Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked rapidly ascended to the top of 2024’s most well-regarded films, with one of its standout qualities being the elaborate and dynamic dance sequences that serve as a driving force behind the narrative. The musical features a total of eleven songs, each meticulously crafted to enhance character development and push their stories forward. Notable numbers such as “Popular” and “What Is This Feeling” effectively illustrate the evolving relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, while others, like “One Short Day” and “Something Bad,” deepen the lore of Oz and propel the plot further along.
Each musical piece is complemented by choreographed performances that honor the original stage production, while also adapting to the cinematic format. Chu skillfully revitalizes these songs, weaving in choreographic references to the source material, all while laying the groundwork for the events to unfold in the sequel, Wicked: For Good.
11 Something Bad
Performed By Peter Dinklage & Cynthia Erivo
“Something Bad” stands out as one of the few numbers in Wicked devoid of dance choreography, which may be attributed to its grim and unsettling themes. This song appears just prior to Elphaba’s journey to the Emerald City, marking a pivotal moment as she discovers the dire circumstances threatening the animals of Oz.
While it may not be the most celebrated track on the soundtrack, “Something Bad” plays a crucial role in driving Elphaba’s character development, ultimately influencing her decisions later in the film. The absence of dance is skillfully compensated by the use of shadows and atmospheric storytelling, which are powerfully conveyed through Erivo and Dinklage’s performances.
10 A Sentimental Man
Performed By Jeff Goldblum
The lyrics of “A Sentimental Man” shed light on the Wizard’s rise to power, but the song’s ironic tone reveals darker undertones about his personality. It marks a significant turning point within Wicked, and serves as a brief interlude before the turbulence that follows.
While Wicked makes notable adjustments to “A Sentimental Man” for its cinematic interpretation, the absence of choreography renders it less memorable compared to its counterparts. All the same, Goldblum infuses this number with undeniable charm, though it may not stand out amongst the other performances.
9 Dear Old Shiz
Performed By Shiz University Choir (ft. Ariana Grande)
Often viewed as one of the more lackluster songs in Wicked, “Dear Old Shiz” plays an essential role in establishing Glinda’s character. This number occurs early in the film, providing the audience with their first glimpse of Glinda’s background. Given that Glinda is arguably the most crucial character in the initial segment of Wicked, her introduction is foundational.
Despite the minimal choreography, the presence of a large ensemble creates a grand visual that pays tribute to the Broadway roots. Following “No One Mourns The Wicked,” this performance is the first instance in the film that evokes the feel of a large-scale stage production, showcasing a sense of scope without reliance on dance.
8 I’m Not That Girl
Performed By Cynthia Erivo
“I’m Not That Girl” encapsulates a pivotal moment in the narrative, as Elphaba grapples with her feelings for Fiyero and her jealousy regarding Glinda’s effortless charm. This song highlights Elphaba’s character development and utilizes cinematic techniques to portray her isolation, often framing her in the background of key scenes.
The love triangle between Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero serves as a core element of the story, and “I’m Not That Girl” illustrates Elphaba’s growing awareness of her role within this dynamic. Although there is little choreographic movement, the visual storytelling enhances the portrayal of Elphaba’s sense of alienation from her peers.
Performed By Cynthia Erivo (ft. Ariana Grande)
Elphaba’s ambitious and principled nature makes it impossible for her to exist alongside the Wizard, while Glinda’s pride prevents her from standing against him, valuing her reputation above all else. The finale is immensely impactful, with its choreography highlighting the tension between the main characters, despite the limited dancing.
6 The Wizard And I
Performed By Cynthia Erivo (ft. Michelle Yeoh)
“The Wizard and I” is arguably one of the earliest major musical numbers within Wicked and holds significant weight. This song unfolds shortly after Elphaba’s arrival at Shiz, capturing her fervent aspiration to meet the Wizard, yet foreshadowing the painful reality of their future interactions as previously hinted in “No One Mourns The Wicked.”
While the choreography remains understated compared to other vibrant numbers, it effectively enhances Elphaba’s characterization through her use of body language and visual storytelling. Key moments, such as the stained-glass windchime obscuring her face, poignantly symbolize her longing for acceptance and a desire to be “cured.”
5 Popular
Performed By Ariana Grande
“Popular” stands as Glinda’s defining number, embodying the pinnacle of Ariana Grande’s energetic performance. Her movement and delivery in “Popular” reveal layers of her character—from her superficial nature to her developing bond with Elphaba. This song signifies a crucial turning point, where the choreography is reflective of Glinda’s excitement to mentor her new friend.
However, the humor embedded in “Popular” also carries an undercurrent of ominous foreshadowing. Ultimately, Glinda’s preoccupation with popularity leads her to remain in a position of safety, risking her chances at true goodness by staying quiet. Her graceful movements and self-absorbed glances throughout the piece uncover her character’s inner conflicts prior to the film’s climactic finale.
4 No One Mourns The Wicked
Performed By Ariana Grande (ft. Andy Nyman, Courtney-Mae Briggs, Jeff Goldblum, Sharon D. Clarke & Jenna Boyd)
“No One Mourns The Wicked” opens Wicked with a powerful musical statement, setting the stage for the unfolding story. The introduction incorporates a flash-forward, illustrating the ultimate fates awaiting Elphaba and Glinda, adding layers to their subsequent actions throughout the narrative.
The choreography in this opener is among the most grand and compelling in the entire production, with the residents of Munchkinland fully capitalizing on their numbers to create an engaging spectacle. This vibrant opening is both dynamic and exciting, showcasing Grande’s character as an understated yet memorable element of this ensemble piece.
3 What Is This Feeling
Performed By Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande
The rivalry between Elphaba and Glinda is punctuated by “What Is This Feeling,” a delightful and humorous number that captures their dynamic splendidly. This number stands out for its light-hearted melody and humorous exchanges, making it one of the film’s most entertaining moments. The upbeat choreography adds to the excitement, emphasizing the comic tension in their relationship.
2 One Short Day
Performed By Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande (ft. Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth)
The song “One Short Day” marks a significant moment as Elphaba and Glinda arrive at the Emerald City, radiating an infectious energy that disguises the darker events that lie ahead. This upbeat number is emblematic of the musical’s optimistic tone, with lively choreography that enhances the backdrop of their awe.
Notably, this rendition departs from the original Broadway version by featuring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who contribute to deepening the lore surrounding the Wizard and his magical Grimmerie. This shining moment elevates the song beyond its previous versions and intricately weaves it into the film’s overarching narrative.
1 Dancing Through Life
Performed By Jonathan Bailey (ft. Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Ethan Slater & Marissa Bode)
Though Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero has only one number within the first act of Wicked, it undeniably stands out as the highlight of the film. His performance of “Dancing Through Life” is both charming and exquisitely choreographed, elevated by detailed set designs and dynamic cinematography that breathe life into the scene.
A captivating aspect of “Dancing Through Life” is its foreshadowing of Fiyero’s transformation in Wicked: For Good. The leisurely, playful style of his movements draws parallels to “If I Only Had A Brain” from The Wizard of Oz, hinting at the character’s fate in a clever and engaging manner.
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