The Broadway sensation Wicked has captivated audiences worldwide with its enchanting story, memorable characters, and, of course, its stellar musical score by Stephen Schwartz. While the final production is a masterpiece, the journey to stage perfection often involves tough decisions, including cutting songs that, while brilliant in their own right, might not serve the overall narrative flow. This exploration delves into some fascinating songs that were once part of Wicked but were ultimately removed, offering a glimpse into the show’s evolution and the richness of Schwartz’s songwriting process. We’ll focus on “Which Way to the Party,” along with excised lyrics from “As Long As You’re Mine” and “No Good Deed,” to understand their original context and potential impact on the musical.
“Which Way to the Party”: Fiyero’s Shiz Rebellion
“Which Way to the Party” was intended as a lively, early number for Fiyero at Shiz University. The song paints him as a charismatic but somewhat directionless prince, more interested in revelry than academics. The lyrics, presented in two versions in the original post, showcase Fiyero’s initial carefree attitude and his contrast with the more studious environment of Shiz.
Version 1 Lyrics Breakdown:
Fiyero
In an institution such as Shiz
The academic pressure is intense
Enough to bring on indigestionBoq
You can say that again!Fiyero
When you’re surrounded by authorities
You can lose track of your priorities
Which is why I pose this all-important question:
Which way’s the party?
Which way’s the next keg of Winkie beer?
Let’s have too much to handle
Stir up a scandal
And hang from a chandelier
Which way’s the party?
By now I hope it’s become clear
Which way’s the party —
The party is here!
… (rest of Version 1 lyrics) …
This version emphasizes Fiyero’s rebellious spirit and his desire to escape the pressures of Shiz. The call-and-response with Boq and the enthusiastic participation of the “Individual Students” highlight Fiyero’s popularity and his influence on his peers. The lyrics are playful and lighthearted, establishing Fiyero’s character as someone who prioritizes immediate pleasure over responsibility.
Version 2 and Galinda’s Intervention:
The second version of “Which Way to the Party” introduces a crucial plot element: Galinda’s early act of kindness towards Nessarose. This version retains the initial part of Fiyero’s song but then transitions into a dialogue where Galinda manipulates Boq into inviting Nessarose to the Ozdust Ballroom.
Fiyero
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 think harder, look deeper,
and cram all that stress in.
But I say stop studying strife
and learn to live the unexamined life.Which way is the party?…(As above, and then continuing as follows…)
Boq
Miss Galinda, uh, if you need an escort to the ballroom – I would be happy to-Glinda
Oh how very kind. But you know what would be even kinder?
See that tragically beautiful girl over there?
In the chair?
Is it fair
we get to go and have fun and not she?
Gee-
I would feel so much better if somebody were
to ask her.
Why that person would shine like a star only brighter-
And he’d be my hero.
… (rest of Version 2 lyrics) …
This scene is pivotal as it showcases Galinda’s evolving character. While seemingly superficial, her encouragement of Boq to invite Nessarose reveals a nascent empathy and a desire to do good, albeit initially motivated by a desire to feel better about herself. This moment is a key step in her transformation into Glinda the Good.
Why “Which Way to the Party” Might Have Been Cut:
While “Which Way to the Party” is an energetic and character-defining song, it might have been cut for several reasons:
- Pacing: Early in the show, establishing the central conflict between Elphaba and Galinda and moving the plot forward quickly might have been prioritized. A lighthearted party song for Fiyero might have slowed down the initial momentum.
- Redundancy: Fiyero’s character is effectively established through other songs and scenes. “Dancing Through Life,” which remained in the show, also serves to highlight his carefree nature and his interactions with Galinda and other students at Shiz.
- Focus on Central Themes: Wicked is ultimately about prejudice, perspective, and the complexities of good and evil. While character development is important, the narrative might have benefited from focusing more directly on Elphaba and Galinda’s journey and the overarching themes.
Deleted Verse from “As Long As You’re Mine”: Fiyero’s Growing Feelings
“As Long As You’re Mine” is a passionate duet between Elphaba and Fiyero, expressing their forbidden love. A deleted verse for Fiyero reveals his internal conflict and his surprise at falling in love, contrasting with his previously carefree persona.
Fiyero:
What am I doing?
What’s this I feel?
The boy who was certain
Love isn’t real
This verse adds depth to Fiyero’s emotional arc. It underscores the transformative power of his relationship with Elphaba and highlights his initial skepticism about love. Including this verse would have provided a more explicit insight into Fiyero’s inner thoughts at this crucial moment in the story.
Why This Verse Might Have Been Cut:
- Song Flow and Intensity: “As Long As You’re Mine” is already a powerful and emotionally charged song. Adding this introspective verse might have altered the song’s pacing or diluted its directness and passionate energy.
- Subtlety of Performance: Fiyero’s feelings are already conveyed through the existing lyrics, his actions, and the performance itself. The deleted verse might have been deemed too explicit, potentially diminishing the impact of the actors’ portrayal of his emotional shift.
Eliminated Lyrics from “No Good Deed”: Elphaba’s Expanding Guilt
“No Good Deed” is Elphaba’s powerful Act II song, marking her descent into becoming the “Wicked Witch.” Eliminated lyrics reveal a broader scope of her guilt and highlight the unintended negative consequences of her actions, extending beyond just Fiyero.
Unlimited
The damage is unlimited
To everyone I’ve tried to help
Or tried to love
And, oh, Fiyero, you’re the latest
Victim of my greatest achievement
In a long career of distress
Every time I could, I tried making good
And what I made was a mess!
These lyrics amplify Elphaba’s despair and her sense of being cursed. They broaden the impact of her “no good deed” philosophy, suggesting a pattern of unintended harm throughout her life, not just in relation to Fiyero. This could have deepened the tragedy of her character and her perceived wickedness.
Why These Lyrics Might Have Been Cut:
- Song Focus and Narrative Arc: “No Good Deed” is primarily about Elphaba’s reaction to Fiyero’s apparent death and her decision to embrace the “Wicked Witch” persona. While the deleted lyrics add to her overall tragic backstory, they might have shifted the focus away from the immediate catalyst for her transformation in this particular song.
- Pacing and Impact: The existing version of “No Good Deed” is already a potent and emotionally devastating number. Adding these lines might have lengthened the song or lessened the immediate impact of Elphaba’s rage and grief in the moment of Fiyero’s supposed sacrifice.
Conclusion: The Evolving Score of Wicked
Exploring these cut songs and lyrics from Wicked provides valuable insight into the creative process behind crafting a successful musical. While “Which Way to the Party,” the deleted verse from “As Long As You’re Mine,” and the eliminated lines from “No Good Deed” offer compelling glimpses into character development and thematic depth, the creators ultimately made choices that served the pacing, focus, and overall impact of the final production. These “Songs From Wicked” that didn’t make the final cut remain fascinating pieces for fans, offering a richer understanding of the show’s journey and the brilliance of Stephen Schwartz’s songwriting. They remind us that even in a polished masterpiece like Wicked, there are always further layers of artistry and storytelling to uncover.
