Stephen Schwartz & Stephen Oremus Reveal Why Glinda's Voice Changed in Wicked

Photo: Instagram/@wickedmovie

Stephen Schwartz, the composer of Wicked, and Stephen Oremus, the musical arranger, recently shared some interesting behind-the-scenes details from the making of the original Broadway production. In an interview with Variety, the two revealed a surprising reason why Glinda’s voice had to be changed for the show.

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Kristin Chenoweth, who played Glinda, wanted to sing in her natural soprano voice, but Schwartz had a different idea. He suggested that Glinda’s voice could shift between different ranges, especially when she was talking to the audience. He explained that this change allowed the character to connect more with the audience, making the musical experience even more unique. Schwartz also pointed out how much an actor's voice can influence the final version of a song in a musical. Unlike plays, where the script stays mostly the same, in music, the actor’s voice and delivery can change how a song sounds, adding personal touches that make it special.

Oremus added that they applied the same principle to the latest Wicked film adaptation. He recalled pushing Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who played Glinda and Elphaba in the movie, to do even more with their performances. He would often challenge them to sing in different ways, saying, “How about trying something more? Let’s see what else you can do.” He noted that both Grande and Erivo treated the material with great respect, ready to bring their interpretations to the characters.

However, creating a new version of Wicked also came with its challenges. Schwartz and Oremus wanted to ensure that they honoured the original musical, which has been loved by audiences for over 20 years. They faced the challenge of reimagining the show for a new generation while still paying tribute to what made it special in the first place. “We wanted to make something new but still keep the magic of the original,” Oremus said.

Throughout the process, the music team was encouraged to experiment and push boundaries. Oremus and Schwartz often told them, “Let’s have some fun with it!” This creative approach helped them create a fresh, exciting version of the show that would still resonate with longtime fans.

The movie adaptation of Wicked has been a huge success, earning $635 million worldwide at the box office. The film features an incredible cast, including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Peter Dinklage, bringing the magic of Wicked to the big screen in a whole new way.

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