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I have now see this musical performed live three times - two times at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago and once in Indianapolis when Broadway Across America's touring company presented it. The music is unbelievable and I would pay the ticket price all over again just to hear and see "Defying Gravity" performed. Many times the cast recordings seem to be average since the singers were chosen for a combination of vocal ability and theatrical talent -- not always the best singer gets the role. That was a mistake -- I finally gave up after deciding it was one of the worst books I had ever read, and I read a lot. I can't say enough good things about this CD. I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy the musical and I shouldn't have. It is one of the best musicals I have ever seen and the only other one I liked as much as this one is "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat".When I knew I was going the first time, I started reading the novel its based upon to be prepared for the live performance. This cast recording is one of the best I have heard as well.
It is great and incredibly clever. The humor is outrageous and funny for both the younger child as well as the more mature patron. With this one, the best singers DID get the roles and are unbeatable. If you are a fan of "Wicked" you must get this and be able to listen to some great music which will bring back wonderful memories of the night at the theater.
Great price, brand new, still in its plastic wrap, and is indeed the original cast as was advertised by the seller.
I had the opportunity to see this show in London and I was AMAZED. It is the best show I have ever seen
Great. i've been listening to it nonstop ever since. Great delivery, came as expected, thank you so much.
"Wicked" is a stunning musical experience, well worth checking out if like me you're coming to appreciate it a bit late in the game. The Wizard's vocals on the lighthearted "Wonderful" are lovely, "Elphaba, where I'm from, we believe all sorts of things that aren't true; We call it history." "No Good Deed" highlights the clash in the action.
Since then, I've popped this back in the changer repeatedly, enjoying the music more as it becomes familiar. I bought this CD to familiarize myself with the music before I saw the musical at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago last November.
Joel Grey played the Wizard on the soundtrack while I saw Gene Weygandt in the Chicago production. It combines great variety including quite a bit of humor as on this lyric from "The Wizard & I," "Do you think the Wizard is dumb, or like Munchkins, just small-minded." "Popular" is such an upbeat number that it never fails to cheer with Kristen Chenoweth's bubbly vocals.
"Defying Gravity" -- that I recall as the first act closer -- builds intensely. My perception about the musical was that it tackled the subject of racism with many objecting to Elphaba because she was green and the animals because they were -- well, animals.
Enjoy.
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