Wicked: Original Broadway Cast
Wicked is a musical with songs by Stephen Schwartz, based on the Gregory Macguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. It is a story about the Elphaba, her rocky relationship with Galinda (Glinda the Good) and the events leading to her becoming the Wicked Witch of the West. The musical debuted on Broadway fall 2003, with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth starring at Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. The musical songs performed by the Menzel and Chenoweth and the original cast were recorded and released on cd. This album has been my current ear-obsession.
When i initially heard this album a year ago, I was immediately taken with Elphaba and Galinda. Our two witches have fantastic voices and great songs together. They were so good, in fact, that their songs were pretty much all i listened to. I found the other songs stale and sometimes cringe-worthy and easily skipped over the tracks. Recently, I got the urge to listen to a couple of the Elphaba-Galinda songs. I decided to listen to the entire album again. A year later, i believe i have dismissed the other songs and cast members too easily.
Elphaba and Galinda. The stars of our story. Menzel and Chenoweth each give strong vocals, but they come together to perfect harmonies and unisons effortlessly. I found that amazing, considering Menzel's powerhouse and Chenoweths operatic soprano styles are so different. Examples of these perfect harmonies and unisons are Defying Gravity and For Good. Chenoweth, though a soprano, took the lower harmonies much of the time when dueting with Menzel. I was amused and thankful for this. While Galinda is, technically, a leading character, she still remains a supporting character for our title character Elphaba. This was definitely demonstrated in the vocal arrangement of the songs.
Chenoweth was still allowed to shine in full soprano glory in songs with Galinda and chorus. I must admit, i found this quite startling at first, but it really does suit Galinda, and sets her far above the chorus of Ozians. No One Mourns the Wicked and Thank Goodness showcase Chenoweth's soprano efforts.
Menzel is the powerhouse, as i've said before. Her vocals definitely gave Elphaba's character the confidence and determination. No Good Deed. But her peformance isn't always full-force and gut-punching. She was definitely able to bring things down a notch or too and demonstrate Elphaba's vulnerabilities. Case in point, I'm Not That Girl.
Leo Norbert Butz is Fiyero, the love interest, is introduced and commences his frivolous song Dancing Through Life. i absolutely hated him and his song, upon initial listening. Now, it doesn't seem as obnoxious. There are great segues to scenes between different characters with a repeating theme, [we] deserve each other. Butz is also showcased in the love duet with Menzel, As Long As You're Mine. I found his vocals to take on a modern crooner tone, which pairs up interestingly with Menzel's strong vocals. Not too shabby a duet.
While I've found value in the entire album, there's still no doubt that the main attraction is Menzel and Chenoweth. They easily steal the show from all others, and it's a pleasure listening to them clash in rivalry and come together in friendship.