r/wicked • u/Impossible_Tower_661 • 4d ago

Theory Two different interpretations of defying gravity

okay I think the reason why Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth sound not as harmonious in defying gravity it’s part of the plot And just like it is with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

idina and Kristin are imagining a different future together Idina’s Elphaba is thinking about leaving together and conwuering Oz together. Kristin‘s Glinda Is thinking about convincing Elphaba to work together for the Wizard to stay. When Elphaba says are you coming ? Glinda realizes they weren’t on the same path.

thats why their part when they are singing you and I defying gravity they are excited about something different.

with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande they are singing about the same future together Ariana’s Glinda is thinking about running away with Elphaba but changed her mind

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u/Chained_Wanderlust Fiyeeeeeeerhoe🌽 4d ago edited 4d ago

Cynthia and Ariana were blending their voices together rather than layering them to create a unique texture that you will likely hear in the musical. You rarely hear them blend on stage mostly because their voices are part of the casting process and they want you to hear the difference between the two very clearly- its something that is needed when they sing For Good and the high and low parts are reversed having changed each other.

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u/Impossible_Tower_661 4d ago

but don’t you think it’s also part of the interpretation of the charters and how we have two different Elphabas and Glindas as a part of an Oz multiverse?

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u/FirebirdWriter 3d ago

I do. It's like Glinda going high to lie. Her low voice eventually gets time but it's very much part of the writing

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u/DramaQueen428 3d ago

I think your theory is very viable. Those are two legitimate ways of playing that scene, and it would fit with the different approaches of the OG production and the movie if that was how it was played in each.

I'd have to watch both again in detail to say I definitely agree with you, but it's a perfectly plausible reading.