♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ANNOUNCER: PBS is proud to present: WICKED in Concert.
Join Hosts Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel for a celebration of the music of Wicked.
Featuring performances by Mario Cantone, Gavin Creel, Ariana DeBose, Cynthia Erivo, Stephanie Hsu, Rita Moreno, Jennifer Nettles, Alex Newell, Isaac Powell, Amber Riley, Gabrielle Ruiz, and Ali Stroker.
♪ BACKGROUND: Oh ♪ ♪ Aah ♪ ♪ Aah ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Good news!
♪ ♪ She's dead!
♪ ♪ The Witch of the West is dead!
♪ ♪ The wickedest witch there ever was ♪ ♪ The enemy of all of us here in Oz is dead!
♪ ♪ Good news!
♪ ♪ Good news!
♪ ♪ Wicked!
♪ ♪ Wicked!
♪ ♪ Wicked!
♪ CHENOWETH: It's good to see us, isn't it?
MENZEL: Yes, Kristin, it certainly is!
And, for good reason!
We are thrilled, we're so thrilled to be celebrating the music and magic of the Broadway sensation that is the musical, Wicked.
A show that really changed us both, for the better.
Thank you to Luke Frazier and the American Pops Orchestra for that thrillifying overture, welcoming all of us back to Oz.
I'll never forget the first time I heard those songs.
No big orchestra, no sets or costumes, just the raw incredible music and lyrics of Stephen Schwartz and the inventive and deeply moving script by Winnie Holzman.
That experience was life-changing for me, and for countless others.
KRISTIN: Wicked is adapted from the remarkable novel by Gregory Maguire and looks at what happened in the Land of Oz... but from a different perspective.
Long before Dorothy arrived, there was another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, she was smart, oh, she was fiery, she was misunderstood, possessing an extraordinary talent and a burning sense of justice.
My kind of kid.
At school, she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular and whose life has been totally and utterly perfect.
They are opposite in every way.
Now, the initial rivalry between these young women turns into the unlikeliest of friendships... until the world decides to cast one as "good," and the other one as "wicked."
Sound like a familiar story?
But Wicked turns that story on its head.
We fall in love with an outsider who learns that what makes her different actually makes her magical and stronger.
We gain deep respect for a popular girl who learns that doing good is actually more important than being liked.
Wicked demands that we see past the surface, past looks, past color, in determining what is good or bad.
IDINA: Yep, that message is even more relevant and meaningful today than when we opened at the Gershwin Theatre in 2003.
As the story begins, our feisty heroines have entered the harrowed halls and vine-draped walls of Shiz University and have been accidentally selected to become roommates... and, let's just say neither of them is thrilled with the arrangement.
Here to ask "What Is This Feeling?
", please welcome Gabrielle Ruiz and Amber Riley.
♪ ♪ ♪ RILEY: What is this feeling, so sudden and new?
♪ ♪ RUIZ: I felt the moment I laid eyes on you ♪ ♪ RILEY: My pulse is rushing ♪ ♪ RUIZ: My head is reeling ♪ ♪ RILEY: My face is flushing ♪ ♪ BOTH: What is this feeling, fervid as a flame?
♪ ♪ Does it have a name?
♪ ♪ Yes!
♪ ♪ Loathing ♪ ♪ Unadulterated loathing ♪ ♪ RILEY: For your face ♪ ♪ RUIZ: Your voice ♪ ♪ RILEY: Your clothing ♪ ♪ BOTH: Let's just say I loathe it all!
♪ ♪ Ev'ry little trait, however small ♪ ♪ Makes my very flesh begin to crawl ♪ ♪ With simple, utter loathing!
♪ ♪ There's a strange exhilaration in such total detestation ♪ ♪ It's so pure!
So strong!
♪ ♪ Though I do admit it came on fast ♪ ♪ still I do believe that it can last ♪ ♪ And I will be loathing, loathing you ♪ ♪ My whole life long!
♪ ♪ BACKGROUND: Dear Galinda, you are just too good!
♪ ♪ How do you stand it?
♪ ♪ I don't think I could!
♪ ♪ She's a terror!
♪ ♪ She's a tartar!
♪ ♪ We don't mean to show a bias, but Galinda ♪ ♪ You're a martyr!
♪ ♪ RILEY: Well ♪ ♪ These things are sent to try us!
♪ ♪ BACKGROUND: Poor Galinda, forced to reside with ♪ ♪ Someone so disgusticified!
♪ ♪ We just want to tell you: we're all on your side!
♪ ♪ We share your ♪ ♪ Loathing!
♪ ♪ BOTH: What is this feeling, so sudden and new?
♪ ♪ I felt the moment I laid eyes on you ♪ ♪ My pulse is rushing ♪ ♪ My head is reeling ♪ ♪ BACKGROUND: We loathe it all ♪ ♪ BOTH: Oh, what is this feeling?
♪ ♪ Does it have a name?
♪ ♪ Yes ♪ ♪ Ahh ♪ ♪ Loathing!
♪ ♪ There's a strange exhilaration ♪ ♪ In such total detestation ♪ ♪ So pure, so strong ♪ ♪ Though I do admit it came on fast ♪ ♪ Still I do believe that it can last ♪ ♪ And I will be loathing, for forever ♪ ♪ Loathing ♪ ♪ Truly, deeply loathing you ♪ ♪ My whole life long!
♪ RUIZ: Hey Amber!
RILEY: What?
RUIZ: Boo!
RILEY: HA!
RUIZ: I've had so much fun.
We got to sing "What is This Feeling" and she, I've looked up to her for so long and have been such a fan of her from the red carpet.
I've never been able to perform with her so we had that chance today.
I think what connects the audience is, you can relate to both of the characters that are so polar opposite 'cause I think we have both Glinda and Elphaba in us.
And when you can craft characters like that, that have such a crazy difference, and they have such equal love for each other by the end.
We all can relate to that, I think.
MENZEL: Wicked has become a true phenomenon.
It's been seen by over 60 million people worldwide, and is now the fifth longest-running show in Broadway history.
There are countless tours and productions all over the world and the West End production in London is now celebrating its 15th anniversary.
CHENOWETH: And, can we talk about the community and family that this show has inspired and created?
A Universe of Wicked love.
We really want to take this moment to thank all of the fans who have been with us on this marvelous mystical journey these past, um, 18 years.
It's not just the story of how the scarecrow became a scarecrow or how the twister arrived in Oz.
No, no, no.
It's a far deeper journey.
It's about the friendship between women defying the limited and limiting roles the world has carved out for them.
Now, despite the conflict with her roommate and meanness from her peers, Elphaba finally feels that her future could be unlimited.
Inspired by an encouraging Headmistress, Madame Morrible, Elphaba has a vision like a prophecy about what she truly wants in a world that never seems to want her.
Here to dream about "The Wizard and I," it is an honor to introduce West Side Story's Ariana DeBose, alongside Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winner, wow!
Ms. Rita Moreno.
♪ MORENO: Many years I have waited ♪ ♪ For a gift like yours to appear ♪ ♪ Why, I predict the Wizard ♪ ♪ Might make you his Magic Grand Vizier!
♪ ♪ My dear, my dear, I'll write at once to the Wizard ♪ ♪ Tell him of you in advance ♪ ♪ With a talent like yours, dear ♪ ♪ It is a definish chance ♪ ♪ If you work as you should, you'll be making ♪ ♪ Good ♪ ♪ DEBOSE: Did that really just happen?
♪ ♪ Have I actually understood?
♪ ♪ This weird quirk I've tried to suppress or hide is a talent?
♪ ♪ That could help me meet the Wizard!
♪ ♪ If I make good ♪ ♪ So, I'll make good ♪ ♪ When I meet the Wizard, once I prove my worth ♪ ♪ Then I meet the Wizard ♪ ♪ What I've waited for since ♪ ♪ Since birth!
♪ ♪ And with all his Wizard wisdom ♪ ♪ By my looks, he won't be blinded ♪ ♪ Do you think the Wizard is dumb?
♪ ♪ Or like Munchkins, so small-minded?
♪ ♪ No!
♪ ♪ He'll say to me: "I see who you truly are: ♪ ♪ A girl on whom I can rely!"
♪ ♪ And that's how we'll begin ♪ ♪ The Wizard and I ♪ ♪ Once I'm with the Wizard ♪ ♪ My whole life will change ♪ ♪ 'Cuz when you're with the Wizard ♪ ♪ No one thinks you're strange ♪ ♪ No father is not proud of you ♪ ♪ No sister acts ashamed ♪ ♪ And all of Oz has to love you ♪ ♪ When by the Wizard ♪ ♪ You're acclaimed ♪ ♪ And this gift or this curse I have inside ♪ ♪ Maybe at last I'll know why ♪ ♪ When we are hand in hand ♪ ♪ The Wizard and I!
♪ ♪ And one day, he'll say to me: ♪ ♪ "Elphaba, a girl who is so superior ♪ ♪ Shouldn't a girl who's so good inside ♪ ♪ Have a matching exterior?
♪ ♪ So since folks here to an absurd degree seem fixated on ♪ ♪ Your verdigris, would it be all right by you ♪ ♪ If I degreenify you?"
♪ ♪ And of course that's not important to me ♪ ♪ "All right, why not?"
♪ ♪ I'll reply ♪ ♪ And, what a pair we'll be the Wizard and I!
♪ ♪ Yes, what a pair we'll be ♪ ♪ The Wizard and ♪ ♪ Unlimited ♪ ♪ My future is unlimited ♪ ♪ And I've just had a vision almost like a prophecy ♪ ♪ I know, it sounds truly crazy ♪ ♪ And true the vision's hazy ♪ ♪ But I swear ♪ ♪ Someday there'll be a celebration throughout Oz ♪ ♪ That's all to do with me!
♪ ♪ And I'll stand there with the Wizard ♪ ♪ Feeling things I've never felt ♪ ♪ And though I'd never show it, I'd be so happy ♪ ♪ I could melt!
♪ ♪ And so it will be for the rest of my life ♪ ♪ And I'll want nothing else till I die!
♪ ♪ Held in such high esteem ♪ ♪ When people see me they will scream ♪ ♪ For half of Oz's fav'rite team ♪ ♪ The Wizard and I!
♪♪ MORENO: This is not easy music to sing.
This is difficult, and how our beautiful leads manage to make it look as though it's second nature is just a thrill.
DEBOSE: I don't think there's a woman in the world, or anyone who has sung this song, and not had absolute butterflies.
It's a tour de force piece, I think, and you have to be a real skilled vocalist, and have so much heart and passion in your acting, and it's a real journey that you get to go on and I feel very fortunate to have gotten to sing an incredible song by Stephen Schwartz, hello?
MENZEL: Tonight we celebrate the thrilling score by Stephen Schwartz.
Performed with special original arrangements that are being heard tonight for the first time, a unique introduction to the musical for anyone who has never seen it, and a celebration for its millions of fans around the world.
SCHWARTZ: It's been fun and exciting for me how so many people over the years have done reimaginings of the songs from Wicked, with new arrangements and new interpretations.
Here's a cool mashup of the things some of these singers and arrangers have done.
I hope you enjoy it.
♪ BOTH: I'd sooner buy defying gravity ♪ ♪ Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity ♪ ♪ And you can't pull me down ♪ ♪ BURNS: Would it be alright by you?
♪ ♪ COTT: Would it be alright by you?
♪ ♪ BURNS: By your side dancing through life!
♪ ♪ COTT: And I'll stand there with the Wizard feeling things ♪ ♪ I've never felt ♪ ♪ BOTH: And though I'd never show it ♪ ♪ I'd be so happy I could melt ♪ ♪ BOTH: Blithe smile, lithe limb ♪ ♪ She who's winsome, she wins him ♪ ♪ Gold hair with a gentle curl ♪ ♪ That's the girl he chose ♪ ♪ And heaven knows ♪ ♪ I'm not that girl ♪ ♪ ASHFORD: They call me Wonderful ♪ ♪ So I am Wonderful ♪ ♪ In fact it's so much who I am it's part of my name!
♪ ♪ And with my help, you can be the same ♪ ♪ GROUP: Oh loathing ♪ ♪ Unadulterated loathing ♪ ♪ For your face, your voice, your clothing ♪ ♪ Let's just say I loathe it all!
♪ ♪ TVEIT: They were popular!
♪ ♪ Please!
♪ ♪ It's all about popular ♪ ♪ It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed ♪ ♪ So it's very shrewd to be ♪ ♪ Very very popular like me ♪ ♪ BOTH: Every moment ♪ ♪ As long as you're mine ♪ ♪ I'll wake up my body ♪ ♪ And make up for lost time ♪ ♪ BOTH: And nobody in all of Oz ♪ ♪ No Wizard that there is or was ♪ ♪ Is ever gonna bring me down ♪ ♪ Bring me down ♪♪  POWELL: It feels really exciting, Wicked is, uh, the musical that made me fall in love with musicals, um, when I was in seventh grade.
And, uh, so to be singing this song, in this capacity, with this group and this incredible orchestra, it's just a... a full circle moment, a little dream come true for sure.
♪ The trouble with schools is they always try to ♪ ♪ Teach the wrong lesson ♪ ♪ Believe me, I've been kicked out of enough of them to know ♪ ♪ They want you to become less callow, less shallow ♪ ♪ But I say, "Why invite stressin?
♪ ♪ Stop studying strife and learn to live ♪ ♪ 'The unexamined life'..." ♪ ♪ Dancing through life ♪ ♪ Skimming the surface ♪ ♪ Gliding where turf is smooth ♪ ♪ Life's more painless for the brainless ♪ ♪ Why think too hard when it's so soothing?
♪ ♪ Dancing through life ♪ ♪ No need to tough it when you can ♪ ♪ Slough it off as I do ♪ ♪ Nothing matters, but knowing nothing matters ♪ ♪ It's just life so keep dancing through ♪ ♪ Dancing through life ♪ ♪ Swaying and sweeping ♪ ♪ And always keeping cool ♪ ♪ BACKGROUND: Ba ba ba da ♪ ♪ POWELL: Life is fraught-less ♪ ♪ When you're thoughtless ♪ ♪ Those who don't try never look foolish ♪ ♪ Dancing through life ♪ ♪ Mindless and careless ♪ ♪ Make sure you're where less trouble is rife ♪ ♪ Woes are fleeting ♪ ♪ Blows are glancing ♪ ♪ When you're dancing ♪ ♪ Through life ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Let's go down to the Ozdust Ballroom ♪ ♪ We'll meet there later tonight ♪ ♪ We can dance till it's light ♪ ♪ Find the prettiest girl ♪ ♪ Give her a whirl ♪ ♪ Right on down ♪ ♪ To the Ozdust Ballroom ♪ ♪ Come on follow me ♪ ♪ You'll be happy to be there ♪ ♪ BACKGROUND: Dancing through life down at the Ozdust ♪ ♪ POWELL: Only because dust is what we come to ♪ ♪ Nothing matters, but knowing nothing matters ♪ ♪ it's just life ♪ ♪ It's just life ♪ ♪ So keep dancing through ♪♪ MENZEL: We just heard from the genuinely self-absorbed and deeply shallow Fiyero, gorgeously sung by Broadway's Isaac Powell.
Fiyero was a serious party boy and made it his life's work to bring the party to every school he flunked out of.
It's not surprising that both Glinda and Elphaba develop feelings for this wild seductive happy-go-lucky Prince.
The bubbly Glinda, with her effervescent charm and totally impossible adorable ways, of course beats Elphaba to his affections.
Sadly, this loss is not new for our Green Girl, who is no stranger to rejection.
Performing "I'm Not That Girl," I'm overjoyed to introduce one of the stars of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Stephanie Hsu.
♪ ♪ ♪ BACKGROUND:Ooh, ooh ♪ ♪ HSU: Hands touch, eyes meet ♪ ♪ Sudden silence, sudden heat ♪ ♪ Hearts leap in a giddy whirl ♪ ♪ He could be that boy ♪ ♪ But I'm not that girl ♪ ♪ Don't dream too far ♪ ♪ Don't lose sight of who you are ♪ ♪ Don't remember that rush of joy ♪ ♪ He could be that boy ♪ ♪ I'm not that girl ♪ ♪ Ev'ry so often we long to steal ♪ ♪ To the land of What Might Have Been ♪ ♪ But that doesn't soften the ache we feel ♪ ♪ When reality sets back in ♪ ♪ Blithe smile, lithe limb ♪ ♪ She who's winsome, she wins him ♪ ♪ Gold hair with a gentle curl ♪ ♪ That's the girl he chose ♪ ♪ And heaven knows ♪ ♪ I'm not that girl ♪ ♪ Don't wish ♪ ♪ Don't start ♪ ♪ Wishing only wounds the heart ♪ ♪ I wasn't born ♪ ♪ For the rose and pearl ♪ ♪ There's a girl I know ♪ ♪ He loves her so ♪ ♪ I'm not that girl... ♪ HSU: I think the music is really just quite beautiful.
And certainly when Wicked came out it was just, you hadn't really seen two female leads that way, and so I just remember that being really empowering.
And even singing this song, um, with the orchestra, with a band, I just, can really hear all the instruments in a way that really makes me appreciate um the music that much deeper.
LEE: I just wanna tell you that I am a Rodgers & Hammerstein baby.
And then there is Stephen Schwartz.
You know.
Godspell.
Pippin.
Working.
Wicked.
And seeing the show changed, you know, has changed me also.
Because, you know, when you're used to those classic icons, and then you see Wicked, you go 'wow.'
You know, we're into the next century!
KRISTIN Now, not everything is going wrong for our favorite duo.
In fact, after a night of festivating and fun at The Ozdust Ballroom, the roommates are actually starting to become, dare I say, friends?
Much to her chagrin, Elphaba even agrees to be "Ga-lindafied" with a late-night makeover.
Armed with wit, charm, and maybe even a little magic of her own, Galinda tries to give our Green Beauty some of her own natural confidence.
Here to perform a song close to my heart, toss toss, I'm bursting with pride to inform you that Alex Newell has decided to make you his new project.
Get ready!
♪ NEWELL: Whenever I see someone less fortunate than I: ♪ ♪ And let's face it, who isn't ♪ ♪ Less fortunate than I?
♪ ♪ My tender heart tends to start to bleed ♪ ♪ And when someone needs a makeover ♪ ♪ I simply have to take over; I know ♪ ♪ I know exactly what they need!
♪ ♪ And even in your case ♪ ♪ Though it's the toughest case I've yet to face ♪ ♪ Don't worry, I'm determined to succeed ♪ ♪ Follow my lead and yes, indeed ♪ ♪ You will be ♪ ♪ Popular ♪ ♪ You're gonna be popular!
♪ ♪ I'll teach you the proper ploys when you talk to boys ♪ ♪ Little ways to flirt and flounce ♪ ♪ I'll show you what shoes to wear ♪ ♪ How to fix your hair ♪ ♪ Ev'rything that really counts ♪ ♪ To be popular!
♪ ♪ I'll help you be popular!
♪ ♪ You'll hang with the right cohorts ♪ ♪ You'll be good at sports ♪ ♪ Know the slang you've got to know ♪ ♪ So let's start 'cause you've got an awful long way to go!
♪ ♪ Don't be offended by my frank analysis!
♪ ♪ Think of it as personality dialysis ♪ ♪ Now that I've chosen to become a pal ♪ ♪ A sister and adviser, there's nobody wiser ♪ ♪ Not when it comes to popular ♪ ♪ I know about popular!
♪ ♪ And with an assist from me to be who you'll be ♪ ♪ Instead of dreary who-you-were...are ♪ ♪ There's nothing that can stop you from becoming ♪ ♪ Popu-ler...lar ♪ ♪ La la la la ♪ ♪ We're gonna make you popular!
♪ ♪ Ha!
♪ ♪ Ha!
♪ ♪ When I see depressing creatures ♪ ♪ With unprepossessing features ♪ ♪ I remind them on their own we have to think of ♪ ♪ Celebrated heads of state or ♪ ♪ 'Specially great communicators ♪ ♪ Did they have brains or knowledge?
♪ ♪ Don't make me laugh!
♪ ♪ They were popular ♪ ♪ Please!
♪ ♪ It's all about popular!
♪ ♪ It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed ♪ ♪ So it's very shrewd to be ♪ ♪ Very, very popular like me!
♪ ♪ Ha ha!
♪ ♪ And though you protest your disinterest ♪ ♪ I know clandestinely ♪ ♪ You're gonna grin and bear it, your new-found popularity ♪ ♪ Ha!
♪ ♪ La la la la ♪ ♪ You'll be popular!
♪ ♪ Just not quite as popular as me!
♪♪  NEWELL: Pop.
I did it.
Yay.
I loved it!
You know, I've sung Wicked through and back, and I know it and I love it, but um, it's the first time that I've ever had to sing "Popular".
They said "We want you to sing 'Popular'," and I was just like 'okay.
I'll do it.'
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ CANTONE: I never asked for this ♪ ♪ Or planned it in advance ♪ ♪ I was merely blown here by the winds of chance ♪ ♪ I never saw myself as a Solomon or Socrates ♪ ♪ I knew who I was ♪ ♪ One of your dime a dozen Mediocrities ♪ ♪ Then suddenly I'm here!
♪ ♪ Respected, worshipped, even ♪ ♪ Just because the folks in Oz needed someone to believe in ♪ ♪ Does it surprise you I got hooked ♪ ♪ And all too soon?
♪ ♪ What can I say?
♪ ♪ I got carried away ♪ ♪ And not just by a balloon ♪ ♪ Wonderful ♪ ♪ They called me "Wonderful" ♪ ♪ So I said "Wonderful, if you insist!"
♪ ♪ I will be "Wonderful" ♪ ♪ And they said "Wonderful" ♪ ♪ Believe me, it's hard to resist!
♪ ♪ 'Cause it feels wonderful ♪ ♪ They think I'm wonderful ♪ ♪ Hey, look who's wonderful ♪ ♪ This corn-fed hick ♪ ♪ Who said, "It might be keen ♪ ♪ To build a town of green ♪ ♪ And a wonderful road of yellow brick!"
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ A man's called a traitor or liberator ♪ ♪ A rich man's a thief or philanthropist ♪ Is one a crusader or ruthless invader?
♪ ♪ It's all in which label is able to persist ♪ ♪ There are precious few at ease ♪ ♪ With moral ambiguities ♪ ♪ So we act as though they don't exist ♪ ♪ They call me "Wonderful" ♪ ♪ So I am wonderful ♪ ♪ In fact, it's so much who I am ♪ ♪ It's part of my name!
♪ ♪ And with my help, you can be the same ♪ ♪ At long, long last receive your due long overdue ♪ ♪ Elphaba ♪ ♪ The most celebrated are the rehabilitated ♪ ♪ There'll be such a whoop-de-doo ♪ ♪ A celebration throughout Oz ♪ ♪ That's all to do with you ♪ ♪ Wonderful ♪ ♪ They'll call you wonderful ♪ ♪ It does sound wonderful ♪ ♪ Trust me, it's fun ♪ ♪ When you are wonderful ♪ ♪ It would be wonderful ♪ ♪ Wonderful, wonderful ♪ ♪ One!
Two!
And ♪ ♪ Ha ha ha ha!
♪ ♪ ♪ CANTONE: I'll never forget the first time I saw it, it was quite large and beautiful, and moving, very moving.
Um, I love the show.
I think it's gorgeous, and it's a phenomenon!
People are obsessed with it!
It's like The Beatles!
It's pretty crazy.
CHENOWETH: Now, as we all know, not everything is what it seems.
It's a theme here, I think.
And, the things that at first seem wonderful, are sometimes just the opposite.
As we just heard from the Wizard, he doesn't believe it's lying so much as... looking at things another way.
Glinda is now a public figure and engaged to the new Captain of the Guard, Fiyero.
She is expected to be encouraging, uplifting and keep Oz happy even if she resorts on occasion to the sharing of fake news.
At her engagement announcement, she allows herself a moment to pause and ask: is it worth getting what she's always wanted, even if it brings harm to others?
Should she continue to smile and wave, or do what she knows is right?
ERIVO: This song is really...
I think it's actually quite special, because of its meaning.
The idea that getting everything you want isn't necessarily the indication for happiness.
That there's more to happiness than that, than material things, I suppose.
Um, and it's a lovely sing.
It feels a little bit like a lullaby, which I love.
♪ ERIVO: I couldn't be happier ♪ ♪ No, I couldn't be happier ♪ ♪ Though it is, I admit, the tiniest bit ♪ ♪ Unlike I anticipated ♪ ♪ But I couldn't be happier ♪ ♪ Simply couldn't be happier ♪ ♪ Well, not 'simply...' ♪ ♪ 'Cause getting your dreams, it's strange ♪ ♪ But it seems a little, well, complicated ♪ ♪ There's a kind of a sort of ♪ ♪ Cost ♪ ♪ There's a couple of things get ♪ ♪ Lost ♪ ♪ There are bridges you cross you didn't know you crossed ♪ ♪ Until you crossed ♪ ♪ And if that joy, that thrill ♪ ♪ Doesn't thrill like you think it will ♪ ♪ Still, with this perfect finale ♪ ♪ The cheers and the ballyhoo ♪ ♪ Who wouldn't be happier?
♪ ♪ So I couldn't be happier ♪ ♪ Because happy is what happens ♪ ♪ When all your dreams come true ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ And who wouldn't be happier?
♪ ♪ So I couldn't be happier ♪ ♪ Because happy is what happens ♪ ♪ When all your dreams come true ♪ ♪ Well, isn't it?
♪ ♪ Happy is what happens when your ♪ ♪ Dreams ♪ ♪ Come ♪ ♪ True ♪ ERIVO: I love this music.
I used to sneak away, uh, when I was at drama school, with a friend of mine who used to play the piano for me, and we would sing the score of Wicked together.
So, I was doing that before I'd even seen the show.
MENZEL: Just like Glinda, Elphaba now finds herself at a crossroads and must choose between what is easy and what is right.
Without the Wizard on her side, she knows that taking the right path means standing alone.
Oz has begun to see her as Wicked, and Glinda begs her to apologize and make good.
But at what cost?
This next song has become a kind of anthem for the disempowered.
It was the honor of my life to be able to originate this song and I've been humbled by the countless stories from fans all over the world who've been inspired by its message.
POWELL: The music is so beautiful and so striking and powerful, and I think that a lot of people find themselves identifying with Elphaba.
I think everybody knows what it feels like to be that outsider who longs to be part of something and feels like that thing that is unique about them is actually what's holding them back.
But I think we often find in life that that's actually what sets us apart and makes us different.
MENZEL: We have all experienced, or will experience, a moment in our lives where we need to "Defy Gravity" and find the strength to stand up for what we believe in most.
It's an honor to pass the torch to the stunningly talented, Olivier Award-winning actress Amber Riley.
RILEY: When they originally asked me to be a part of this I was like "Oh my God, they're not going to ask me to do 'Defying Gravity', they're going to have some big Broadway star do it".
And then they were like "Oh it's 'Defying Gravity'!"
I was so excited, cause it's my favorite song from the show.
There's a special class of singers that gets to play those amazing roles and it's really, kind of like an honor to be able to, kind of step into their shoes, at least for one night, I get to do that.
♪ MORENO: Citizens of Oz!
♪ ♪ There is an enemy who must be found and captured ♪ ♪ Believe nothing she says ♪ ♪ She, she is evil ♪ ♪ Her green skin is but an outward manifestorium ♪ ♪ Of her twisted nature, this ♪ ♪ Distortion ♪ ♪ This Repulsion ♪ ♪ This Wicked Witch ♪ ♪ RILEY: Something has changed within me ♪ ♪ Something is not the same ♪ ♪ I'm through with playing by ♪ ♪ The rules of someone else's game ♪ ♪ Too late for second guessing ♪ ♪ Too late to go back to sleep ♪ ♪ It's time to trust my instincts ♪ ♪ Close my eyes and leap ♪ ♪ It's time to try defying gravity ♪ ♪ I think I'll try defying gravity ♪ ♪ And you won't pull me down ♪ ♪ I'm through accepting limits ♪ ♪ 'Cause someone says they're so ♪ ♪ Some things I cannot change ♪ ♪ But till I try I'll never know ♪ ♪ Too long I've been afraid of ♪ ♪ Losing love I guess I've lost ♪ ♪ Well, if that's love ♪ ♪ It comes at much too high a cost ♪ ♪ I'd sooner buy defying gravity ♪ ♪ Kiss me goodbye ♪ ♪ I'm defying gravity ♪ ♪ And you can't pull me down ♪ ♪ Unlimited ♪ ♪ My future is unlimited ♪ ♪ And I just saw a vision almost like a prophecy ♪ ♪ I know it sounds truly crazy ♪ ♪ And true the vision's hazy ♪ ♪ But I swear someday I'll be ♪ ♪ Up in the sky ♪ ♪ Defying gravity ♪ ♪ I'm flying high, defying gravity ♪ ♪ And you won't pull me down ♪ ♪ So if you care to find me ♪ ♪ Look to the Western sky ♪ ♪ As someone told me lately: ♪ ♪ Ev'ryone deserves a chance to fly!
♪ ♪ And if I'm flying solo ♪ ♪ At least I'm flying free ♪ ♪ To those who'd ground me ♪ ♪ Take a message back from me ♪ ♪ Tell them how I'm defying gravity ♪ ♪ I'm flying high defying gravity ♪ ♪ And I'll catch them in renown ♪ ♪ And nobody in all of Oz ♪ ♪ No Wizard that there is or was ♪ ♪ Is ever gonna bring ♪ ♪ Me down ♪ ♪ Ooh-ah!
♪♪  CHENOWETH: And now, a stunning rendition of the song "As Long As You're Mine."
♪ ♪ ♪ STROKER: Mm ♪ ♪ Ooh ♪ ♪ Kiss me too fiercely, hold me too tight ♪ ♪ I need help believing ♪ ♪ You're with me tonight ♪ ♪ My wildest dreamings could not foresee ♪ ♪ Lying beside you ♪ ♪ With you wanting me ♪ ♪ And just for this moment ♪ ♪ As long as you're mine ♪ ♪ I've lost all resistance ♪ ♪ And crossed some border line ♪ ♪ And if it turns out ♪ ♪ It's over too fast ♪ ♪ I'll make every last moment last ♪ ♪ As long as you're mine ♪ ♪ CREEL: Maybe I'm brainless ♪ ♪ Maybe I'm wise ♪ ♪ But you've got me seeing ♪ ♪ Through different eyes ♪ ♪ Somehow I've fallen ♪ ♪ Under your spell ♪ ♪ And somehow I'm feeling ♪ ♪ It's up that I fell ♪ ♪ BOTH: Every moment ♪ ♪ As long as you're mine ♪ ♪ I'll wake up my body ♪ ♪ And make up for lost time ♪ ♪ CREEL: Say there's no future ♪ ♪ For us as a pair ♪ ♪ BOTH: And though I may know ♪ ♪ I don't care ♪ ♪ Just for this moment ♪ ♪ As long as you're mine ♪ ♪ Come be how you want to ♪ ♪ And see how bright we shine ♪ ♪ Borrow the moonlight ♪ ♪ Until it is through ♪ ♪ And know I'll be here ♪ ♪ Holding you ♪ ♪ As long as you're mine ♪ ♪ Mine ♪♪ STROKER: The music of Stephen Schwartz is the best music to sing.
It's so satisfying, it has this incredible rock beat, and for a female voice, he writes right in the pocket so you really get to sing, like, your favorite notes.
And the music is so catchy and I just love every single one of his musicals.
CREEL: I was one of the lucky actors in New York City to get to do two workshops of Wicked.
And I remember sitting in the workshop, Sutton Foster and I were actually both in it at the time, and hearing the music for the first time, and watching Idina stand up and sing "Defying Gravity" and Kristin sing "For Good" with her and it just, it was, I felt like I was part of history.
I felt like I was watching something that was gonna be historic.
MENZEL: Cyclones appearing out of the blue, falling houses, small dogs, and roads of yellow brick: all seem to keep pushing Elphaba further and further from those she loves and from the good she is trying to do in this world.
It's only when someone near to both witches is in grave danger, that Elphaba is compelled to activate the magic she has always had inside.
But, is she using it for good or losing sight of what matters most?
Here to ask if "No Good Deed" goes unpunished, please welcome my dear friend, Grammy Award winner Jennifer Nettles.
♪ NETTLES: Let his flesh not be torn ♪ ♪ Let his blood leave no stain ♪ ♪ Though they beat him, let him feel no pain ♪ ♪ Let his bones never break ♪ ♪ And however they try to destroy him ♪ ♪ Let him never die ♪ ♪ Let him never die ♪ ♪ No good deed goes unpunished ♪ ♪ No act of charity goes unresented ♪ ♪ No good deed goes unpunished ♪ ♪ No good deed will I be doing from now on ♪ ♪ That's my new creed ♪ ♪ My road of good intentions led where such roads always lead ♪ ♪ No good deed ♪ ♪ Goes unpunished!
♪ ♪ What good is this chanting?
♪ ♪ I don't even know what I'm reading ♪ ♪ I don't even know which trick I ought to try ♪ ♪ Fiyero, where are you?
♪ ♪ Already dead or bleeding?
♪ ♪ One more disaster I can add ♪ ♪ To my generous supply ♪ ♪ No good deed goes unpunished ♪ ♪ No act of charity goes unresented ♪ ♪ No good deed goes unpunished ♪ ♪ No good deed will I be doing from now on ♪ ♪ That's my new creed ♪ ♪ My road of good intentions led where such roads always lead ♪ ♪ No good deed ♪ ♪ Goes unpunished!
♪ ♪ One question haunts and hurts, too much ♪ ♪ Too much to mention: ♪ ♪ Was I really seeking good or just seeking attention?
♪ ♪ Is that all good deeds are ♪ ♪ When looked at with an ice cold eye?
♪ ♪ If that's all good deeds are ♪ ♪ Maybe that's the reason why ♪ ♪ No good deed goes unpunished ♪ ♪ No act of charity goes unresented ♪ ♪ No good deed goes unpunished ♪ ♪ All helpful urges should be circumvented ♪ ♪ Sure, I meant well, well look at what well meant did ♪ ♪ Alright, enough, so be it, so be it then: ♪ ♪ I promise no good deed ♪ ♪ Will I attempt to do again ♪ ♪ No good deed ♪ ♪ Will I do ♪ ♪ Again!
♪♪ FRAZIER: YOU KNOW, I THINK WHAT STEPHEN IS ABLE TO DO, IS HE CAPTURES THE RANGE OF HUMAN EMOTION IN HIS MUSIC.
IT'S NEVER JUST SUPERFICIAL, UH, IT'S NEVER JUST ANGST, IT'S EVERYTHING.
AND WHAT I LOVE IS, IS, WHEN EVERYONE WATCHES THE SHOW, THEY'RE GOING TO HEAR THOSE REALLY SENSITIVE TENDER MOMENTS, THEY'RE GOING TO HEAR THAT FULL OUT SOUND, YOU KNOW, WHEN WE'RE WORKING WITH THE MUSICIANS I KEPT TELLING THEM 'LET'S GET EARTHY HERE,' OR 'LET'S GET RIGHT UP IN THE CLOUDS HERE,' YOU KNOW, AND YOU REALLY GET THAT WHOLE RANGE.
AND THAT'S WHAT HE DOES IN ALL OF HIS MUSIC.
IT'S THAT TOTAL EXPERIENCE.
CREEL: I THINK THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT STEPHEN SCHWARTZ AND HIS WRITING THAT GIVES PERMISSION TO AN ACTOR TO, I DON'T KNOW, DIG DEEPER, DELVE FARTHER.
THERE'S JUST SOMETHING SO HUMAN, AND YET, RELATABLE, AND YET MAGICAL ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
POWELL: IT'S INCREDIBLE.
I LOVE STEPHEN SCHWARTZ'S MUSIC.
ONE OF MY FIRST REAL FUN ROLES THAT I GOT TO DO WAS PIPPIN, SO I HAVE A REALLY BIG SOFT SPOT FOR STEPHEN SCHWARTZ.
AND WICKED, BEING THE FIRST MUSICAL THAT MADE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH MUSICALS, I JUST, I HOOK INTO HIS MELODIES AND HIS LYRICS, HE'S JUST EXTRAORDINARY.
STROKER: THE FIRST TIME I HEARD WICKED I WENT OUT AND BOUGHT THE SOUNDTRACK ON A CD AT BARNES AND NOBLE, AND LISTENED TO THE ENTIRE SHOW IN MY ROOM, OVER AND OVER AGAIN UNTIL I KNEW EVERY SINGLE WORD.
FRAZIER: WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, I LISTENED TO THE SOUNDTRACK TO WICKED SO MANY TIMES I THINK I RUINED THE CD, WHEN WE STILL HAD CDS!
AND I REALLY, WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE TO GET TO REIMAGINE THIS WITH STEPHEN SCHWARTZ'S BLESSING, WHICH, TALK ABOUT AN HONOR, UH, I SAID 'WE HAVE TO DO THIS.
WE HAVE TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.'
LEE: THERE'S NOTHING LIKE MUSIC FOR ITS SOUL.
AND THAT IS STEPHEN SCHWARTZ.
HIS MUSIC REALLY CHANGES YOU, AND IT SINGS.
CHENOWETH: THE TABLES HAVE NOW TURNED AND GLINDA FINDS HERSELF IN UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY: SHE DIDN'T GET HER WAY.
ELPHABA AND FIYERO HAVE JOURNEYED DEEP INTO OZ TO TRY TO FIGHT THE INJUSTICE THAT THEY HAVE WITNESSED AND GLINDA REFLECTS ON HER OWN SITUATION, ALL BY HERSELF, IN THE DESERTED PALACE HALLWAY.
TO PERFORM THE REPRISE OF "I'M NOT THAT GIRL," WE'D LOVE TO WELCOME BACK THE EXTRAORDINARY GABRIELLE RUIZ.
♪ ♪ ♪ RUIZ: Don't wish ♪ ♪ Don't start ♪ ♪ Wishing only wounds the heart ♪ ♪ There's a girl I know ♪ ♪ He loves her so ♪ ♪ I'm not that girl ♪♪ CHENOWETH: Elphaba now understands that doing good can often require some incredible sacrifices.
Glinda seeks out her friend in the far reaches of Oz to make amends and finally stand up for what she knew was right all along.
She truly becomes Glinda, The Good.
RILEY: I think it's an amazing story, the story of.. sometimes you gotta dig a little deeper to find the goodness in someone, and you can't really judge a book by its cover.
The friendship between Glinda and Elphaba, is, it's a beautiful, it's a beautiful friendship.
DEBOSE: I think the magic of Wicked is that, number one, it's driven by two powerhouse females, who go on this wild and beautiful journey, understanding what true friendship really means, and what it means to support each other, even when it may not mean that you get to stay in each other's lives.
Like, it's a very very interesting complex story.
ERIVO: I think this show about two friends who lose their way and find their way back to each other is really special, so I love this music because I think it's really wonderful to sing as well.
MENZEL: These women come to understand that true friendship is a bumpy and sometimes confusing road, but really worth it in the end.
Despite all their differences, they have learned so much from one another.
And they can finally admit that they love and respect each other for these differences.
CHENOWETH: Fellow Ozians, we may not all come and go by bubble, or by broom, but we can fly into each other's hearts and leave lasting memories, impressions and friendships that change us for the better.
Even through frightening times, there is always an opportunity to try to help, to serve and be good, and now, we couldn't be happier to share this very special performance with all of you.
Just two friends, us, sharing this incredible, magical music and message that stands the test of time.
♪ ♪ ♪ CHENOWETH: I've heard it said ♪ ♪ That people come into our lives for a reason ♪ ♪ Bringing something we must learn ♪ ♪ And we are led ♪ ♪ To those who help us most to grow ♪ ♪ If we let them ♪ ♪ And we help them in return ♪ ♪ Well, I don't know if I believe that's true ♪ ♪ But I know I'm who I am today ♪ ♪ Because I knew you ♪ ♪ Like a comet pulled from orbit ♪ ♪ As it passes the sun ♪ ♪ Like a stream that meets a boulder ♪ ♪ Halfway through the wood ♪ ♪ Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
♪ ♪ But ♪ ♪ Because I knew you ♪ ♪ I have been changed ♪ ♪ For good ♪ ♪ MENZEL: It well may be ♪ ♪ That we will never meet again ♪ ♪ In this lifetime ♪ ♪ So let me say before we part ♪ ♪ So much of me ♪ ♪ Is made of what I've learned from you ♪ ♪ You'll be with me ♪ ♪ Like a handprint on my heart ♪ ♪ And now whatever way our stories end ♪ ♪ I know you have re-written mine ♪ ♪ By being my friend ♪ ♪ Like a ship blown from its mooring ♪ ♪ By a wind off the sea ♪ ♪ Like a seed dropped by a skybird ♪ ♪ In a distant wood ♪ ♪ Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
♪ ♪ But ♪ ♪ Because I knew you ♪ ♪ CHENOWETH: Because I knew you ♪ ♪ BOTH: I have been changed for good ♪ ♪ MENZEL: And just to clear the air ♪ ♪ I ask forgiveness ♪ ♪ For the things I've done you blame me for ♪ ♪ CHENOWETH: But then ♪ ♪ I guess we know there's blame to share ♪ ♪ BOTH: And none of it seems to matter anymore ♪ ♪ CHENOWETH: Like a comet pulled from orbit ♪ ♪ MENZEL: Like a ship blown from its mooring ♪ ♪ CHENOWETH: As it passes a sun ♪ ♪ MENZEL: By a wind off the sea ♪ ♪ CHENOWETH: Like a stream that meets a boulder ♪ ♪ MENZEL: Like a seed dropped by a bird ♪ ♪ CHENOWETH: Halfway through the wood ♪ ♪ MENZEL: In the wood ♪ ♪ BOTH: Who can say if I've been ♪ ♪ Changed for the better?
♪ ♪ I do believe I have been changed for the better ♪ ♪ CHENOWETH: And because I knew you ♪ ♪ MENZEL: Because I knew you ♪ ♪ BOTH: Because I knew you ♪ ♪ I have been changed ♪ ♪ For good ♪♪  ♪ ♪ ♪ BACKGROUND: GOOD NEWS!
♪ ♪ SHE'S DEAD!
♪ ♪ THE WITCH OF THE WEST IS DEAD!
♪ ♪ THE WICKEDEST WITCH THERE EVER WAS ♪ ♪ THE ENEMY OF ALL OF US HERE IN OZ IS DEAD!
♪ ♪ GOOD NEWS!
♪ ♪ GOOD NEWS!
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ WICKED!
♪ ♪ WICKED!
♪ ♪ WICKED!
♪♪