Question About WICKED's "Wonderful" Lyrics

[Bwayfan12092]

Posted: 3/17/23 at 2:16pm

Quite random, I know, but just needed to know for research. Prior to the current version we have -- but subsequent to the version on the OBC -- there was a dance break in "Wonderful" that included additional lyrics. Just wondering if anyone here could clarify what those were. 

WIZARD 

Won't it be wonderful? (Dance). 

BOTH

We'll both be wonderful! (Dance). 

WIZARD

Once you do... 

ELPHABA

Once I do... 

BOTH

Our wonderful plot! / Turn out a wonderful plan! 

Can anyone confirm, deny or correct? Thanks! 

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 3/17/23 at 3:57pm

I don't remember there being lyrics during that part...I remember "one, two," and then they start dancing. I don't recall any lyrics...hmmm

[two ladies tickets]

Posted: 3/17/23 at 6:09pm

When George Hearn took over the role of The Wizard in 2004, it was decided to remove the dancing in the dance break, as he was not a dancer, and replace it with additional lyrics but keep the score the same. So technically, there are two versions of the number, one for the wizard who can dance, and one for the wizard who can’t. When Ben Vereen took over the role of the wizard, the dance break was extended to show off his abilities. That number is quite flexible, depending on who is in the role……. And I just went back and reread the initial question and realized my answer is not helpful in the least. Sorry.

Updated On: 3/17/23 at 06:09 PM

[QueenTwinnied]

Posted: 3/17/23 at 7:08pm

Do we know who the last Wizard is to perform the dance? I’ve seen quite a few actors as the Wizard through the years and never saw the dance version. 

[Bwayfan12092]

Posted: 3/17/23 at 8:07pm

QueenTwinnied said: "Do we know who the last Wizard is to perform the dance? I’ve seen quite a few actors as the Wizard through the years and never saw the dance version."

I think it was Ben Vereen. The original version on the OBC was only used for Joel Grey, and his understudy, Sean McCourt, was the last person to perform it.

It was then adjusted for George Hearn, and again changed for Ben Vereen, and then completely taken out with the 2006 London production. 

[rondubsking]

Posted: 3/17/23 at 8:42pm

https://youtu.be/O_VrOVJFcqI

Yup! The moment you're thinking of starts at 3:52.

[QueenTwinnied]

Posted: 3/18/23 at 12:13am

Bwayfan12092 said: "QueenTwinnied said: "Do we know who the last Wizard is to perform the dance? I’ve seen quite a few actors as the Wizard through the years and never saw the dance version."

I think it was Ben Vereen. The original version on the OBC was only used for Joel Grey, and his understudy, Sean McCourt, was the last person to perform it.

It was then adjusted for George Hearn, and again changed for Ben Vereen, and then completely taken out with the 2006 London production."

Interesting, thanks for the info. I think the 1st National Tour also included the dance initially but it must've been removed around that time as well. 

[Bwayfan12092]

Posted: 3/18/23 at 7:45am

rondubsking said: "https://youtu.be/O_VrOVJFcqI

Yup! The moment you're thinking of starts at 3:52."

Yes, can anyone confirm these lyrics? 

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 3/18/23 at 10:38am

While Hearn did not do the choreography, the arrangement was changed with Grey leaving the cast (the additional verse/bit at the tail end of the song) as well as lowering the key if I recall - they changed it again when Vereen joined, and the Chicago company made the tiny adjustment for the week him and Gene Weygandt swapped productions in September 2005. 

My ears have always heard the last line as “once you too (I too) are the wonderful one” and it still sounds like it after checking a dozen recordings through various productions/performers.