WARNING: THIS WILL BE A VERY LONG 2-PART JOURNAL ENTRY XD

Oh man, I absolutely LOVED the show. It was amazing <333 Glinda's such a ditz though xD In the beginning, her name was Galinda, but yeah. I got chills so many times throughout the show, and I laughed in some parts too x3 All in all, it was about a 3 hour show. I'm probably gonna post pics soon, since I took some while we were walking around and some of the theater. They sure know how to advertise in Chicago, there were little advertisement things for movies and stuff on top of all the taxis. (We even saw a Cottonelle car that was designed for the outside to look like toilet paper. It said "That's how we roll" on the side. XD)

So yeah, back to the show. I had planned on giving a review song by song, but I got so swept up in it that I think I can only write about a handful of them. xD Also posting lyrics to the songs, for people who care, hehe. I also bought a t-shirt that says "Defy Gravity" with Elphaba's silhouette and sheet music <3

The show started dramatically with "No One Mourns the Wicked" with the citizens of Oz celebrating the Wicked Witch (Elphaba)'s death. Glinda arrives on the scene in this beautiful bubble thing they did (It was like a mechanical bubble with bubble machines on the side so bubbles flew everywhere x3) Then, just as Glinda is leaving (Her excuse being that there is much to do after the Wizard's unexpected leave, via hot air balloon for those who remember the original Wizard of Oz :3) one of the Ozians asks her if it's true that she was Elphaba's friend. She hesitates and says yes, then explains herself saying "It depends on what you mean by friend." The singing was harmonized beautifully, and the pitches made it seem foreboding yet somehow melancholy at the same time. It was awesome. xD

Citizens:
Good news!
She's dead!
The Witch of the West is dead!
The wickedest witch there ever was
The enemy of all of us here in Oz
Is dead!
Good news!
Good news!

Man:
Look! It's Glinda!

Glinda:
Fellow Ozians
Let us be glad
Let us be grateful!
Let us rejoicify that goodness could subdue
The wicked workings of
"You know who"!
Isn't it nice to know
That good will conquer evil?
The truth we all believe'll by and by
Outlive a lie
For you and...

Man:
No one mourns the wicked!

Woman:
No one cries, "The won't return!"

Citizens:
No one lays a lily on their grave...

Men:
The good man scorns the wicked!

Women:
Through their lives, our children learn

Citizens:
What we miss when we misbehave!

Glinda:
And goodness knows
The wicked's lives are lonely!
Goodness knows
The wicked die alone!
It just shows, when you're wicked
You're left only on your own...

Citizens:
Yes, goodness knows
The wicked's lives are lonely!
Goodness knows
The wicked die alone!
Nothing grows for the wicked
They reap only what they sow...

Glinda:
*spoken* Are people born wicked?
Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?
After all, she had a father.
She had a mother.
Like so many do...

Father:
How I hate to go
And leave you lonely...

Mother:
That's alright,
It's only just one night.

Father:
But know that you're hear in my heart
While I'm out of your sight....

Glinda:
*spoken* And, like every family
They had their secrets...

Lover:
Have another drink
My dark-eyed beauty!
I've got one more night left
Here in town.
So have another drink
Of green elixir
And we'll have ourselves
A little mixer!
Have another swallow,
Little lady,
And follow me down.

Glinda:
*spoken*
And of course, from the moment she was born
She was, well...different!

Midwife:
It's coming!

Father:
Now?

Midwife:
The baby's coming!

Father:
And how!

Midwife:
I see a nose

Father:
I see a curl!

Both:
It's a healthy, perfect
Lovely little--

Father:
*spoken*
Sweet Oz!

Mother:
What is it? What's wrong?

Midwife:
How can it be?

Father:
What can it mean?

Midwife:
It's atrocious!

Father:
It's obscene!

Both:
Like a froggy, ferny cabbage
The baby is unnaturally...
Green!!

Father:
*spoken*
Take it away...
Take it away!

Glinda:
*spoken*
So you see, it couldn't have been easy!

Citizens:
No one mourns the wicked!
Now, at last, she's dead and gone!
Now, at last, there's joy throughout the land!
And goodness knows
We know what goodness is!
Goodness knows
The wicked die alone!
Woe to those
Who spurn what goodness is
They are shunned!
No one mourns the wicked!

Glinda:
Good news!

Citizens:
No one mourns the wicked!

Glinda:
Good news!

Citizens:
No one mourns the wicked!
Wicked!
Wicked!

Next up was "Dear Old Shiz" which was much shorter and opened up to the rest of the show really, which was all a flashback. It also introduces how the students are terrified of Elphaba for her green skin (She keeps trying to go somewhere and students are in her way but quickly freak out and run away from her, hiding behind Galinda who is carried in by some students. Yes, they practically worship her. xD) and how they all hate her. It ended with them pretty much hissing "Shizzzzzzzzz" at her. xD Shortly after the song, Elphaba said "What? What are you all looking at? Is there something in my teeth? Oh, I see. Let's just get this over with. No, I am not seasick! Yes, I have always been green! No, I did not eat grass as a child! This is my sister, Nessarose, and as you can see, she's a perfectly NORMAL color!" Her father cuts her off, though. He's kind of a jerk o_x.

Students:
O hallowed halls
And vine-draped walls
The proudliest site there is
When grey and sear our hair hath turned
We shall still revere the lessons learned
In our days at dear old Shiz
Our days at dear old...

Glinda:
Oh-oh-oh-oh-old...

All:
Dear old Shizzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Third song in, "The Wizard and I" sung by Elphaba and Madame Morrible. It's such an awesome song because not only does it show Elphaba's passionate desire to do good and be normal, but it also has its share of foreshadowing to it. In my opinion, Idina Menzel (original Elphie) will always be best at this because she just belts it out, and it shows that excitement and joy best. X3 I am NOT showing favoritism! D: Just because she was Maureen in RENT....But she's awesome at both roles. >.> In all fairness, Dee did well on this too ^^ The ending of this was funny because Galinda's like "Something's wrong...I didn't get my way!" XD

Madame Morrible:
Many years I have waited
For a gift like yours to appear
Why I predict the Wizard could make you
His magic grand vizier!
My dear, my dear!
I'll write at once to the Wizard
Tell him of you in advance
With a talent like yours, dear
There is a definish chance
If you work as you should
You'll be making good...

Elphaba:
Did that really just happen?
Have I actually understood?
This weird quirk I try to suppress or hide
Is a talent that could help me meet the Wizard
If I make good...
So I'll make...good!

When I meet the Wizard
Once I prove my worth
Then I'll meet the Wizard
What I've waited for since...Since birth!
And with all his wizard wisdom
By my looks he won't be blinded
Do you think the wizard is dumb?
Or like Munchkins, so small-minded? No!
He'll say to me: "I see who you truly are.
A girl on whom I can rely!"
And that's how we'll begin
The Wizard and I

Once I'm with the Wizard
My whole life will change!
'Cause once you're with the Wizard
No one thinks you're strange!
No father is not proud of you
No sister acts ashamed!
And all of Oz has to love you
When by the Wizard you're acclaimed!
And this gift or this curse
I have inside
Maybe, at last, I'll know why!
When we are hand in hand
The Wizard and I

One day he'll say to me:
"Elphaba, girl who is so superior
Shouldn't a girl who's so good inside
Have a matching exterior?
And since folks here to an absurd degree
Seem fixated on your...vertigris
Would it be alright by you
If I de-greenify you?"
And of course, that's not important to me
"Alright, why not!" I'll reply
Oh, what a pair we'll be!
The Wizard and I
Yes what a pair we'll be!
The Wizard and...

Unlimited...
My future is unlimited!
And I just had a vision almost like a prophecy
I know, it sounds truly crazy
And true, the vision's hazy
But I swear, someday there'll be
A celebration throughout Oz
That's all to do...with me!

And I'll stand there with the Wizard
Feeling things I've never felt!
And though I'd never show it
I'd be so happy, I could melt!
And so it will be, for the rest of my life
And I'll want nothing else till I die!
Held in such high esteem...
When people see me, they will scream
For half of Oz's favorite team!
The Wizard...and I!

Following almost immediately after this song, we dive into "What Is This Feeling?", a song where Galinda and Elphaba pretty much declare their hatred for each other, and how the students side with Galinda and mock Elphaba. And because of Galinda's empty-headedness, the two got paired off as roomies. Can you say cat fight? XD

Galinda:
*spoken*
Dearest, darlingest Momsie and Popsicle...

Elphaba:
*spoken*
My dear father...

Both:
There's been some confusion over rooming here at Shiz...

Elphaba:
But of course, I'll care for Nessa.

Galinda:
But of course, I'll rise above it!

Both:
For I know that's how you'd want me to respond
Yes.
There's been some confusion, for you see, my roommate is...

Galina:
Unusually and exceedingly
Peculiar and altogether quite
Impossible to describe...

Elphaba:
*spoken*
Blonde.

Galinda:
What is this feeling
So sudden and new?

Elphaba:
I felt the moment
I laid eyes on you.

Galinda:
My pulse is rushing...

Elphaba:
My head is reeling...

Galinda:
My face is flushing!

Both:
What is this feeling?
Fervid as a flame
Does it have a name?
Yes....
Loathing!
Unadulterated loathing!

Galinda:
For your face

Elphaba:
Your voice

Galinda:
Your clothing!

Both:
Let's just say
I loathe it all!
Every little trait however small
Makes my very flesh begin to crawl
With simple, utter loathing
There's a strange exhilaration
In such total detestation
It's so pure, so strong!
Though I do admit, it came on fast
Still, I do believe that it can last
And I will be loathing, loathing you
My whole life long!

Students:
Dear Galinda, you are just too good!
How do you stand it? I don't think I could!
She's a terror, she's a tartar
We don't mean to show a bias,
But Galinda you're a martyr!

Galinda:
Well, these things are sent to try us!

Students:
Poor Galinda, forced to reside
With someone so disgusticified
We just want to tell you
We're all on your side!
We share your loathing (What is this feeling so sudden and new?)
Unadulterated loathing (I felt the moment I laid eyes on you!)
For her face, her voice, her clothing (My pulse is rushing, my head is reeling)
Let's just say we loathe it all! (Oh what is this feeling?)
Every little trait however small (Does it have a name?)
Makes our very flesh begin to crawl (Yes...aaaaah!)

All:
Loathing!

Galinda and Elphaba:
There's a strange exhilaration (Loathing!)
In such total detestation (Loathing!)
So pure, so strong!
Though I do admit, it came on fast
Still I do believe that it can last
And I will be loathing, for forever
Loathing, truly deeply loathing you
My whole life long!

Students:
Loathing!
Unadulterated loathing!

Elphaba:
Boo! Ahahahaha!

I just love that song. X3 It's so cute. But the mood soon sobers up with "Something Bad". It happens during History class, when Dr. Dillamond (a Goat. Trust me, the capitalization matters, it tells the difference between a regular goat and a Goat that can speak and such. :3 ) turns over his board to show notes, and it says in red "Animals should be SEEN, not HEARD". When he demands of the class who did it and no one answers, he dismisses class and Elphaba stays behind to comfort him and share her lunch. (To which, he eats the paper wrapping of her sandwich.) He tells her about how Animals are being caged up and forgetting their power of speech due to pressure to remain silent.

Dillamond:
*spoken*
Oh, Miss Elphaba, the things one hears these days!
Dreadful things...
*sung*
I've heard of an Ox, a professor at Quox
No longer permitted to teach
Who has lost all powers of speech!
And an Owl at Munchkin Rock
A vicar with a thriving flock
Forbidden to preach...
Now he only can screech!
Only rumors, but still
Enough to give pause
To anyone with paws!
Something bad is happening in Oz...

Elphaba:
Something bad? Happening in Oz?

Dillamond:
Under the surface
Behind the scenes
Something baaaaaad
*spoken* Sorry...BAD.

Elphaba:
*spoken*
Dr. Dillamond, if something bad is happening to the Animals
Someone's got to tell the Wizard!
That's why we HAVE a Wizard!
So nothing bad...

Dillamond:
I hope you're right.

Both:
Nothing all that bad...

Dillamond:
Nothing really baaaaaaad
*spoken* Sorry...BAD.

Elphaba:
It couldn't happen here...
In Oz....

"Dancing Through Life", the introduction to the carefree prince of Winkies, Fiyero! I will admit, he is one of my favorite characters, right after Elphie I think. (And Mom and I both agreed he had a nice butt >> How carefree is he? Well, when we first see him, he's fast asleep in a cart being pulled by one of his servants. The cart almost runs over Elphaba, and furious, she bangs her fist on the cart to wake him up. She shouts at him that he almost ran her over and he's just laying there sleeping and he replies "Of course I am. It's daylight." Galinda is also smitten with him, which you'll see later in the song. xD It also introduces the humble Munchkin (not all Munchkins are tiny ) Boq, who is smitten with Galinda and ends up being stuck with Nessarose AKA Wicked Witch of the East. It's a long story, I'll explain in my next journal :3

Fiyero:
The trouble with schools is
They always try teach the wrong lesson
Believe me: I've been kicked out of enough of them
To know
They want you to become less callow
Less...shallow.
But I say, why invite stress in?
Stop studying strife
And learn to live
The unexamined life!

Dancing through life
Skimming the surface
Gliding where turf is smooth
Life's more painless
For the brainless
Why think too hard when it's so soothing?

Dancing through life
No need to tough it
When you can slough it off as I do!
Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters
It's just life, so keep dancing through

Dancing through life
Swinging and sweeping
And always keeping cool
Life is fraughtless for the thoughtless
Those who don't try never look foolish

Dancing through life
Mindless and careless
Make sure you live where less trouble is rife!
Woes are fleeting
Blows are glancing
When you're dancing through life!

*spoken* So, what's the most swankified place in town?

Galinda:
*spoken* That would be the Oz Dust ballroom!

Fiyero:
*spoken* Sounds perfect!
*sung* Let's go down to the Oz Dust ballroom
We'll meet there later tonight!
We can dance 'till it lights
Find the prettiest girl, give her a whirl!
Right on down to the Oz Dust ballroom
Come on, follow me!
You'll be happy to be there!

All:
Dancing through life!
Down at the Oz Dust!

Fiyero:
If only because dust is what we come to!

All:
Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters!

Fiyero:
It's just...

All:
Life!

Fiyero:
So keep dancing through!

Boq:
*spoken*
Uh, M-Miss Galinda?
I hope you'll save at least one dance for me.
I'll be right there, waiting, all night...

Galinda:
*spoken*
Oh, that's so kind...
But you know what would be even kinder?
*sung* See that tragically beautiful girl?
The one in the chair.
It seems so unfair
We should go on a spree, and not she
Gee, I know someone would be my hero
If that someone were
To go invite her!

Boq:
*spoken*
Well...maybe I could invite her!

Galinda:
Oh, Biq, really? You would do that for me? (not a typo, she really does call him 'Biq' throughout the show xD)

Boq:
*spoken*
I would do anything for you, Miss Galinda!

Galinda:
*Spoken* So...?

Fiyero:
*spoken* So, I'll be picking you up around 8?

Galinda:
*spoken* After all...
*sung* Now that we've met one another

Both:
It's clear we deserve each other!

Galinda:
*Spoken* You're perfect!

Fiyero:
*spoken* You're perfect!

Both:
So we're perfect together!
Born to be forever
Dancing through life!

Nessarose:
*spoken* Oh, Elphaba! Isn't it wonderful?
*sung* Finally, for this one night
I'm about to have a fun night
With this Munchkin boy Galinda found for me
And I only wish there were
Something I could do for her to repay her
Elphaba, see?
We deserve each other
And Galinda helped it come true
We deserve each other, me and Boq.
*spoken* Please, Elphaba, try to understand.

Elphaba:
I do...
*spoken* Galinda, listen, Nessa and I were talking about you just now--

Galinda:
*spoken* And I was just talking about you! I thought you might want to wear this to the party tonight!
*sung* It's really, uh, sharp, don't you think?
You know black is this year's pink!
You deserve each other, this hat and you
You're both so...smart.
You deserve each other, so here!
Out of the goodness of my heart.

Boq:
Listen, Nessa?

Nessarose:
*spoken* Yes?

Boq:
Uh, Nessa, I've got something to confess
A reason why, well, why I asked you here tonight
Now I know it isn't fair--

Nessarose:
*spoken* Oh, Boq. I know why.

Boq:
*spoken* You do...

Nessarose:
It's because I'm in this chair (wheelchair)
And you felt sorry for me...
Well, isn't that right?

Boq:
*spoken* No! No, it's because...uh, because...
*sung* Because you are so beautiful!

Nessarose:
*spoken* Oh, Boq!
*sung* I think you're wonderful
And we deserve each other
Don't you see, this is our chance?
We deserve each other, don't we, Boq?

Boq:
*spoken* You know what? Let's dance!

Nessarose:
*spoken* What?!

Boq:
Let's dance!

All:
Dancing through life
Down at the Oz Dust
If only because dust is what we come to!
And a strange thing, your life will end up changing
While you're dancing through life!

It's a long song, but it's so playful, too. X3 And it sets up some relationship conflicts between Nessa and Boq and Fiyero and Galinda. Nessa's just a little dependent for my tastes o_x And in the book, she's a religious fountain of preaching. Ugh. Anyway, next up is Galinda's trademark song, "Popular" in which, after befriending Elphaba at the party, she tries to help in her own way by making Elphaba look like her idea of a beauty. An amusing note, later when Elphaba sees Fiyero in class, he says "You've been Galinda-fied. You don't have to do that, you know." And before this song, Galinda asks if it's okay if she calls Elphaba "Elphie" to which Elphaba responds "It's a little perky..."

Galinda:
*spoken*
Elphie, now that we're friends, I've decided to make you my new project.

Elphaba:
*spoken* You really don't have to do that.

Galinda:
*spoken* I know. That's what makes me so nice.
*sung* Whenever I see someone less fortunate than I
And let's face it, who isn't less fortunate than I?
My tender heart tends to start to bleed...
And when someone needs a makeover I simply HAVE to take over!
I know, I know, exactly what they need.
And even in your case, though it's the toughest case I've yet to face
Don't worry, I'm determined to succeed
Follow my lead, and yes, indeed.
You...will...be...popular!
You're gonna be popular!
I'll teach you the proper ploys when you talk to boys
Little ways to flirt and flounce, ooh!
I'll show you what shoes to wear, how to fix your hair!
Everything that really counts to be popular!
I'll help you be popular!
You'll hang with the right cohorts
You'll be good at sports!
Know the slang you've got to know!
So let's start, 'cause you've got an awfully long way to go...

Don't be offended by my frank analysis
Think of it as personality dialysis.
Now that I've chosen to become a pal, a sister and adviser
There's nobody wiser
Not when it comes to popular!
I know about popular!
And with an assist from me to be who you'll be
Instead of dreary who you were...are.
There's nothing that can stop you from becoming populer...lar.
La la la la! We're gonna make you pop-u-lar!

When I see depressing creatures with unprepossessing features
I remind them on their own behalf to think of
Celebrated heads of state or 'specially great communicators
Did they have brains or knowledge? Don't make me laugh? Don't!
They were popular! Please! It's all about popular!
It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed
So it's very shrewd to be
Very very popular, like me!

*spoken* Why, look you at you, Miss Elphaba...You're beautiful.

Elphaba:
*spoken* ...I have to go.

Galinda:
*spoken* You're welcome...
*sung* And though you protest
Your disinterest
I know clandestinely
You're gonna grin and bear it
You're newfound popularity! Hah!
La la la la, you'll be popular!
Just not quite as popular as me!!

Alright, my summaries are getting shorter, because I think I'm just going to put Act I in this entry. xD I'll do Act II tomorrow or something. This is getting exhausting to type. The next song was "I'm Not That Girl", which was Elphaba reflecting on how she has a crush on Fiyero, but she thinks that he already belongs to Galinda.

Elphaba:
Hands touch...
Eyes meet...
Sudden silence...
Sudden heat...
Hearts leap in a giddy whirl...
He could be that boy
I'm not that girl...

Don't dream too far...
Don't lose sight of who you are
Don't remember that rush of joy...
He could be that boy
I'm not that girl

Every so often we long to steal
To the land of what might have been
But that doesn't soften the ache we feel
When reality sets back in...

Blithe smile....
Lithe limb...
She who's winsome
She wins him
Gold hair with a gentle curl
That's the girl he chose
And Heaven knows
I'm not that girl...

Don't wish
Don't start
Wishing only wounds the heart
I wasn't made for the rose and pearl...
There's a girl I know
He loves her so
I'm not that girl...

Now I'm just playing favoritism and I don't wanna post the lyrics to "One Short Day" xD I don't really like it as much. I dunno why. But it's mostly about all the stuff that Elphaba and Galinda see when they visit the Emerald City to see the Wizard. So, I'm gonna skip ahead to "Sentimental Man" because it's important to the ending and for the song right after.

Wizard:
I am a sentimental man
Who always longed to be a father
That's why I do the best I can
To treat each citizen of Oz
As son or daughter
So Elphaba, I'd like to raise you high
'Cause I think everyone deserves the chance to fly!
And helping you in your ascent
Allows me to feel...so parental.
For I am a sentimental man...

And now, my tied-for-first favorite song, "Defying Gravity"! This takes place after Elphaba finds out the Wizard's true intentions for needing her and she refuses his offer, running out. Glinda, eager to be the Wizard's aide, rushes off to bring her back and this scene happens. I got the chills so bad at the end of this song, when she's in the air and all those lights around her and....gaaaah X3

Glinda:
*spoken* Elphaba, why couldn't you have stayed calm for once
Instead of flying off the handle?! I hope you're happy!
*sung* I hope you're happy now!
I hope you're happy how you've hurt your cause forever
I hope you think you're clever!

Elphaba:
I hope you're happy!
I hope you're happy, too!
I hope you're proud how you would grovel in submission
To feed your own ambition!

Both:
So though I can't imagine how
I hope you're happy...right now...

Glinda:
*spoken*
Elphie, listen to me...Just say you're sorry!
*sung* You can still be with the Wizard
What you've worked and waited for!
You can have all you ever wanted...

Elphaba:
*spoken* I know.
*sung* But I don't want it...
No, I can't want it anymore...

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game
Too late for second guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes...and leap!
It's time to try defying gravity!
I think I'll try defying gravity!
And you can't pull me down!

Glinda:
Can't I make you understand?
You're having delusions of grandeur!

Elphaba:
I'm through accepting limits
'Cause someone says they're so!
Some things I cannot change
But 'till I try, I'll never know!
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well if that's love, it comes at much too high a cost!
I'd sooner buy defying gravity!
Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity!
And you can't pull me down!

*spoken* Glinda...Come with me. Think of what we could do. Together...

*sung* Unlimited...Together we're unlimited!
Together we'll be the greatest team there's ever been
Glinda...Dreams the way we planned 'em...

Glinda:
If we work in tandem...

Both:
There's no fight we cannot win!
Just you and I
Defying gravity!
With you and I
Defying gravity

Elphaba:
They'll never bring us down!
*spoken* Well? Are you coming...?

Glinda:
I hope you're happy
Now that you're choosing this...

Elphaba:
*spoken* You too.
*sung* I hope it brings you bliss.

Both:
I really hope you get it
And you don't live to regret it!
I hope you're happy in the end!
I hope you're happy...my friend

(this is about where I got chills. So powerful!)
Elphaba:
So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky!
As someone told me lately
Everyone deserves the chance to fly!
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free!
To those who ground me
Take a message back from me!
Tell them how I'm defying gravity
I'm flying high, defying gravity!
And soon I'll match them in renown!
And nobody in all of Oz
No Wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!

Glinda:
I hope you're happy!

Guards:
Look at her, she's wicked! Get her!

Elphaba:
Bring me down!

Guards:
No one mourns the wicked!
So we've got to bring her...

Elphaba:
Ohhhaaaaaaaahh~

Guards:
Down!!

And that...is the end of Act I. After this, Elphaba's "reign of terror" begins. And that will be continued on another day. ^^