Warning: The following article contains spoilers forWicked.It’s standard for a film adaptation of a Broadway musical to either add new songs to the script or alter songs from the stage production in some way, andWickedis no exception. While no new songs have been added to 2024’sWicked, changes have been made to some of the musical’s most iconic songs. While this can be jarring for longtime fans,the changes make sense for this cinematic adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical.
“Dancing Through Life,” “Popular,” and “A Sentimental Man” are expanded to varying degrees in the movie, highlighting certain stars and set pieces within the performances. “One Short Day” has the most drastic addition, which adds to the lore of the Land of Oz while spotlightingWickedroyalty. And finally, “Defying Gravity” is spaced out differently to accommodate the on-screen action and circle back to Elphaba’s first song.The changes inWicked’s jaw-dropping musical adaptationare not drastic, and most of them better suit the cinematic medium.
5"Dancing Through Life"
“Dancing Through Life” Is Extended To Showcase Wicked’s Choreography
The first noticeable change toWicked’smusic is in “Dancing Through Life.“This song serves as Fiyero’s big introduction to the rest ofShiz University, and its lyrics highlight a massive issue within Oz. Fiyero is one of many citizens who prefers to be complacent and ignorant, as long as it means they can maintain a happy, carefree life. While that complacency seems nice, it comes at a cost: many citizens of Oz look the other way while others — likethe animals who are disappearing inWicked— suffer.
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This message stays the same inWicked Part One’srendition of the song, butit takes a little more time to highlight Fiyero’s dancing in the library, specifically when it comes to the intricate moving bookshelves. It makes sense the film would want to highlight the set pieces, as well as Jonathan Bailey’s fancy footwork.
It establishes what the norm is, so when Elphaba enters the picture, it’s clear she is an outcast.
This carries over to the Ozdust Ballroom itself, where Fiyero’s dancing is again highlighted — but it is not just his dancing that gets attention. Everyone who is anyone is at the Ozdust Ballroom, andspending more time here allows audiences to see another side of Oz. It establishes what the norm is, so when Elphaba enters the picture, it’s clear she is an outcast.
Upon entering the Ozdust Ballroom, Elphaba is a laughingstock, but she proceeds to dance by herself in silence. However, when Glinda joins her, a slower, instrumental version of “Dancing Through Life” plays asElphaba’s dance with Glinda continues.In the stage version, the song ends when Elphaba enters— and Elphaba’s dance is in silence, even when Glinda joins. In the 2024 film, “Dancing Through Life” continues throughout the Ozdust Ballroom scene, right up to when Elphaba and Glinda leave.
4"Popular”
“Popular” Gives Glinda a Little More Time To Herself
The next song inWickedis also the next song with a slight change.Glinda the Good Witch’sbig solo number, “Popular,” has the smallest amount of changes made. After leaving the Ozdust Ballroom, Elphaba and Glinda stay up all night together, getting closer. With this being the beginning of their friendship, Glinda believes the best way to show her affection for Elphaba is to give her a makeover. While this may seem like a surface-level gesture, this means everything to Glinda.
Additionally,this song is one of the only times anyone has ever tried to befriend Elphaba, as well as one of the few times someone has called her beautiful. Elphaba may act like she is above this, but as Glinda notices, this is just an act. Elphaba is insecure about her appearance, especially since it so often leads to people judging her before they get to know her.
“Popular,” for the most part, stays true to the play’s version of the song. However, there is a bit more spectacle thanks to movie magic. And as observed byPlaybill,there are a few slight changes to “Popular,” likely made to complement Ariana Grande’s vocals.Along with that, the ending is a bit longer, with some extra “la la’s” tacked on.
Throughout the song “Popular,” Grande delivers a stunning performance filled with fantastic choreography, as well as plenty of comedy. It makes sense that 2024’sWickedwould want to end big when Grande delivers big throughout this performance.Grande’s iteration of Glindagets a little bit more time to show off her dance skills, as well as her stunning vocals, ending the song almost as if she were performing at a concert — complete with a makeshift stage and spotlights.
3"One Short Day”
“One Short Day” Explores The Lore Of Oz And The Emerald City
The biggest change to the music ofWickedis seen within “One Short Day.“There’s a longer introduction, which works well for the film adaptation. In the stage musical, Elphaba and Glinda jump straight into the Emerald City, but there is a little bit of travel time on screen, building the anticipation for the Emerald City, the crown jewel ofthe Land of Oz.
This introduction is not the most drastic change made to “One Short Day,” however. That accomplishment belongs toWizomania. In the Broadway musical,Wizomaniais a play within a play that is meant to highlight how wonderful the Wizard of Oz is.InWicked2024, audiences are treated to an extended lore dumpaboutthe history of Ozfrom none other than the original Elphaba and Glinda actors, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.
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The Wizard of Oz' Dorothy Gale is referenced and featured in the second act of Broadway’s Wicked, though only as a silhouette. Conversely, I think I’d like to see more of Dorothy in Wicked: Part Two, as I think it could really help flesh out the story and dynamics of what her arrival to Oz led to considering the end of Elphaba’s story.
They are actors in-universe portraying the elders of Oz, and they explain the prophecy of Oz and theGrimmerie,Wicked’smagical book. There is a lot more lore inWicked’snovel than the Broadway musical could cover, but withWicked Part Onebeing about the length of the entireWickedmusical,director Jon M. Chu had time to explore some of that lore in more depth.
Doing so gives additional context to the significance of the Grimmerie, as well as Madame Morrible’s interest in Elphaba, the likely chosen one in the prophecy. Along with expanding on the lore, this section gives the original actors behind Glinda and Elphaba a chance to make a cameo in the new film. Not only do they get to show off their musical chops, but the moment almost feels as if they are passing the torch toWickedstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
2"A Sentimental Man”
The Wizard of Oz Gets The Chance To Dance Through Life
WhileWickedmakes very few changes to the lyrics of “A Sentimental Man,” the pacing of the song is a little bit different. The film version ofWickedgivesJeff Goldblum’s Wizard of Oza chance to show off his dancing skills, something that is teased earlier with his fancy footwork.
His little dance, as well as his model of Oz, also highlight how he is a clever inventor and storyteller — but not an actual wizard.
Showing off to Elphaba and Glinda, the Wizard of Oz does a ballet-like dance behind the curtain, making it look like he holds the moon in his hands. It’s all an act, highlighting how the Wizard is an entertainer who is most comfortable hiding behind spectacle.His little dance, as well as his model of Oz, also highlight how he is a clever inventor and storyteller— but not an actual wizard. He just has the charisma and toys to make it seem like he is more powerful than he actually is.
What’s ironic is the song “A Sentimental Man” is the Wizard of Oz’s attempt to show a vulnerable side of himself to Elphaba. It’s about how he does not need the glitz and glam. All he wants, at the end of the day, is to be a father figure with loved ones who can rely on him. However,his actions, as well as all the smoke and mirrors, say otherwise. For such a “sentimental man,” the Wizard of Oz has no qualms about lying to Oz, turning citizens against one another, and spying on innocents through the flying monkeys.
Despite wanting to be a supportive father figure others can turn to,the Wizard fails to actually be someone his followers can rely on. But only Elphaba sees through his well-constructed act, and she may be the only one the Wizard of Oz truly wants to be a sentimental father figure to.
1"Defying Gravity”
“Defying Gravity” Circles Back To “The Wizard And I”
The final song inWicked Part Oneis the Broadway show’s most iconic song, “Defying Gravity.” On-stage, the song is sung with few interruptions. Along with that, the spectacle is when Elphaba hits her power ballad while rising into the air. On-screen, however,there is a lot more action to be seen as the guards pursue Elphaba. Along with that, the film does not need to rely on stage magic to convince audiences that Elphaba is flying. As such, viewers see Elphaba fall before she flies, taking a short breather before she begins her ballad.
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The movie’s take on “Defying Gravity” also circles back to Elphaba’s first song, “The Wizard and I.” During that first number, she fantasizes about working alongside the Wizard of Oz. She even has a vision, where she believes her future is unlimited. Fast-forward to now, and Elphaba’s dreams of working with the Wizard of Oz have been abandoned; however, Elphaba is still unlimited. It’s a clever way to highlight how far Elphaba has come, while also showcasing how the film can pull off its “Defying Gravity” spectacle differently from the stage production.
Furthermore, Elphaba’s mini-reprise of “The Wizard and I” builds up to the grand finale, whereCynthia Erivo’s Elphabadelivers a powerful, climactic end to “Defying Gravity.” This is the big finish, and it’s a note that anyWickedfan is excited for. Taking the time to build up to that, while also using that time to show how the rest of Oz is reacting to the news about The Wicked Witch, is an excellent way to build the anticipation.
Wicked
Cast
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
