The following contains spoilers for Wicked: Part 1, now playing in theatersWicked: Part 1 features some terrific performances, raising the question how stars like Ariana Grande match-up against Broadway legends like Kristin Chenoweth in their shared role as Galinda/Glinda. Glinda (originally known as Galinda) is a deceptively tricky role in Wicked. She's the second most important character in Wicked, serving as a comedic and tragic contrast to Elphaba's evolution into the Wicked Witch. Glinda has to be funny and even antagonistic, but with a surprisingly big heart and sense of loss.

The role was originated by Kristin Chenoweth, who was actually one of composer-lyrcist Stephen Schwartz's inspirations for the character. Chenoweth has remained the most iconic version of the character, but finds herself with new competition thanks to a genuinely fantastic performance by Ariane Grande in Jon M. Chu's two-part Wicked adaptation. Both benefited from their respective mediums, highlighting...