Two original songs will be added toWicked: For Good, but these won’t do much to level out this sequel’s disadvantage. Director Jon M. Chu chose to split theWickedmusical into two parts for his on-screen adaptation, ensuring that every detail of Elphaba and Glinda’s stories is done justice. While this proved to be an excellent choice for the first film, the second half, officially calledWicked: For Good, is at a bit of a disadvantage thanks to some differences in the Broadway musical’s second act. The addition of new songs is promising, but there is one particular issue that this won’t help.
Many ofWicked’s most notable songsare in the Broadway show’s first act. While there are certainly some bangers in Act 2, such as “No Good Deed” and “For Good,” they pack a different sort of punch than “Defying Gravity” or “What Is This Feeling.” This isn’t an issue on the stage since the shift between the first and second half of the show allows for a comfortable rise and fall within a single production. For two separate movies, however, things get a bit more complicated. It’s for this reason thatchanges inWicked: For Goodare necessary.
Wicked: For Good’s 2 New Songs Are Solos For Elphaba & Glinda
Stephen Schwartz Added Additional Songs To Wicked Part 2
Wicked: For Goodwill feature two new songswritten by originalWickedcomposer Stephen Schwartz. It’s certainly comforting to know that the genius mind behind “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” will be the one to contribute additional songs to the story. Additionally, it has been revealed that these songs will feature solo performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, with their respective characters each getting their own new musical number. As evidenced by memorable solos inWicked: Part 1, these will surely be excellent. Still,it’s disappointing thatWicked: For Goodwill be lacking in ensemble numbers.
Elphaba & Glinda Getting New Solo Songs Means That Wicked: For Good Will Be Lacking Big Ensemble Numbers
There Are Very Few Ensemble Songs In The Second Half Of Wicked
The big ensemble musical numbers are contained primarily within the first act ofWicked, with the second act focused more on solo performances. This makes a lot of sense thematically since it emphasizes just how alone Elphaba and Glinda are after they go their separate ways following “Defying Gravity.” Still, it’s a shame for the movies considering the spectacles that were “What is This Feeling,” “Dancing Through Life,” and “One Short Day” inWicked: Part 1.The choreography and ensemble sound of these numbers made them some of the best momentsof the first movie.
Every Wicked Song, Ranked By The Dance Choreography
Wicked is filled with exciting and dynamic songs, but some musical numbers have much stronger dance choreography than others in the film.
Wicked: For Goodwill be lacking in this, with only short and sweet ensemble moments and reprises in the original musical’s second act.The sequel could have corrected this with new songs that would capture the same sort of energy, but Schwartz added solo numbers instead. For this reason,Wicked: For Goodwill be at a bit of a disadvantage since audiences will expect the second part of Chu’s on-screen musical to match the energy of the first. It will ultimately be all the more important that the secondWickedmovie leans into other ways that it can be spectacular.
How Wicked: For Good Can Still Live Up To Its Predecessor’s Spectacle
The Visuals For These Solos Must Be Exceptional
WhileShiz and the Emerald Cityprovided ample opportunity for big ensemble numbers, the isolated nature ofWicked: For Goodopened the doors for solos and duets. These are spectacular on the stage, but Chu will have to work a little harder to make them stand out on the screen. “As Long As Your Mine” is sure to be exceptional, butElphaba and Fiyero can’t simply sit in front of each other as they sing their love song like they do on stage. There will have to be a more involved set and some additional, far more exciting choreography. The same is true for essentially every other solo and duet.
Thankfully, Wicked: Part 1 has already demonstrated how powerful solos and duets can be on screen.
Thankfully,Wicked: Part 1has already demonstrated how powerful solos and duets can be on screen. So long asWicked: For Goodleans into the personal character development that is so pivotal at this point in the story, these musical numbers can hold up to the big ensemble moments ofPart 1. In this way,Elphaba and Glinda’s new solo songs can help to enhance the second movie. If these songs are focused on carrying these characters' personal journies forward, then the emotional impact will be there—even without massive group dances in the library or cities full of emerald singers.
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.
