Wicked performers share the songs that define their characters and craft
The article asks performers and creators associated with *Wicked* to name the songs they most enjoy performing and explain what makes them meaningful. Their reflections show how the musical’s songs can carry emotional turning points for the characters as well as memorable moments for the people singing them.
Idina Menzel recalls helping develop Elphaba’s role and persuading composer Stephen Schwartz to raise the ending of “Defying Gravity” by an octave; she says learning to recover from mistakes helped her. West End Glinda Zizi Strallen chooses “Thank Goodness”, describing Glinda’s conflict between fame and loyalty to Elphaba, and the song’s challenging rhythms. Jordan Litz, who played Fiyero more than 1,700 times in the US, discusses “Dancing Through Life”, which began as a different, sleazier song called “Which Way Is the Party?”; the supplied article text cuts off before his account continues.
- Menzel helped shape “Defying Gravity” and its soaring ending.
- Strallen values “Thank Goodness” for Glinda’s emotional conflict.
- Litz says “Dancing Through Life” began as a different song.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “‘They’ll never bring us dowwwwwwwn!’ Wicked’s stars pick their favourite songs from the smash hit”.