Top 10 Most Clever Details & Lyrics in Wicked

On stage, “Wicked” opens with the words, “Good news, she’s dead!” Oh, come on, fellow Ozians, don’t sugarcoat it now! In the film, though, you might catch a familiar melody before the opening number. Can’t place it? Let us help. In “The Wizard of Oz,” it’s sung about the Wicked Witch of the East—Nessarose to “Wicked” fans. A reprise, “Hail Hail! The Witch is Dead,” sung about the Wicked Witch of the West, was cut from the movie but lives on in some stage versions. Also, you know that stunning shot of Elphaba’s hat in the puddle? According to director Jon M. Chu, it’s a nod to an original set piece, where Ozians would burst out of a giant hat and sing.

Ariana Grande has always admired Kristin Chenoweth, Broadway’s original Glinda, who remains a mentor in her life. And as a “Wicked” superfan, Grande poured love, dedication, and nuance into her performance, just as she promised. Take “Popular,” for example—she even mirrors Chenoweth’s strong arm pose on the line, “specially great communicators!” That’s a level beyond superfan, right? Also, how about that brilliant nod to the 1939 film’s ruby slippers!? During Elphaba’s makeover, Galinda picks up a pair of ruby-red shoes, clicks them together three times, and tosses them into Elphaba’s lap. It’s little moments like these that show they thought of “everything that really counts” for “Wicked” and “Wizard of Oz” fans!

So much happens in “One Short Day” that we couldn’t possibly cover it all at once, but we have to start somewhere! Do you recognize this melody as Elphaba and Glinda make their way through the Emerald City? It’s a sample of “Optimistic Voices,” which plays as Dorothy and her friends head to the Emerald City after the whole poppy fiasco. In the “Wizomania” number, the origins of the Grimmerie and the Wizard’s rise to power are shown. A projection of the Wizard repeats “Omaha,” which might sound mystical to the Ozians, but fans of the books know that’s just where he’s from. Was he pulling a fast one, or maybe just asking for directions?

This addresses events from Act Two—consider yourself warned! “What Is This Feeling?” is a brilliantly choreographed number that shows Elphaba and Glinda’s rivalry as powerfully as the lyrics. With the magic of cinema, the sequence gets even bigger, covering much of the school grounds to show how deep their rivalry runs. In some shots, Elphaba and Galinda seem to be in combat—don’t worry, it’s probably just a Shiz P.E. class. Keen-eyed “Wicked” fans might notice that their movements mirror a certain Act Two scene when the former besties reunite. Glinda’s crushed that Fiyero left her for Elphaba, while Elphaba pays respects to her sister, who’s been crushed in a totally different way. Talk about full-circle moments!

If “Wicked” has a central love story, it’s the one between Elphaba and Glinda. Sure, it starts off rocky, but ultimately, they’ll always carry each other like “a handprint on [their hearts].” That’s why the melody of “For Good” (from Act Two) threads through their most heartfelt moments in Part One. Actually, the first time we hear it is between “No One Mourns the Wicked” and “Dear Old Shiz,” as Glinda starts to reflect on their friendship. Later, listen for it during the “Ozdust Duet,” which marks a turning point in their relationship. It’s a beautiful foretelling of their bond that also ties everything together, reminding us that these moments are ultimately Glinda’s memories.

In “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy’s journey begins on the Yellow Brick Road, while Elphaba’s takes her to the Western Skies as she defies gravity. But did you know there’s an intersection where these paths meet? Listen closely and try singing “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” in tandem with this. Perfect fit, huh? Honestly, Stephen Schwartz’s attention to detail in every note of this song is truly awe-inspiring, and the film’s creators brought a little extra magic to the movie version as well. The number has been extended to fully capture its drama and intensity. It all builds to that breathtaking shot of Elphaba in the sky, a stunning homage to the most iconic moment of the stage show.

“The Wizard and I” is Elphaba’s “I Want” song, but with a twist and plenty of clever details. Did you spot the rainbow behind her as she takes that leap that makes the bluebirds fly? You see where this is headed, right? Plus, science fans might appreciate this one particularly smart lyric. But the real brilliance lies in the moments that foreshadow what’s to come. As Elphaba dreams of joining the Wizard, her vision is almost a little too on-the-nose. Whether it’s a premonition or gut feeling, she’s certain she’ll leave a mark on Oz worth celebrating. So, who wants to break it to her? Not it!

It’s truly astounding how much brains, heart, and courage went into creating this spectacular number. Some fans have noticed a hint of the Scarecrow in Fiyero’s dance moves. Yet, the foreshadowing goes even deeper, starting with Schwartz’s clever lyrics. The first part of the song is about how life is easier when you don’t give a twink about anything and just focus on having fun and “Dancing Through Life.” The irony and brilliant foreshadowing of that line becomes clear in Part Two—if you haven’t seen the show yet. Although, you don’t need to be a Doctor of Thinkology to figure it out!

A lot can happen in one not-so-short song, and this one perhaps deviates the most from the original musical. We’ve already mentioned Wizomania, but who better to share Oz’s history than the two women who were there from the start? We basically melted with happiness when Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth appeared, and again when Menzel recreated her iconic battle cry? They also share a sweet moment with Grande and Erivo, practically offering their blessings on screen. Plus, there are cameos from former Fiyero understudy Michael McCorry Rose, book and screenwriter Winnie Holzman, and composer Stephen Schwartz, who delivers the famous line. As Grande revealed, that line was changed, but she and Erivo insisted it be put back in. We know, what on Oz were they thinking?

The “Unlimited” theme is the melody that plays every time the word “Unlimited” is sung. It’s woven throughout Part One and continues in Part Two. But did you know Schwartz cleverly included an Easter egg that connects it to “The Wizard of Oz?” The melody is made up of the first seven notes of “Over the Rainbow.” Why seven? Well, hit eight, and copyright issues arise. Schwartz then tweaked the rhythm, tempo, and chords to make it even more his own. Right now, it’s played in a minor key, but that’s set to change, too, although let’s not get ahead of ourselves. What we’re trying to say is that the genius behind Schwartz’s soundtrack is truly unlimited.

Which musical detail defied your expectations? Let us know in the comments