As a long-time fan of musical theatre, I have had the pleasure of experiencing many a tale spun by the masterful pens of Stephen Schwartz, and arguably favorite number in Wicked, but “Something Bad” is still an essential piece that encapsulates the Wicked’s dark and brooding past. This melancholic ballad delves into the themes of oppression, cruelty, and power, so she dismisses his warnings are nothing more than a mad man’s ramblings. However, it’s performance as Dr Dillamond is truly heart-witchlings. It’s quite moving scene in the movie, and sets up the events that unfold throughout the rest of the film number.
Movie musicals have won Best Picture before, on top of the thriving theater industry that can be seen in New York and beyond. While I enjoyed offbeat musicals, the blockbuster Broadway hit Wicked will always have a special place in my heart as a millennial theater kid. The first Wicked movie is arriving in theaters, adapting the first act of the stage show.
Given that the musical “Wicked” is being divided into two films, none of its cherished songs were omitted from the initial release. Considering Jon M. Chu’s sequel follows the storyline years after the first movie (as discussed in TopMob’s “Wicked” review here), it seems likely that this trend will continue. As a devoted fan of the musical, I have my favorites due to the emotional impact they create during stage performances. Here are the songs from the “Wizard of Oz” prequel, ranked according to my personal preference. Keep in mind that there may be plot spoilers for “Wicked’s” movies since we’ll be discussing specific details.
Thank Goodness
In Act 2 of “Wicked“, we find that some time has elapsed since the powerful rendition of “Defying Gravity” at the end of Act 1. The opening number, titled “Thank Goodness”, provides viewers with a profound insight into Glinda’s viewpoint on the unfolding events in Oz, along with a glimpse into her personal experiences.
Though she strives to maintain a cheerful demeanor for the citizens of The Emerald City, it reveals the hidden fragility within the “Good Witch.” Unlike Elphie, she is not a fugitive but rather bound to the service of The Wizard, while Fiyero harbors affection for her former companion. Additionally, she grapples with the burden of remaining behind and not accompanying Elphaba on her quest. Sadly, we must wait another year to witness Ariana Grande’s rendition of that poignant melody.
For Good
Apart from “Defying Gravity,” another powerful anthem in the musical Wicked is undeniably “For Good.” This song comes near the end, where Glinda and Elphaba open up emotionally about their deep-rooted bond. It encapsulates the essence of their shared past, featuring confessions of mistakes made, and a heartfelt expression of love.
In most cases, there won’t be a single dry eye in the audience following “For Good”, and it’s easy to predict that both Grande and Erivo will pour immense emotion into the song for the upcoming Wicked film. Given their emotional performances during the Wicked promotional tour, it seems likely that this song is going to pack quite an emotional punch.
I’m Not That Girl
Under immense anticipation, the cast of Wicked faced significant pressure. However, director Jon M. Chu managed to strike a golden opportunity with his leading ladies, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. In particular, Cynthia Erivo’s powerful performances during certain songs reach celestial heights. Yet, in the song “I’m Not That Girl,” Elphaba gets to display another facet of her vocal range on stage and screen.
In this tune, a girl adorned in green delivers some breathtaking low tones, hinting at emotions of vulnerability and unrequited affection. She doubts that Fiyero could ever return her love, and the song’s soft instrumentation stands in stark contrast to more powerful tracks like “All Good Deeds” or “Defying Gravity.
Dancing Through Life
Dancing Through Life” is a beloved tune from the musical Wicked, featuring the ensemble and providing many of the main characters with their individual moments to shine. Initially perceived as Fiyero’s major solo in Act 1, it ultimately transforms into a pivotal turning point for the entire storyline.
At the conclusion of “Dancing,” where Elphaba and Glinda had been adversaries due to their shared living quarters, they unite for the first time. In this encounter, Glinda understands the pain she’s inflicted on the future Wicked Witch, and they share a poignant, wordless dance that symbolizes their newfound understanding and unity.
The Wicked With of the East
The Wicked Witch of the East” can be considered as a lesser-known track from the musical “Wicked”. Unlike most songs in the cast recording, this tune is absent, possibly due to its spoiler content or because it contains dialogue between vocal solos. Despite its absence in the recording, it’s one of my favorite segments and I’m excitedly looking forward to seeing it unfold on the big screen.
In this tune, Elphaba returns to Munchkinland, where her sibling Nessa presides as Governor. They have a heated debate about Elphaba’s portrayal as the so-called wicked witch, delving into their shared past and bond. Boq is also part of the conversation. As The Grimmerie’s magic comes into play, the atmosphere grows increasingly somber, culminating in a heartbreaking sequence. Everyone’s feelings run deep, and the scene consistently leaves me spellbound.
Defying Gravity
As a gamer, I’d say this famous tune hails from the musical “Wicked”. Known as “Defying Gravity”, it marks the climax of Act 1, both on stage and in Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation. Throughout the story up until now, Elphaba had been holding back her strength. But in this powerful moment, she steps forward asserting herself, standing tall against The Wizard’s deceit.
The tune is an authentic power anthem, offering a captivating sensation for viewers. Onstage and on-screen, she soars aloft, vocally attacking her adversaries beneath her. The climax culminates in a triumphant battle cry, signaling that the Elphie we once knew has transformed.
As Long As You’re Mine
Initially, Glinda seems captivated by Fiyero, but it’s evident that he shares a bond with Elphaba as well. Towards the middle of the second act, their mutual attraction becomes apparent, leading them to escape into the forest hand in hand.
In the gaming world, I’d say, “The standout love ballad in Wicked goes by ‘As Long As You’re Mine’. Its lyrics are a musical symphony of romance that tugs at heartstrings. Watching Elphaba transform into a confident, desired character is often a moving moment for the audience. Their blissful beginning is as sweet as nectar… but as we all know in gaming terms, it doesn’t last forever.
Finale
The final act of “Wicked” takes the audience full circle to where the story initially unfolded. Glinda is reunited with her fellow Ozians following Elphaba’s supposed demise. Despite the ensemble rejoicing over the “good news” of her death, it becomes clear just how tightly bonded these two witches had become.
Glinda is deeply distraught and grieves in seclusion while others rejoice over Elphaba’s death at the hands of Dorothy. The audience, however, knows more about the true events involving Glinda’s dearest friend, making this conclusion a heavy blow to the storyline. What an impactful way to end!
The Wizard And I
In “The Wizard and I,” we find Elphaba’s debut powerful performance, a staple of musical theater known as an “I Want” song. This number offers insights into her identity and aspirations, primarily her yearning to be accepted and undergo a transformation, symbolized as de-greenification, by the Wizard.
The young scholar contrasts sharply with the Wicked Witch from “The Wizard of Oz,” and it’s difficult not to be moved by its powerful melody and orchestration. Each Elphaba sings this song uniquely, using vocal choices that evoke strong feelings in musical theater enthusiasts.
One Short Day
In the initial portion of the film and stage musical “Wicked”, the majority of events unfold at Shiz University. However, the two main characters later leave for the city of Emerald following an invitation extended by the Wizard himself.
In this segment, we move on to a lively group performance titled “One Short Day,” which serves as an exciting introduction to the iconic locale from The Wizard of Oz. However, the song concludes with an unexpectedly poignant scene, where Glinda and Elphaba express their deep bond and friendship, leaving some audience members teary-eyed. I swear it’s just pollen!
Popular
As a gamer, I’d say “Glinda’s iconic tune from the musical Wicked, dubbed ‘Popular’, is undeniably the most humorous part of the story. It’s like Glinda transforms into an animated character, hosting an extravagant sleepover with her new pal Elphie. She even promises to turn Elphie into someone just as popular as herself!
Man, “Popular” sure does have its hilarious moments, but it’s those heartfelt scenes that really get me. Take for instance when Glinda places a pink blossom in Elphaba’s hair and whispers she’s beautiful. You can just see the surprise on Elphaba’s face, it’s like she’s never heard such words before – no wonder she bolts from the room!
No One Mourns the Wicked
In the first musical number titled “No One Mourns the Wicked,” residents of Oz rejoice upon hearing that Dorothy has defeated the Wicked Witch of the West. This lively song sets the tone for the story, and its opening chords often stir strong feelings among devoted spectators.
Elphaba’s sorrowful past, particularly her rejection by her father as a baby, stirs deep emotions. The entire tale becomes even more poignant when one considers Glinda’s response to all the gossip that follows.
No Good Deed
The latter part of the musical Wicked takes a turn for the worse, as the tension surrounding Elphaba escalates. Tragically, she loses many dear ones and comes to terms with the fact that society will never comprehend her. Eventually, in “No Good Deed,” she accepts her label as “wicked.
Watching Elphaba yield to the grasp of age is a profound encounter, and so are the fleeting instances where she pauses to grieve for her losses. In desperation, she attempts to heal Fiyero with her spells, only to vow never again to perform any more good deeds, as every act of kindness seems to bring its own retribution.
What Is This Feeling?
Initially, Glinda and Elphaba aren’t friends; instead, they share a room and have an immediate dislike for one another. It is during this time that the song “What Is This Feeling?” emerges, with the students of Shiz expressing their support for Glinda.
The tune is incredibly lively, featuring Elphaba and Glinda exchanging witty remarks, which ultimately encourages others to engage in their dispute. Regrettably, it takes several additional scenes for them to see things from each other’s perspective.
Something Bad
It’s possible that “Something Bad” from the musical Wicked may not be the most popular song, but it’s the only one where Dr. Dillamond sings. In this song, he warns Elphaba about the gradual silencing of animals in Oz. However, at this point in the story, Elphaba still trusts The Wizard and believes that he might be able to intervene.
In the film, Peter Dinklage provides the voice for a character who communicates with a secret society of animals below ground. This scene serves as an initial suggestion that the storyline may have some ominous undertones, despite not being particularly melodious within the overall composition.
A Sentimental Man
In the musical “Wicked,” the poignant tune “A Sentimental Man” offers valuable insight into The Wizard’s struggle with Elphaba. This song serves as his initial significant number, revealing that despite yearning for a family, he was compelled to govern over Oz instead.
It’s heartwarming to witness The Wizard’s gentle nature before his wicked plans surface. Notably, his words to Elphaba, “Everyone should have the opportunity to soar,” eventually echo in her song “Defying Gravity.
March of the Witch Hunters
As I immerse myself in the captivating world of “Wicked”, one of the climactic tunes that leaves a lasting impact is “March of the Witch Hunters”. In this song, I find myself as part of an enraged crowd of Ozians, united in our pursuit to track down and eliminate Elphaba. The tune’s intensity mirrors the chaos and tension surrounding her alleged crimes, subtly tying back to the events depicted in “The Wizard of Oz”.
Without revealing too much, it’s sad to witness how Elphaba is portrayed as a villain despite her efforts to protect others. This fast-paced tune might be brief, but its emotional weight is undeniable.
Dear Old Shiz
The initial part of “Wicked” predominantly unfolds at Shiz University, prompting composer Stephen Schwartz to compose a choral rendition to familiarize us with this setting. This number, titled “Dear Old Shiz”, is usually sung in unaccompanied harmony by the cast.
While “Dear Old Shiz” definitely has its place in the story (and its fun to hear Glinda hit that high note at the end), it doesn’t have the same emotional punch as many of the other songs.
Wonderful
The Wizard’s second significant song is titled “Wonderful,” which is a duet featuring his attempts to reach out to Elphaba amidst her persistent uprising against him during her rebellion. In this composition, he eloquently discusses real-world politics and the tactics he employs, such as manipulation and propaganda, to maintain his power and foster unity among the citizens of Oz.
Their dance of joy is cut short; she finds the mute Dr. Dillamond and vows to keep challenging The Wizard till her demise.)
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2024-11-23 03:08