. 

Who: Maya Erskine 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Drama for Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Designer: Chloe

Stylist: Rebecca Grice, hair by Barb Thompson, make-up by Emily Cheng

Description: Floral print boho-style frock with 3/4-length puff-shouldered sleeves, a square neck, and a full pleated skirt. 

Accessories: Large diamond ring. 

My Take: I don't love the casualness of the print and the fabric, but it's cute enough on her. Not great, not memorable, but not terrible, either. 

Who: Melissa McCarthy 

Why: Presenter

Designer: Christian Siriano 

Stylist: Katja Cahill

Description: Form-fitting pink jumpsuit with v-neck and wide-legged pants, and voluminous ruffled cape in various shades of pink. 

Accessories: Dangling diamond earrings and high topknot.

My Take: I love the jumpsuit, and although the cape is a little bulky, it feels proportionate somehow. I think I'd swap out the tight topknot for glamorous waves to echo the ruffles, though.  

Who: Monica Barbaro 

Why: Cast member of A Complete Unknown, nominated for Best Motion Picture - Drama

Designer:  Dior

Stylist: Jeanann Williams

Description: The gown is embroidered tulle with stitched embellishments and beading, with a draped bustier and pleated skirt. The embroidery, by Chanakya Atelier, required 750 hours to make; the dress required an additional 350 hours. 

Accessories: Statement necklace featuring a yellow carré diamond, small diamond stud earrings, and Santoni sandals. 

My Take: I'd add a deeper color to the lining under the mesh, but other than that, this dress is gorgeous, and it moves beautifully. A great look. 

Who: Rachel Brosnahan 

Why: Presenter, 2024 nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Designer: Vivienne Westwood

Stylist: Alexandra Mandelkorn

Description: Strapless forest green draped silk gown with curved cowl neck, gathered into one hip, with a side opening.

Accessories: Gemstone pendant and earrings, silver pointy-toed pumps. 

My Take: I love the color and the silhouette, and the structured bodice works well with her petite figure. I feel like it calls for a slightly dressier or fuller hairstyle, but still a great look on her. 

Who: Selena Gomez 

Why: Nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for Emilia Perez AND for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy for Only Murders in the Building

Designer: Prada (custom)

Stylists: Erin Walsh, hair by Renato Campora, make-up by Hung Vanngo, nails by Tom Bachik

Description: Ice blue off-the-shoulder sleeveless silk satin column with small pleats at the waist and a long rectangular train. 

Accessories: Diamond necklace and rings, and a wavy asymmetrical bob.

My Take: Old Hollywood glamour done right! Great lines, great color, great jewelry, great hair. Love it!

Movie Review: "Wicked"

I first read Gregory Maguire's book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West around 2002 or so, some time before the musical came out. I've read it several times since then, and I thoroughly enjoy Maguire's revisionist history, his use of language, and his character development. [Side note: As much as I love "Wicked", I prefer Maguire's take on the Cinderella story, entitled "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister". Worth a read if you enjoy his writing.] In addition to reading the novel, I've seen the stage version of the musical twice: once on Broadway and once with the touring company. Of course I've listened to the original cast recording approximately one gazillion times. And finally, I've watched the new Jon Chu film twice, once for pure enjoyment, and once while taking notes for this review. So I feel well qualified to critique the film both on its own independent merits and as a comparison to the stage musical.  

Being a fan of both the original musical and its source material, I had my doubts as to whether I would enjoy the film version. I had my doubts about the length of the film and the decision to divide the two acts into two separate films. I had my doubts about the casting: Cynthia Erivo certainly had the vocal and acting chops and the Broadway pedigree for the role of Elphaba, but at age 37, was she too old? And could Ariana Grande (or Ariana Grande-Butera, as credited in the film) as Glinda, despite having clear vocal and comedic talent, pull off the powerhouse, legit Broadway singing style and dramatic acting required to hold her own against Erivo? The answers to these questions are, happily, no and yes, respectively. 

Fair warning: This writeup will be long. Very long. I have a lot of thoughts, and the best way I could find to organize them is to simply walk you through the entire movie, commenting as I go. So if you haven't seen the movie yet, you might want to wait. Then again, if you've seen the stage version, there won't be any plot spoilers, and if you've read any other reviews or commentary on the film, there probably won't be any type of spoilers. Ready? Here we go!

The film opens with the Broadway overture (with only minor changes) playing quietly in the background as creepy winged monkeys fly through a dark, monochromatic sky, creating a nice nod to the 1939 film version of The Wizard of Oz (the first of many) as we approach Munchkinland and the scene bursts into a riot of color and a brief glimpse of the Yellow Brick Road and we hear the ensemble singing "No One Mourns the Wicked". Grande-Butera immediately impressed me with her operatic soprano solo vocals, both in quality and in range. Her vocal and physical mannerisms reflect Kristin Chenoweth's original take on Glinda, but that isn't a bad thing. (Her vocal style definitely becomes more her own as the film progresses.) The Munchkin village, and even the Munchkins themselves, have an almost comic-book artificiality, with overly vivid colors, smooth lines, and physical proportions that feel just a bit off. Chu begins a theme of contrasting light and shadows by giving Glinda what appears to be her own personal sunbeam, as she has hilariously flattering backlighting in every shot, which is lacking in the rest of the scene. The result is a delightful hint at Glinda's self-centeredness. 

This opening segment includes the first of a number of added and expanded scenes and dialogue based on the book which were not included in the musical. Here, we see more of Elphaba's birth (which hints already at her magical powers) and childhood, including her relationships with her sister Nessarose and their abusive (well, to Elphaba, at least) father, as well as cruelty and taunting from the neighborhood children which results in further glimpses of her magical powers. A passing reference to time made me miss the Time Dragon from the stage version, but we do see the steampunk theme throughout, beginning with Nessa's wheelchair. 

The scene ends with the final part of "No One Mourns the Wicked" being sung and danced by the ensemble, and here we come to my first (and really, only) major quibble with the film: Christopher Scott's choreography. It is, in a word, stompy. Or perhaps, jerky. It is sharp and precise and mannered, but when being performed by a huge ensemble in perfect unison, it doesn't work for me. In this case, it doesn't feel celebratory or exuberant, as called for by the song. It reminds me of the scene in A Chorus Line where Zach points out to Cassie how lifeless and bland the chorus line is, and we see the dancers looking like robotic automatons with no sense of emotion or individuality. The style feels out of place for this number, although it does allow for a few cool Busby Berkley-esque overhead shots. The final moment of the framing segment includes a brief but lovely flashback (or would it be a flash-forward?) of Glinda recalling her school friendship with Elphaba. 

We jump back in time to see Galinda (her original name) arriving at Shiz University in an ornate pink boat with plenty of matching pink luggage (and matching pink parents), attracting much attention from the crowd of Shiz students gathering to greet the new arrivals. 

Just behind her, Elphaba arrives, also attracting much attention, but for a very different reason. The visual contrast between Galinda all in stylish pink and Elphaba all in frumpy black, both sticking out from the Shiz students wearing an array of gray-blue pinstriped uniforms, foreshadows their respective places in the students' social hierarchy. 

I love the way Chu uses the closed "ZZZZ" at the end of "Dear Old Shiz" to express the students' horrified reaction to Elphaba's appearance. I was relieved to note that Erivo looks quite young in character as Elphaba, and she and Grande-Butera (who is 31) are both reasonably believable as similarly-aged university students. We see a little more of their initial meeting, as well as Elphaba's warm but at times contentious relationship with her sister, and their father's continued preference for Nessa and cruelty toward Elphaba. There is also another nod to the 1939 movie as her father presents Nessa with a pair of ornate silver shoes in a ruby-lined box. 

Michelle Yeoh enters as Madame Morrible, a deliciously regal and imposing presence, sweeping about in a gorgeous copper robe with a long train and ornate gold embroidery. The inclusion of Keala Settle as Miss Coddle feels unnecessary, but works to establish Nessa's frustrated desire for independence, as does the plot change of having Elphaba not originally enrolled at Shiz, but rather sent by her father to make sure Nessa is taken care of, then being welcomed by Madame Morrible to be a student after unintentionally demonstrating her magical prowess. We also meet Pfannee and Shenshen, two students who immediately become friends with (or perhaps better described as "hangers on of") Galinda. The added scene work here includes dialogue between Madame Morrible and Galinda about Galinda's desire to become a sorceress, as well as a glimpse of Madame Morrible’s duplicity as she claims credit for Elphaba’s magic, and her enviousness of Elphaba’s natural talents. Morrible has a brief song, and although Yeoh sings competently, she lacks the power and technical faculty of many of the other actors. However, her characterization and presence are so strong that it is easy to overlook, especially since her vocals are relatively minimal. 

Elphaba wanders through the campus of Shiz, meditating on her change of fortune in "The Wizard and I". The colorful and detailed visuals of the set are remarkable, and I love the touch of colorful hummingbirds and flower petals floating around her, continuing to subtly hint at her innate magic. Erivo’s delivery definitely has a different sound from Idina Menzel’s original, despite having minimal musical variations in the first section. But I love that she holds back through the first part of the song before really letting loose with a powerful belt that is fully equal to Menzel’s original, adding just a few bits of ornamentation at the end of the song to make it truly her own. We see Elphaba gaining confidence in herself and a growing realization of her own worth over the course of the song. 

Elphaba enters the dorm room she is assigned to share with Galinda (an offer Galinda unintentionally made while sucking up to Madame Morrible), with a music box version of "Popular" playing in the background. This extended scene of the two moving together in leading into the song "What Is This Feeling?" is charming. Galinda insists that in exchange for her leaving Elphaba a tiny corner of the room for herself, she must put in a good word for her with Madame Morrible, and the two quarrel. Elphaba accidentally shatters a window with her magic, a motif we will see again and again. As the two women begin to sing the duet, their voices blend seamlessly, and the way Chu shoots the scene sometimes as a split-screen and sometimes with quick cuts synchronizing with the pulsing chords of the music is perfect. He also makes good use of reflections in the vanity mirror, a technique he continues using for most of the scenes in this room. The song shows the progression over time of the contentious relationship between the two and how they delight in annoying each other, as well as Elphaba beginning to stand up for herself. Galinda's series of stylish outfits, each pinker than the last, serve to show us both the passage of time and the delicious ridiculousness and scope of her wardrobe. We move from the dorm room into the cafeteria and gym class with the other students, and again, I don’t love the pulsing, stompy, jerky choreography of the student ensemble. But the rest of the scene is an absolute delight. 

We now begin a long stretch of added expository scenes. We find ourselves in the classroom of Dr. Dillamond, a talking goat, featuring steampunk details in the window and projector mechanisms. We see a glimpse of poppies (this will also become an important motif) in a vase. Chu continues the theme of light and shadow, with dim lighting that minimizes Elphaba’s skin tone and contrasting bright lighting that emphasizes it. Dillamond begins to tell the students about the oppression of talking Animals, a theme from the book which is merely mentioned in passing in the musical, but which is much expanded here. 

We next see Elphaba with Madame Morrible, struggling to learn to control her magic, and seeing how her strong emotions bring out her magic, as once again she loses control and shatters glass. As she is leaving, Elphaba sees Dr. Dillamond heading somewhere in the darkness and she follows him, stumbling across a meeting of the Animals who are concerned about the current political climate and being treated as second-class citizens. The CGI is quite well done here with a wide array of creatures. Much like Yeoh, Peter Dinklage, who voices Dillamond, has a perfectly serviceable if not particularly trained voice, but it works for the character. As Elphaba is leaving, she runs (literally) into Fiyero, who is riding his talking horse to Shiz. Once again, we see a light-dark contrast as Elphaba meets Fiyero in the half-dark, then we see Galinda primping herself to meet the prince in bright light, including her signature hair "toss-toss", and flirting with him in full sunlight.

We encounter more steampunk details as we see the library (or, as Galinda calls it, “the book place”, followed by an epic eyeroll from Elphaba) and hear the introductory music to "Dancing Through Life". We also learn that Boq, a student who has a huge crush on Galinda, has the last name “Woodsman” (foreshadowing! But remember it well because it won't be important until the next movie).  The introduction to the song is much more conversational than the original, slowly drawing in the other students in addition to Galinda, and firmly establishing Fiyero as the Cool Rebel. Jonathan Bailey has impeccable dance skills which are shown off very well in this number, demonstrating how well Scott's choreography works for a single dancer. With the ensemble broken up into smaller groups doing different choreography, the stompy, pulsing feel of the dance is minimized and it becomes much more effective, also making fun use of a series of spinning cylinders (like giant hamster wheels) to include some parkour and gymnastic moves. There is also some excellent scene work developing the relationship between Fiyero & Galinda. At the end, Fiyero invites everyone to break the rules and join him at the Ozdust Ballroom that evening.

We cut to Galinda's room, where the catty Pfannee and Shenshen are watching her primping to go out. There is more wonderful use of reflections in the mirror throughout this scene. The two friends are poking through Galinda's mountains of (fabulous) clothes and accessories and are aghast to find a hideous pointy black hat, which Galinda explains was a gift from her grandmother, noting that she'd love to give it away, but there's no one she hates that much. The three exchange meaningful looks and Galinda agrees to give the hat to Elphaba and invite her to the Ballroom that evening, which she does, although a moment of doubt or perhaps even guilt passes across Galinda's face afterwards (a beautifully subtle bit of acting on Grande-Butera's part). 

The Ozdust Ballroom features a lot of fanciful animal musicians (I was reminded of the Cantina Band from Star Wars) and yet more stompy choreography. Although it was too much for a whole unison crowd for me, it did feel somewhat more appropriate in this setting. Nessa and Boq (who invited Nessa at Galinda's request) share a charming dance in which Boq spins her around the floor in her wheelchair, much to her delight. Madame Morrible appears and reluctantly offers Galinda a "training wand" and magic lessons, admitting she is only doing so because Elphaba threatened to quit her studies otherwise. Galinda realizes that Elphaba fulfilled the promise she made to her back on their first day, which clearly makes Galinda feel guilty. When Elphaba arrives, dressed in a black frock and the pointy hat, the crowd goes silent and then the room fills with mocking whispers. Elphaba's pain is tangible, and her look of betrayal as she catches Galinda's eye is heartbreaking. Head held high, she begins dancing awkwardly and alone in silence in the center of the room, and as the crowd laughs, Fiyero comments to Galinda that Elphaba never cares what other people think. Galinda responds, "She does care. She only pretends that she doesn't," and steps onto the dance floor to join her. She slowly begins to echo her dance, ignoring her friends' mortified pleas for her to stop. Elphaba joins her dance, the two mirroring each other in a more graceful version that becomes fluid and beautiful as they dance it together. (That transition was a masterful piece of choreography, and a credit to both performers.) At one point Galinda puts her hand on Elphaba’s face, her fair skin contrasting with the dark green, and Elphaba gasps, as a single tear rolls down her cheek, which Galinda gently wipes away. 

The crowd joins in on the dance and Galinda throws her arms around Elphaba, who freezes for a second before accepting the hug. The two look around the crowd in wonder and then run out of the ballroom together as the others continue to dance. The scene is masterfully performed by both actresses, and illustrates the turning point of their relationship much more clearly and believably than came across in the stage show.

Cut back to their dorm room as the two talk like close friends, trading secrets, and Elphaba admits that her father made her mother take potions to avoid having another green baby, resulting in Nessa being born early with a disability, and in her mother's death. The conversation leads into "Popular", in which we see Galinda make over Elphaba (whom she has now dubbed "Elphie") even more completely than in the stage version. This scene is arguably my favorite scene in the entire film. In the stage version, Elphaba seems reluctant throughout, merely being steamrolled by Galinda, but here, she seems to enjoy being pulled into Galinda's world of fripperies and flirtation, if only momentarily. 

There is a true sincerity about both their relationship and Galinda's desire to help that is a bit lacking in the stage version. I particularly love Elphaba's attempts at the hair "toss-toss," and Galinda's hilariously useless and frustrating attempts to transform Elphaba's "frock? coat? froat!" into a gown using magic, which serves to level the playing field a bit in their relationship. The use of mirrors and light to create contrast between the two is done beautifully, especially in the penultimate shot with the two women's faces in the mirror close together with the pink flower in Elphaba's hair joining the two. And in the final line of the song, after Elphaba runs off, Grande plays a bit with the music in a way that suits her voice and truly makes the song - and the character - her own. 

On her way to class, we see Elphaba hilariously (and unsuccessfully) practicing the toss-toss as Fiyero looks on in amusement. The two go to class and Dr. Dillamond shrugs off Elphaba’s gift of poppies, and we see that Nessa is wearing a poppy in her hair. Officers burst in and arrest Dillamond as Elphaba protests and the others look on in silence. Another scene from the book is added here as we meet the lion cub, terrified, in a cage, with the intention of Animals never learning to speak. Elphaba has a vision of  Dillamond in a cage and is horrified and angry, accidently floating the poppies through the air and causing everyone in the room except herself and Fiyero to fall asleep. Fiyero takes the sleeping lion cub out of the cage and the two grab a pair of bicycles with baskets, tucking the cub into Elphaba's basket where he peeks out like Toto and Miss Gulch. Madame Morrible enters the classroom and realizes what must have happened, and immediately writes a letter to the Wizard. 

In the forest, Elphaba sets the cub down at a drinking hole and she and Fiyero argue, with Elphaba challenging Fiyero that he is not shallow, as he claims, which he denies. The two realize how alike they are and a spark clearly flies between them as Elphaba takes his hand. We cut back to the classroom, where the students are gradually waking up and Galinda notices with concern that Fiyero and & Elphaba are both missing. Back in the forest, Fiyero wonders why he didn’t fall asleep, and Elphaba dodges the question, pointing out that Fiyero is bleeding, touching his face. 

Fiyero breaks away after a moment, saying he will take the cub to safety, as Elphaba sings "I’m Not That Girl," once again in the half light. As the song ends, she reaches Shiz only to see Galinda greeting Fiyero affectionately, although Fiyero glances back as he leaves with Galinda. A poignantly touching scene. 

Presumably, the next day, Madame Morrible calls Elphaba to the docks as a hot air balloon containing a tiny mechanical walrus arrives with a green envelope containing a letter for her from the Wizard, summoning her to the Emerald City. Madame Morrible warns her that she will need to prove herself to the Wizard, but Elphaba expresses doubts. Madame Morrible admits that she herself had to prove herself to the Wizard once, and reassures Elphaba as as a storm begins and Madame Morrible demonstrates her own weather-controlling magic. 

We see a sleek green steampunk train approaching as the students look on in wonder and Elphaba stands alone on the platform. Elphaba & Nessa’s father approaches and Nessa introduces Boq to him. He warns Boq to take good care of Nessa as he continues to ignore Elphaba. Galinda comes to say goodbye and expresses concern that Fiyero has grown cooler to her since the day with the lion cub. Fiyero appears on the platform with a poppy in his lapel and greets them both. Having overheard the end of the conversation, he tells Elphaba he thinks about that day a lot and they exchange a meaningful look as Galinda looks confused and worried, and carefully inserts herself between them before announcing to everyone present that she is changing her name to Glinda in honor of Dr. Dillamond. Boq cheers a little too enthusiastically at this and Nessa wheels away in distress. Fiyero gives Elphaba the poppy from his lapel and wishes her good luck before leaving the platform. Glinda frets and the train prepares to leave. Elphaba steps aboard as Glinda claps half-heartedly, looking lost, then repeats their shared dance move. As the train pulls away, Glinda chases after it to hand Elphaba a program for Wiz-O-Mania, and Elphaba calls for her to join her on the train, which she does. Fun side note: Glinda also refers to the train conductor as "Mustache Man," a sly wink to actor Frank Morgan, who played multiple roles in the 1939 film, including Professor Marvel, a gatekeeper, a guard, a coachman, and the Wizard of Oz himself, each sporting a different outrageous mustache. 

“One Short Day” begins to play in the background and we see the train pull in to Emerald City. The two begin to walk through the city. [Fun fact: Winnie Holzman, who wrote the book of the original musical and the screenplay of the film, has a brief cameo at the beginning of this number!] Random fluffy chickens wearing top hats wander the streets, as do other various birds. Various groups of people pass by, singing and dancing. The stompy choreography continues, although again in smaller groups, which helps a bit. A few little people pass by (it's a good thing I didn't make the Wizard of Oz nods a drinking game) and people dancing with miniature hot air balloons. We see Elphaba and Glinda in a hair and nail salon, with hummingbirds drying their nails. Finally, we reach the stage for Wiz-O-Mania, which tells the history of Oz and the Wizard. 

It stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel as the “Magical Wise Ones” who sing of the historical magic the book “The Grimmerie,” which has been lost because no one can read it any more. But there was a prophecy that someone would come with the power to read it once again. Kristin sings some glory notes and Idina sings her signature “Defying Gravity” lick, then a huge projection of a man speaking the words “Oh, muh, hah” appears and clearly the Wizard must be the fulfillment of the prophecy. The dance moves into the street and blends with “One Short Day”, and there is more stompy dancing as Glinda and Elphaba look on with awe and delight, touchingly declaring their friendship before presenting themselves at the palace. [Another fun fact: the guard who looks through the peephole before letting them in is Stephen Schwartz, the composer of the musical!]

A monkey wearing armor and carrying a spear greets them with a silent nod and brings them into an imposing entrance hall lined with dozens of other armed monkeys. They pause in fear before a large set of double doors, and Glinda whispers encouragement to Elphaba, then they go through the doors together and approach a curtain of green strips of fabric with thick fog emanating from it. Elphaba starts to turn back in terror but Glinda grabs her arm as a deep, growling voice announces “I AM OZ” and a monstrous face appears as flames flash around the room. 

Elphaba stammers her name and suddenly the voice becomes normal and a man - the true Wizard - comes forward through the curtain acting as if he knows her. He pulls a coin from behind her ear and presents it to her. Glinda introduces herself, and the Wizard calls her Belinda then turns away to focus his attention again on Elphaba. He pulls aside another curtain to reveal a model of Oz showing the palace in Emerald City and a brick road leading to it, asking her to choose a color. (She picks yellow at Glinda's suggestion.) and the Wizard steps forward to open the model of the palace, revealing a tiny figurine of himself, then he pulls out another figurine, this one of Elphaba, and gives it to her, saying that he hopes someday she’ll call Emerald City home and put the figurine back in the model palace. Elphaba notes that the figurine is green, and the Wizard notes that it doesn’t have to be, asking her if that’s her heart’s desire. Elphaba thinks for a moment, then says her heart’s desire is to help the Animals. He says he feels like he already knows her and she’s happy that he understands. He sings “Sentimental Man” while looking through the model, looking meaningfully at Elphaba when he sings the word “Daughter” and telling her that “everyone deserves the chance to fly”. As with Yeoh and Dinklage, Jeff Goldblum is not a trained singer, but his voice is quite pleasant and his acting chops sell the song despite its lack of polish. He puts the figurine of her in the basket of a hot air balloon before slipping behind a scrim, and we see his shadow performing magic with a giant image of the moon. 

Madame Morrible enters and hugs Elphana before looking at Glinda with disdain for tagging along. We go into another room and see the Grimmerie on display. As Elphaba approaches it, it seems to whisper. The Wizard fears she’s not ready to try to read it yet, but Elphaba insists it's time to prove herself. Madame Morrible and the Wizard nods and as Elphaba steps up, the book opens for her and flips its pages faster and faster, finally opening to a page. Madame Morrible tells the Wizard they have been working on a levitation spell, and the Wizard mentions that Chistery, his chief monkey, watches birds all day. The Grimmerie flips to another page and some printed words magically begin to appear. Elphaba starts to chant the words aloud as Chistery begins to groan and twitch. Elphaba repeats the spell faster and louder and suddenly Chistery falls and slides across the floor, grasping his shoulders as a single wing erupts, then a second. Elphaba is distressed that he is clearly in pain, and then they all look on in awe as Chistery begins to fly, still grunting, but suddenly plummets to the floor. Elphaba asks how to reverse the spell, but Madame Morrible tells her spells from the Grimmerie cannot be reversed. Elphaba and Glinda race back into the hallway and see to their horror that all the monkeys now have wings. Madame Morrible and the Wizard are excited about their new spies, which horrifies Elphaba. The Wizard tries to backtrack but accidentally mentions they are spying on the Animals and Elphaba realizes that he’s the one who has been turning everyone against the Animals. Furious and betrayed, Elphaba realizes they were using her all along and storms away. She grabs the Grimmerie and pushes it into the Wizard's hands, insisting he read a spell. He cannot, she Elphaba understands that he has no power of his own. The Wizard tries to convince her that they can be a team, but Elphaba refuses and runs away. Madame Morrible orders Glinda to bring her back and Glinda runs after her as Madame Morrible threatens to harm the monkeys' families unless they also chase after Elphaba. The scene ends with a glorious shot of a smug Madame Morrible with a flock of monkeys flying behind her.

Elphaba runs through a hallway with glass windows and monkeys keep crashing into them, smashing the glass, with Glinda running close behind. The two continue running as the Wizard powers up his machine, demanding in the deep mechanical voice that his guards capture the “intruder”. Elphaba and Glinda find themselves in a tower containing a huge hot air balloon and begin climbing up to it as the guard race into the room. Elphaba jumps in the basket and fires up the burner. Glinda jumps in and the two push off the guards who attempt to climb in behind them, continuing to fire the burner, looking up to see that the top of the tower is closing in points like the petals of a flower. The balloon reaches the top but the points of the roof burst the balloon, sending it plummeting in flames just as the two leap to safety and run into a side room, barring the door handles with a broomstick. 

The two argue in the “I Hope You’re Happy” opening section of "Defying Gravity". They break off as they hear Madame Morrible announce to all of Oz that Elphaba has stolen the Grimmerie and is an evil monster who needs to be captured and brought to justice, calling her a Wicked Witch. Glinda takes Elphaba’s hand and tells her not to be afraid, but Elphaba says the Wizard should be afraid of her. Glinda begs her to apologize and work with the Wizard, but Elphaba gently refuses, realizing it’s no longer what she wants. She sings the main section of “Defying Gravity”, beginning quietly and to herself, then to Glinda as she climbs the steps toward the roof, sounding more and more determined as she goes. She straps on her bag and pulls her hat snug as she walks onto an open balcony. The guards see her and race toward the tower. Elphaba grabs the Grimmerie and repeats the levitation spell as Glinda begs her to stop. She breaks off, and Glinda asks angrily, “Well, where are your wings?” Elphaba droops dejectedly, but suddenly there is a rattling downstairs and the broom pulls itself out from the door handle and slowly rises to present itself in front of Elphaba, who stares at it for a moment, then reaches out and grabs it. As the guards begin to break down the door, she steps back onto the balcony and invites Glinda to come with her as they continue to sing. Glinda looks touched and sings with her, but then looks away without answering when Elphaba asks, “Are you coming?” Instead, she says Elphaba is trembling and grabs a large, dusty cloak, tying it carefully around her neck as she fights back tears. The two laugh for a moment and then Glinda steps back as Elphaba takes a few deep breaths, then spins, tossing her cloak into the wind and taking a tight hold of the broom. They say their tearful goodbyes, once again calling each other “friend”. But the guards break through the door and they race onto the balcony, where more guards storm in and grab Glinda. Elphaba breaks thru a window, at first flying then losing hold of the broom and falling. As she falls, she sees her child self reaching out to her and she reaches to take her hand but grabs the broom instead, soaring back up into the air just before she hits the ground. She zooms back upward and belts the final verse from the air as the guards look on in awe and the flying monkeys chase after her, crashing into the guards as she soars away, unscathed. 

We hear Madame Morrible’s announcement again, ringing throughout Oz, and we see Nessa look on in horror as her father collapses, Fiyero riding his horse away from Shiz, and the Wizard looking up at Elphaba, as all the guards call her wicked and Oz suddenly plunges into darkness.

 

Elphaba soars off into the sunset and we see the words “To Be Continued” in the same font used in the Wizard of Oz title cards. 

And now we wait a year for Wicked: For Good!

Bottom line? The acting and vocals were wonderful; the visuals, including sets, props, and costumes were absolute eye candy; the expanded scenes added useful backstory and character development without making the film feel bloated or unnecessarily long (full disclosure: my husband disagreed); and the overall product was enjoyable and just enough different from the original to be worth doing without going so far astray as to be, ahem, a Horse of a Different Color. 

Tell me what you thought!

 

Mocktails to Bring You Through Dry January

It was about this time last year that I set out on a weight loss journey resulting in a 40-pound weight loss that has me feeling healthier and happier. One of the big ways I cut out extra calories was by minimizing my alcohol intake. In fact, I posted a blog just about a year ago with some suggestions of how to make mocktails feel more fun and festive. A quick summary:

• Use fun glassware and accessories
• Use fancy garnishes (fruit, fresh herbs, artistic citrus peel)
• Intensify flavors with bitters and extracts
• Use flavored seltzers and ginger beer as a base
• Experiment, experiment, experiment!

I've posted mocktail recipes before (here and here), but this entry consolidates some of the easiest and adds a few more. I've tried to include mostly recipes that use a handful of basic ingredients, but there are a few special additions you may want to add to your mocktail pantry if you find a favorite recipe or want to get creative. Here's the basics you need to get started:

• Flavored seltzers (I like Polar brand, but Buble and Canada Dry also have a nice assortment of flavors)
• Basic: Plain, lime, cranberry-lime
• Nice but not necessary: black cherry, orange vanilla, toasted coconut, ginger mule, strawberry-watermelon
• Sodas (regular or diet)
• Basic: Ginger beer, ginger ale, lemon-lime (7-Up, Sprite, etc.)
• Nice but not necessary: cola, raspberry ginger ale, club soda
• Juices
• Basic: Apple juice (or cider), cranberry, white cranberry
• Nice but not necessary: white grape juice concentrate
• Garnishes
• Basic: limes, lemons, cranberries
• Nice but not necessary: Maraschino cherries, fresh ginger, fresh herbs (mint, rosemary, basil, thyme), strawberries, raspberries, apples, rock candy swizzle sticks, lime sherbet

• Flavorings
• Basic: orange bitters 
• Nice but not necessary: Cocoa bitters, cherry bitters, smoked chili bitters, vanilla extract, almond extract, grenadine

• Miscellaneous
• Basic: powdered sugar, ice cubes or crushed ice
• Nice but not necessary: honey, maple syrup, simple syrup (plain or infused), ice balls

• Equipment:
• Basic: cocktail shaker, paring knife, rocks/lowball (short) glasses, highball (tall) glasses, long spoon
• Nice but not necessary: Channel knife (like this one), martini/coupe glasses, champagne flutes, copper mugs, cocktail stones

Now, on to the recipes! Ingredients not included on the list of basics, above, are marked with an asterisk. I've also included some suggestions on variations on each recipe - but feel free to get creative with whatever ingredients you enjoy and have on hand!

Mockba Mule (takeoff of a Moscow Mule)

Ingredients: Ginger beer, powdered sugar (or simple syrup*), lime juice, seltzer (plain, lime, ginger mule*) or club soda*, lime wedge, fresh rosemary* (optional), fresh mint leaves* (optional), fresh ginger* (optional)

Equipment: Lowball glass, martini glass*, or copper mug*, chilled

How to: Fill glass or mug with ice, add 1/2 cup ginger beer, 1 tablespoon simple syrup or 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, 1 oz lime juice, and 2 oz seltzer or club soda and stir well.

Garnish: Lime wheel and/or rosemary, mint, or a thin slice of fresh ginger.

Pump it up: Add a splash of cranberry juice or use cranberry-lime seltzer and garnish with fresh cranberries.

Ginger-Lime Fizz

Ingredients: Ginger beer, lime juice, seltzer (plain, lime, or ginger mule*), lime wedge, fresh ginger* (optional)

Equipment: Lowball glass, chilled

How to: Fill glass or mug partway with ice, fill 3/4 with ginger beer, add a generous splash of seltzer and a tablespoon of lime juice, and stir well.

Garnish: Lime wedge or thin slice of fresh ginger.

Pump it up: Add a splash of cranberry juice or use cranberry-lime seltzer and garnish with fresh cranberries.

Mock Champagne

Ingredients: Ginger ale, white grape juice concentrate*, raspberries* (optional), strawberries* (optional)

Equipment: Champagne flute*, coupe*, or highball glass

How to: Fill flute or glass 3/4 full with ginger ale, then gently stir in a spoonful of white grape juice concentrate. 

Garnish: No garnish, or a fresh raspberry or strawberry or two.

Pump it up: Add orange juice for a mock mimosa or cranberry juice for a mock poinsettia. Or garnish with apple or pear wedges or a rock candy swizzle stick. 

French 74 (takeoff of a French 75)

Ingredients: Plain seltzer or club soda*, lemon juice, orange bitters, powdered sugar, rock candy swizzle stick* (optional)

Equipment: Cocktail shaker, champagne flute* or highball glass

How to: Fill shaker partway with ice and add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 dashes of orange bitters, and a teaspoon of powdered sugar and shake until well chilled. Pour into flute and top with seltzer or club soda.

Garnish: No garnish, or a rock candy swizzle stick (omit sugar if using swizzle stick). 

Pump it up: Try using ginger ale or flavored seltzer instead of plain seltzer, or garnish with fresh rosemary, basil, or mint. 

Cos-faux-politan

Ingredients: Cranberry juice, powdered sugar or simple syrup*, plain or lime seltzer, lime juice, lime wedge, cranberries

Equipment: Cocktail shaker, highball or martini* glass, chilled

How to: Fill shaker partway with ice and fill 3/4 full with cranberry juice, then add 1 teaspoon powdered sugar or a splash of simple syrup and a teaspoon of lime juice. Shake until well chilled and pour into a glass with ice and top with seltzer. 

Garnish: Cranberries and/or a wedge of lime. 

Pump it up: Use cranberry-infused simple syrup made by chopping up some fresh cranberries and boiling them with equal parts water and sugar for 30 minutes. Or moisten some fresh cranberries, roll in granulated sugar, and freeze for garnish. 

Cranberry Shrub

Ingredients: Cranberry juice; plain, lime, or cranberry-lime seltzer; lime wedge; lime sherbet*

Equipment: Cocktail shaker, champagne flute*, highball glass, or martini glass*

How to: Fill shaker partway with ice and fill 3/4 full with cranberry juice, then shake until well chilled and pour into a glass, then top with seltzer. 

Garnish: Small scoop of lime sherbet and a wedge of lime. 

Pump it up: Substitute raspberry ginger ale for the seltzer and use rainbow sherbet instead of lime, and garnish with fresh mint leaves. 

Nojito (takeoff of a mojito)

Ingredients: Fresh mint leaves*, lime wedges, 7-Up or Sprite

Equipment: Highball glass, long spoon

How to: In glass, muddle two lime wedges and a handful of mint leaves, then fill with ice and top with 7-Up or Sprite. 

Garnish: Mint leaves and/or a wedge of lime. 

Pump it up: Experiment with different herbs (basil, rosemary) and flavored seltzers (orange vanilla, toasted almond, black cherry), or add a dash of flavored bitters (cherry, walnut, smoked chili). 

Herbed/Garnished Seltzer

Ingredients: Plain or flavored seltzer, fresh herbs* (mint, rosemary, basil, thyme), lime or lemon wedges, flavored bitters

Equipment: Highball or lowball glass, chilled

How to: Fill glass with ice and pour seltzer over. Add a few dashes of bitters.

Garnish: Herb leaves and/or a wedge of lemon or lime. 

Pump it up: Experiment with various flavors and flavor combinations. Try adding a few slices of jalapeno and smoked chili bitters to plain seltzer; combine black cherry seltzer with cherry bitters and a maraschino cherry; try toasted coconut or orange vanilla seltzer with cocoa and orange bitters and a flamed twist of orange peel. 

Cherry Lime Rickey

Ingredients: Lime juice, cherry bitters* (or cherry juice* or grenadine*), plain seltzer or club soda*, lime wedges, maraschino cherries*

Equipment: Highball glass, chilled

How to: Add 2 tablespoons lime juice and 4 dashes cherry bitters (or 1 tablespoon cherry juice or 2 teaspoons grenadine) to chilled glass and stir to combine. Add ice and pour seltzer over. 

Garnish: Lime wedge and maraschino cherries. 

Pump it up: Try using black cherry, lime, cranberry-lime, or raspberry seltzer. 

Here are a few more that include some specialty ingredients not listed above, as well as some more involved preparations.

Virgin Margarita

Ingredients: Lime juice, lemon juice, tonic water, simple syrup (or maple syrup), pickle juice (or olive brine), coarse salt, lime wedge

Equipment: Cocktail shaker, highball or lowball glass, chilled

How to: Run lime wedge around edge of glass and dip in salt, then place in freezer. Fill a shaker with ice and add 1 ounce lime juice, 1/2 ounce lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon simple or maple syrup, and splash of pickle juice or olive brine, and shake until well chilled. Add ice to chilled glass and pour over. Top with tonic water.

Garnish: Lime wheel. 

Virgin Mary (takeoff on a Bloody Mary)

Ingredients: Tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, olive brine, Tabasco, celery salt, black pepper, Old Bay seasoning (optional), kosher salt, celery stalk, green olive (optional), lemon wedge (optional), cocktail onion (optional)

Equipment: Cocktail shaker, highball or lowball glass, chilled

How to: Chill 1/2 cup tomato juice. Moisten rim of glass with a little lemon juice and dip in a combination of Old Bay seasoning (or celery salt) and kosher salt and place in freezer. In a cocktail shaker (without ice), combine chilled tomato juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon prepared horseradish, 1/4 teaspoon olive brine, dash Tabasco, pinch celery salt, and dash black pepper and shake well to combine. Strain into prepared glass. 

Garnish: Celery stalk and a skewer of desired garnishes (olive, lemon wedge, onion).  

Soda Plus

Ingredients: Any kind of regular or diet soda (root beer, cola, 7-Up/Sprite, orange soda, etc.), mint leaves, grenadine, lime juice, lime wedges, maraschino cherries

Equipment: Lowball or highball glass, chilled

How to: Fill glass halfway with ice. Rub rim of glass with a mint leaf. Add 8 oz soda, 1/2 ounce grenadine, and 1 tablespoon lime juice to glass and stir to combine. 

Garnish: Mint leaf, lime wedge, and maraschino cherry. 

Blueberry Basil Limeade

Ingredients: Fresh basil, sugar, lime juice, fresh blueberries, sparkling or still water

Equipment: Highball glass

How to: Make basil-infused simple syrup by boiling equal parts water and sugar with a generous handful of fresh basil leaves, allowing to steep for 30 minutes. Strain into a container and add a splash of lime juice, then cool and store in refrigerator for at least 4 hours until ready to use. Fill glass with ice and a few blueberries, then add 1 part syrup and 4 parts sparkling or still water. 

Garnish: Basil leaves.

Sparkling Ginger Lemonade

Ingredients: Sugar, fresh ginger, lemon juice, club soda or plain or lemon seltzer, lemon wedges

Equipment: Highball glass or Mason jar

How to: Make ginger-infused simple syrup by boiling equal parts water and sugar with a large handful of thinly sliced fresh ginger and allowing to steep for 30 minutes. Strain into a container and add a splash of lemon juice, then cool and store in refrigerator for at least 4 hours until ready to use. Fill glass with ice and add 1 part syrup and 4 parts club soda. 

Garnish: Lemon wedge, ginger slice (optional)

White Grape Punch

Ingredients: Fresh or frozen cranberries, mint leaves, white grape juice, lime or cranberry-lime seltzer, lime juice

Equipment: Highball glass, ice cube tray

How to: Add 2 mint leaves and a few cranberries to each cube of an ice cube tray. Fill with enough water to cover and freeze. In a large pitcher, combine 2 cups white grape juice, 3 cups seltzer, and 1/4 cup lime juice and chill.  

Garnish: Prepared ice cubes and additional mint leaves