WIN A TRIP TO SEE A TINY DESK CONCERT! Enter here for your chance to win by supporting the content you love: bit.ly/tiny-desk-giveaway (enter before 3/28/24 at 11:59pm PT!) No purchase or donation required for entry. Void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law. Must be 18 years or older and a resident of the 50 us states, D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec) to enter. Entry deadline is March 28, 2024 at 11:59:59pm pt. Odds depend on the number of entries received. ARV of total prize: $2,300. Max. 10,000 entries per person. Official rules, including an alternative free method of entry, can be found at propeller.La/support/1936/official-rules.
I love his expressions and how into it he is in the first song (Defying Gravity) even though he has probably played and heard this song so many times. It's such a good replayable song! I could listen to it on repeat like forever.
my nerdy fave is that throughout the show when they sing in harmony, elphaba takes the low part and glinda the higher harmony, but in this song where they sing about having changed each other it’s switched and elphaba sings the higher part 🤍 this was so beautiful
It's even better live! She brushes Alyssa's hair and creepily whispers into her ear while rocking her side to side during that one verse on the bed, it's so funny. I feel so lucky to have gotten this amazing cast for my first Wicked watch.
Mackenzie Kurtz wow. Never heard of her, but she’s destined for greatness. I’d never heard anyone approach Chenoweth’s performance on “popular”, and yet she surpassed it.
Consider that Chenoweth is more than old enough (55) to be Kurtz' mother LOL (she is 27). I saw Kristin (and Idina) in the original pre-Broadway production in San Francisco (2003), when Robert Morse played the Wizard (before Joel Gray took over in NY). Its still an amazing show 20 years later!
@@jonrosen7980- I saw the play in 2014 at the original theater where Wicked premiered, the Orpheum in San Francisco. It was an experience I will never forget.
the line "unlimited/together we're" are actually the same 7 notes as "somewhere over the rainbow" and then on "we're" it changes, going up the scale, so it's a play on the source material while also matching the theme of defying gravity
I was just saying I had a genuine smile throughout her whole performance. It reminded me so much of Kristin but somehow very different yet equally amazing
I saw her live on Broadway, it was my first time seeing wicked… and she definitely stole the show, she is amazing as Glinda in every way possible, completely let’s herself melt into the character.
They've also done Hadestown (which was fire) and SIX off the top of my head. EDIT: Lion King, Little Shop of Horrors, Jagged Little Pill, Company, and A Strange Loop as well.
I kinda have been waiting for it 😅 especially since the cast of the lion king, Six, and Hadestown have been guests on tiny Desk. Not sure if I’ve missed other ensembles, but I do enjoy it when a musical does the a tiny desk concert. ❤ just watched wicked tonight again in London and it took my breath away, especially during the finale tears rolled. 🥹 this show is everything!
My father grudgingly took me to see Wicked when I was a child and ended up tearing up by Defying Gravity and proceeded to take me every single time the show came to town. It was our thing. Can't hear it without crying now. Love this.
my dad was a fan of musicals and large stage shows like Cirque and Hello Hollywood /Nevada stage shows. He passed in 1994, but the first time I saw it (with Idina) I cried, knowing he would have totally loved that scene!
Can anyone ever hear that music without crying?! I'm a mess....again! Directly before sleeping! The work is so moving and was beautifully done. And while we all weren't in the studio or theater together, the shared experience of beloved music nurtures my spirit. ♥
Alyssa Fox (Elphaba) sounded incredible and SUPER healthy singing Defying Gravity. It makes me happy when you can tell it doesn’t hurt while singers hit those notes and belts!
She is very experienced in the role, she has played Elphaba on and off in various tours and productions for 13 years (since 2010) starting as the standby Elphaba in the San Francisco production. She became the lead Elphaba in the US national tour in 2015.
I think she also managed to inject some more character into her phrasing and timing in Popular than in the Cast Recording version I'm familiar with. Phenomenal performance.
What’s really cool about the nasal tone for the character is…in the book Wicked, there’s one line in the middle of the book that references how, as a younger woman, Galinda had an obnoxious nasally voice but that it matured and became lower and stronger as she got older. It’s one random line, but they worked it into the story of the musical subtly and brilliantly, as you can hear the difference between the Glinda in the opening and closing numbers versus the one during the majority of the show.
There's tons of performances better than the original, it's one of the musicals where the original cast is actually kind of mediocre compared to many of the future broadway and touring casts.
This comment is so right on. I wish they would have a camera on them both the entire time Alyssa was singing. They sure seem like they make an awesome team, cheering for each other to nail those challenging parts!
They are an incredible team and are so in sync with one another. You can see there love and friendship for another. Such chemistry. And Johnathan rocking it out on that keyboard.
@@herbagehood- “Jonathan” at the keyboard? I’m confused, as it was the show’s composer, Stephen Schwartz, on the piano. I didn’t notice anyone else playing the keys … did I miss something?
THEY CAME IN HOT WITH DEFYING GRAVITY and then add on the storytelling element with Stephen giving the songs even more depth and meaning as you come to understand and appreciate the amount of effort out into these shows and songs, this was PHENOMENAL!
He came very close to quitting, because he *wasn't* enjoying it anymore. Then he found the source material for this show and decided to give it one more shot.
Consider that McKenzie was barely out of diapers when Schwartz first starting working on this show! When it premiered on Broadway, she was barely 6 years old!
I'll never not hear Idina Menzel (and Stephanie Bean) as Elpheba, but Alyssa is really making the role her own. And McKenzie is an INCREDIBLE Galinda (with a Ga) and she has both the voice and the just-below-the-surface maniacal giddiness down pat. So amazing to see these three artists perform.
For Good always kills me and I love that it seems physically impossible for any performers not to hug after doing it. This was lovely. Like others said, it's great to have Stephen give his stories behind these songs.
Honestly it’s a comment on how remarkably professional and talented these performers are that they don’t just burst out in tears when performing For Good and looking at each other. The emotions on their faces and still knocking it out of the park with the song.
Love the way Glinda had a slightly nasally tone to her singing and varied her inflections. Reminded me of Kara Lindsey's performance in Newsies in a way. Amazing!! More broadway on npr tiny desk please
0:00 Defying Gravity 4:13 Intro of Steven Schwartz and the two principal actresses (Alyssa Fox (Elphaba) McKenzie Kurtz (Glinda)) of Wicked, Schwartz gives insight to Defying Gravity and a little bit of an intro to Popular 8:08 Popular 11:33 Schwartz gives insight on I'm Not That Girl 14:22 I'm Not That Girl 17:26 Schwartz gives insight on For Good 20:12 For Good
I absolutely love also that Stephen knows this music in his soul and doesnt need sheet music anymore. A show he wrote 20 years ago. A show that continues to amaze and astonish today. Music really is a language that we never forget.
Yes! So cool to have a father like that, talented but humble enough ot say, ok, daughter, what do u think? Awesome. I wonder if she got cowriter credit. 😊🎶
I think that Stephen Swartz said in an interview that for the song 'Popular' he also asked her daughter what you had to do to be popular 😅 and she told him about the hair, the shoes, what to say and basically also the first verse was also written by her daughter
I have firsthand experience with two theaters- one small off-off B'way in NYC (where I heard several "Wicked" songs workshopped before it became the blockbuster it is) and one quite successful regional in California and he happened to work with both of them on a number of occasions. I'm sure he works with tons I'm just saying I can speak about these with personal knowledge, and I can tell you that for someone on his level, with his success going back decades, he could not have been more personable, approachable, and *kind* to every single person he came into contact with, no matter what their role was. He truly just seemed thrilled to be around people making art.
We saw Wicked the first season, with Indina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, pre Tony. Twenty years later, the magic we felt then remains. So much of it has been the soundtrack of our lives, including thru unspeakable tragedy. What a gift this musical is.
The storytelling of Steven Schwartz is so rich, which is so fitting for the way even in a tiny desk, Alyssa and McKenzie completely embody and share the story, emotions and all. Even the eye contact between them - it's so emotionally captivating
One of the best Tiny Desk. Having Stephen explain the songs was a gift. The women’s voices made me sit on the edge of my seat. The energy in this Tiny Desk was different.
The way McKenzie and Alyssa look at each other during For Good gets my heart every time. I don't even care whether it's genuine or just good acting, it's perfect.
I love the way that Alyssa Fox and McKenzie Kurtz have their own way of singing these songs! I know it's probably obvious, but after listening to these songs MANY times on the OBC, it's cool to hear the nuances of how they characterize these... characters (hah!). Awesome job!
Stephen Schwartz is truly humble and is clearly SO proud of his amazing work, as he should be...20 years on Broadway!!!! The longest running show to date!!! Both of these leading ladies are powerhouses of women and actresses...So proud of the whole crew that makes the show go on 8 times a week!!!!
Stephen explaining backstory of “For Good” was so touching…. Im in tears imaging that convo between he and his daughter. Makes me think of so many people in my life I havent said all the things to I wanted.
A lot of things are striking for me watching this. This was once a musical panned by "critics" that is still running decades later - with tours and casts all over the world, proving the audience will and SHOULD decide. This music create instant chills with a full orchestra, or one man at a piano. These lyrics are incredible and continue to resonate. I am so glad the creators trusted their instincts, and perfected this show. Few shows can give you something new to learn and take away with you on every single visit. Thank you Stephen and Winnie for your incredible work of art that always reminds me why I love musical theatre.
I didn't know it was panned at first -- I saw it as a child and was so completely entranced that my dad sold our tickets to Mama Mia and managed to score tickets to see Wicked again with me, while my mother and sister saw Mama Mia. I should thank those critics for making it possible to get affordable last second seats and a treasured memory with my dad, who was also completely enchanted by the show and still listens to the soundtrack 20 years latwr
The little looks back that Stephen is doing the whole time that are all just filled with joy and pride are giving me LIFE. Imagine what it's like to see your work brought to life again and again and again in new and beautiful ways each time.
My late uncle was a huge Broadway fan, and Wicked was one of his favorites. We played For Good (among other Broadway tunes) at his funeral. This Tiny Desk rendition is beautiful, he would’ve loved it. Thank you for this, NPR!
This entire performance is pure magic but Alyssa Fox singing Im Not That Girl is so heartbreaking and breathtaking all at once. Her flip into head voice at 16:48 is absolute perfection.
Stephen's got pipes, in a way! Reminds me of Jason Robert Brown performing his own songs, in the sense that he might lack the insane power and control required to be a regular Broadway performer, but the intonation, purposeful interpretation, and gusto are all there.
Literally on my couch sobbing on a Friday night. This musical means so much to me. I knew the words to the soundtrack years and years before I had a chance to see Wicked on stage. I definitely think I need to get tickets again this season because I am always in awe. It was really insightful and amazing to have Stephen give some background on the music and story as well. I know this Tiny Desk will be one I play over and over again. ❤
I love that the way Schwartz plays the opening chords of Defying Gravity are just a tad different than in the show… even in the “So if you care…” bit. It’s incredible to see his interpretation of his own song. Love love love.
I've heard these songs thousands of times, by dozens of different performers. This was a particularly delightful and emotional performance. Great job to Alyssa and McKenzie... and of course hearing Stephen play his songs anew 20 years later is magnificent, as well. Thanks for having them, Tiny Desk!
I have seen a truly innumerable amount of Popular versions and compilations and without question this one’s my favorite. Maybe it’s just because of how close up the camera can get and they’re standing still so they have more ability to get in the face/vocal details, but she absolutely RUNS that song.
i can't stop rewatching mckenzie kurtz's popular! i love the obc and many of the other performers i've seen, but i think this rendition of glinda might be my new all-time favourite. she does a flawless and hilarious job!
I was already crying during the story about For Good and I didn't make it a verse before the tears were streaming down my face. Tiny Desk has had some amazing concerts over the years but this may be the most poignant and touching and insightful one ever.
That was so cool. Hearing Stephen Schwartz explain how none of the music is supposed to feel “of this world” except the Wizard’s (since he is of this world) is mind blowing, because, well, I never noticed it, but he totally succeeded!!! The Wizard’s music feels markedly different from anything else in the show… there’s just such a simplicity and power to everything he wrote for this show. Absolutely masterful ❤️
The only time you'll hear a banjo... is when the Traveling Salesman visits Elphaba's mother while dad is away (and note the green drink), and when The Wizard are seen. Coincidence or conspiracy, you be the judge! ;) The show is full of musical motifs and the attention to detail in book, score, and orchestration is amazing.
@@raygunsforronnie847 i think the original story revealed the wizard to be elphaba's father, so it certainly wasn't a coincidence. it would be a nod to the source matwrial.
What an experience to have the composer not only tell the stories behind the songs we fans all know and love but to play the music while these Amazing women share their musical gifts with us!!! This was Fantastic!! Truly a Treat!!! xo
Wow. The one time I saw Wicked live, it featured Alyssa Fox performing Elphaba as an understudy in SF in 2010. Her performance totally blew me away -- I've never seen a performer pour so much heart into a stage production before. It was the most memorable musical performance I've ever seen. Awesome that she now has the full-time lead role!
One of the best Broadway musicals ever gets its own Tiny Desk Concert. Tremendous! Seeing Stephen Schwartz explain the stories behind the songs was a bonus. Alyssa and McKenzie did so great. Saw Wicked a long time ago and now I have to see this version.
Besides the obvious reasons we are all obsessed with this video and these musicians, I find it so interesting to hear Schwartz pseudo-improvising his accompaniments, as it allows us to more clearly hear the harmonic underpinning of his songs that aren't as overt when heard in orchestration.
This has to be one of my favorite tiny desk concerts of all. I have always loved the music from wicked. Hearing it sung so beautifully was a blessing. During “Not that girl“ and “For good“ I had tears in my eyes. I also loved hearing the stories of how the music came to be, and was written. “Popular“ has always been a favorite song. It is quite a clever song and fun to see performed so perfectly. Thanks to all involved. Seeing wicked on Broadway is definitely a bucket list item for me. I am working on it.
Many friends connect to this son as something they would say to their best friend if they knew it was the last time they saw each other. But imagine being the friend who actually inspired the lyrics to the song! Knowing that your friend's imaginary last words to you inspired the songwriter to pen a beautiful goodbye song. That's how you know you have touched someone's life.... for good.
I've wanted to see Wicked for 15 years and finally saw it for the first time with these 2 wonderful actresses last month and it was beautiful! I felt enchanted watching them perform Defying Gravity. Such a great musical, composer and cast! ❤
I saw the show with the original cast as well as seeing it another time about a decade later. These two performers were incredible! Wish I could see Alyssa Fox sing The Wizard and I and I wish we could have seen them sing Loathing!
I’ve watched this every day since it came out. I love the support the two ladies show one another when the other gets to shine. And hearing his thought process behind all the decisions is so inspiring to me. Me and my mom went on a trip to NYC before I went into my freshmen year and we got to see wicked at Gershwin. It’s one of my core memories and my favorite moments with my mom. This video brings me back. Edit: my FAVORITE part is in for good when they each sing their own chorus at the same time, they blend so well together.
I had the great joy of seeing these two on Broadway on Christmas. They were absolutely fabulous, and I’m thrilled that my 10 year old witnessed it. Alyssa Fox is a force and I hope she has a long and storied Broadway career.
wicked has been my first and all time favorite musical throughout my life. to hear stephen tell how much love and inspiration he took from the women surrounding him and how he accompanies the girls on piano here is heartwarming. had i never watched wicked, i would've never been graduating theatre costumedesign. thank you stephen and winnie💚
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
WIN A TRIP TO SEE A TINY DESK CONCERT!
Enter here for your chance to win by supporting the content you love: bit.ly/tiny-desk-giveaway
(enter before 3/28/24 at 11:59pm PT!)
No purchase or donation required for entry. Void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law. Must be 18 years or older and a resident of the 50 us states, D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec) to enter. Entry deadline is March 28, 2024 at 11:59:59pm pt. Odds depend on the number of entries received. ARV of total prize: $2,300. Max. 10,000 entries per person. Official rules, including an alternative free method of entry, can be found at propeller.La/support/1936/official-rules.
Wow!!! This is awesome!!! Unfortunately, I live outside the US/Canada 🥹
@@rei_rei Same here, I'm in the UK but would love to see if they could find a way to perform them in my country somehow.
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Sarah D, when i wake up i put on my make up, different drum,
Lol li9mn,8
with THE composer on the piano? what an honor
Right!! I love it!!
right?! he looks so proud ang happy about everything! I love his energy
love it so much
Sooooo good.
I love his expressions and how into it he is in the first song (Defying Gravity) even though he has probably played and heard this song so many times. It's such a good replayable song! I could listen to it on repeat like forever.
For Good made me cry in the first 5 seconds omg
every time
I intentionally included it in my mom's memorial montage because a) she loved the musical and b) the power of the lyrics. It's so good.
always
@@MadailinBurnhopeI was going to say exactly this.
yes
my nerdy fave is that throughout the show when they sing in harmony, elphaba takes the low part and glinda the higher harmony, but in this song where they sing about having changed each other it’s switched and elphaba sings the higher part 🤍 this was so beautiful
I don't know how I never noticed this! What a beautiful bit of prosody! 😭
And of course, they end in unison.
@@billcook4768 man, goosebumps
I know! It’s always made me happy to think about!
It also shows that Glinda’s finally come down off her high horse and Elphaba’s finally learned to stand up for herself.
Stephen fondly glancing over his shoulder, he knows what he did. Especially with Defying Gravity, I will never get sick of that song!
I noticed that too, dude looks so proud and happy, as he should be.
We all noticed it ❤❤❤
Mackenzie’s rendition of Popular was amazing! She so totally embodied the character
It's even better live! She brushes Alyssa's hair and creepily whispers into her ear while rocking her side to side during that one verse on the bed, it's so funny.
I feel so lucky to have gotten this amazing cast for my first Wicked watch.
I thought the same thing. Character's practically oozing out of her rendition!
Right? She’s the best!! Even In for good she really opened that up and finished so strong.
I’ve watched the clip of Popular at least 5 times now. I love the way she brings Glinda to life!
Great version. Having seen kristin chenoweth perform this, I didn’t think anyone could beat her version but wow !
Mackenzie Kurtz wow. Never heard of her, but she’s destined for greatness. I’d never heard anyone approach Chenoweth’s performance on “popular”, and yet she surpassed it.
Consider that Chenoweth is more than old enough (55) to be Kurtz' mother LOL (she is 27). I saw Kristin (and Idina) in the original pre-Broadway production in San Francisco (2003), when Robert Morse played the Wizard (before Joel Gray took over in NY). Its still an amazing show 20 years later!
U of M baby! Go Blue!
@@jonrosen7980- I saw the play in 2014 at the original theater where Wicked premiered, the Orpheum in San Francisco. It was an experience I will never forget.
Having Stephen actually explain a lot of his logic behind his decisions in writing the musical is fascinating
Could not agree more, what a pleasure to hear him talk about and play the show like this
the line "unlimited/together we're" are actually the same 7 notes as "somewhere over the rainbow" and then on "we're" it changes, going up the scale, so it's a play on the source material while also matching the theme of defying gravity
we need a full documentary series of him speaking all about wicked rn
Would be nice for him to explain his logic behind casting Idina as the original Elphaba..... horrible screeching, pitchy woman.
@@NikocadoAvocado I can accept you being the absolute worst, but can you please keep your nonsense contained to your own channel?
That was my most favorite rendition of “popular” ever. Her presentation was HILARIOUS and genius. 😂 I was cracking up the whole time
the squeak! 😂
She was giving Ashley Tisdale in the best way, I loved it!! So camp
I was just saying I had a genuine smile throughout her whole performance. It reminded me so much of Kristin but somehow very different yet equally amazing
Absolutely. This is a fantastic musical theatre performance and a fantastic comedic acting performance.
Team Ariana Grande :)
I hope they keep doing more broadway at NPR!
Yes please! This is fantastic!
They’re the best ones
Hamilton asap!!!
no @@jolenedaleiden363
Can we please?
WOW she’s an incredible Glinda. Her take on popular was so good
IKR the moment at 10:29 was PERFECT
I saw her live on Broadway, it was my first time seeing wicked… and she definitely stole the show, she is amazing as Glinda in every way possible, completely let’s herself melt into the character.
She's hilarious and her character choices aren't forced at all.
As a fan of musicals, I am very very surprised that Wicked, my favorite musical ever, is casually being performed at Tiny Desk. This is awesome.
They've also done Hadestown (which was fire) and SIX off the top of my head.
EDIT: Lion King, Little Shop of Horrors, Jagged Little Pill, Company, and A Strange Loop as well.
I kinda have been waiting for it 😅 especially since the cast of the lion king, Six, and Hadestown have been guests on tiny Desk. Not sure if I’ve missed other ensembles, but I do enjoy it when a musical does the a tiny desk concert. ❤ just watched wicked tonight again in London and it took my breath away, especially during the finale tears rolled. 🥹 this show is everything!
Come From Away did a wonderful TDC
1:54 wow! That low note.❤
The Bands visit was first Broadway tiny desk and blue man group first off Broadway... plus we just had tony winner Kimberly akimbo 🎉
My father grudgingly took me to see Wicked when I was a child and ended up tearing up by Defying Gravity and proceeded to take me every single time the show came to town. It was our thing. Can't hear it without crying now. Love this.
oh my heart 🥲🥲
I cry every time as well to that song
my dad was a fan of musicals and large stage shows like Cirque and Hello Hollywood /Nevada stage shows. He passed in 1994, but the first time I saw it (with Idina) I cried, knowing he would have totally loved that scene!
wicked and phantom are our daddy daughter thing too❤
Can anyone ever hear that music without crying?! I'm a mess....again! Directly before sleeping! The work is so moving and was beautifully done. And while we all weren't in the studio or theater together, the shared experience of beloved music nurtures my spirit. ♥
Alyssa Fox (Elphaba) sounded incredible and SUPER healthy singing Defying Gravity. It makes me happy when you can tell it doesn’t hurt while singers hit those notes and belts!
Right?! So much control of her belt-mix
She is very experienced in the role, she has played Elphaba on and off in various tours and productions for 13 years (since 2010) starting as the standby Elphaba in the San Francisco production. She became the lead Elphaba in the US national tour in 2015.
That's some well deserved shade against Adele Dazime
I was also kind of pleasantly shocked 😍
i saw her in broadway in 7th grade with my mom and it was AMAZING
This Glinda is so charismatic!
I love that their outfits directly reflect their characters but in a modern way. Awesome!
And their nails!
@@emilymarguerita2781they have to have approved colours on their nails for the show
NPR, please keep bringing in broadway shows for tiny desk concerts! this and the lion king one are both among my favorites!
I keep coming back to the Little Shop concert 😍
It's gotta be Hadestown for me, one of my favorite tiny desk concerts ever
@@mashgate4lifethat's one of my favorites too!
I really hope they do too!! Company and Hadestown are my favorites 💖
Tiny desk dear Evan Hansen pls ❤
The new Glinda has this nasal inflection that really works to the character’s strengths. Her take on popular was in some ways better than the original
I think she also managed to inject some more character into her phrasing and timing in Popular than in the Cast Recording version I'm familiar with.
Phenomenal performance.
@@TheCakeIAm her mouth is also huge and I kinda imagine Glinda this way now even if it’s not something that she could help
@@laserbeamlightning help 😭
What’s really cool about the nasal tone for the character is…in the book Wicked, there’s one line in the middle of the book that references how, as a younger woman, Galinda had an obnoxious nasally voice but that it matured and became lower and stronger as she got older. It’s one random line, but they worked it into the story of the musical subtly and brilliantly, as you can hear the difference between the Glinda in the opening and closing numbers versus the one during the majority of the show.
There's tons of performances better than the original, it's one of the musicals where the original cast is actually kind of mediocre compared to many of the future broadway and touring casts.
At 2:46 you can see the composer and McKenzie both smile as they both know Alyssa just completely nailed it.
This comment is so right on. I wish they would have a camera on them both the entire time Alyssa was singing. They sure seem like they make an awesome team, cheering for each other to nail those challenging parts!
They are an incredible team and are so in sync with one another. You can see there love and friendship for another. Such chemistry. And Johnathan rocking it out on that keyboard.
Oh yes! and thank you for the heads up . Worth it!
@@herbagehood- “Jonathan” at the keyboard? I’m confused, as it was the show’s composer, Stephen Schwartz, on the piano. I didn’t notice anyone else playing the keys … did I miss something?
@@liseklerekoper2441 My mistake, that's not his name. Thank you for your helpful comment pointing that out!
THEY CAME IN HOT WITH DEFYING GRAVITY and then add on the storytelling element with Stephen giving the songs even more depth and meaning as you come to understand and appreciate the amount of effort out into these shows and songs, this was PHENOMENAL!
I love the singing of course but the narrative of the composer ...that was amazing 😎👌
After 20 years, to see the joy Stephen Schwartz still gets from his work is just amazing 💚
I do hope he still wants to write more! All of his works are just 💯
Agree
It’s not work if you enjoy it ❤️
He came very close to quitting, because he *wasn't* enjoying it anymore. Then he found the source material for this show and decided to give it one more shot.
Consider that McKenzie was barely out of diapers when Schwartz first starting working on this show! When it premiered on Broadway, she was barely 6 years old!
I'll never not hear Idina Menzel (and Stephanie Bean) as Elpheba, but Alyssa is really making the role her own. And McKenzie is an INCREDIBLE Galinda (with a Ga) and she has both the voice and the just-below-the-surface maniacal giddiness down pat. So amazing to see these three artists perform.
the flawless blend in their unison "becaaause I knew you" has cleared my skin, watered my crops, etc.
I hope it hasn't impregnated you too? 😂
Oh god me too 😢
imagine the pressure when you have to sing with the composer on the piano.. BRAVO!
For Good always kills me and I love that it seems physically impossible for any performers not to hug after doing it. This was lovely. Like others said, it's great to have Stephen give his stories behind these songs.
So true about the hug thing :~)
Honestly it’s a comment on how remarkably professional and talented these performers are that they don’t just burst out in tears when performing For Good and looking at each other. The emotions on their faces and still knocking it out of the park with the song.
@@NitefalconChan I don't know how they do it, I'm a blubbering mess just watching every time 😂
me crying alone rn on a saturday evening@@NitefalconChan
For Good is still probably one of the most moving songs I have ever heard
Love the way Glinda had a slightly nasally tone to her singing and varied her inflections. Reminded me of Kara Lindsey's performance in Newsies in a way. Amazing!! More broadway on npr tiny desk please
Kara is my favorite Glinda
And her EXPRESSIONS during "Popular" - so very "Emma"!
Some of her mannerisms in Popular remind me of Annaleigh Ashford!
Her voice and mannerisms/attitude in the performance remind me of Ashley Tisdale as Sharpay in the song Fabulous
I saw Kara Lindsey as Glinda and she knocked it out of the park.
Anyone here after seeing wicked in theaters? I’m obsessed again
Me too!! I’ve watched the musical in the West End but the movie has captured my heart & love for Wicked again
same, had to pull out my old shirt I got as a teenager when my mom took me to the touring show 15ish years ago
@ yess agree it also is very dramatic and makes the story feel real
Yes
Anyone else here after watching Cynthia and Ariana in wicked ❤?
0:00 Defying Gravity
4:13 Intro of Steven Schwartz and the two principal actresses (Alyssa Fox (Elphaba) McKenzie Kurtz (Glinda)) of Wicked, Schwartz gives insight to Defying Gravity and a little bit of an intro to Popular
8:08 Popular
11:33 Schwartz gives insight on I'm Not That Girl
14:22 I'm Not That Girl
17:26 Schwartz gives insight on For Good
20:12 For Good
Thank you!
A qq
You're the best!!! 🎉
Thank you!!
this rendition of Popular is hilariously fantastic
I absolutely love also that Stephen knows this music in his soul and doesnt need sheet music anymore. A show he wrote 20 years ago. A show that continues to amaze and astonish today. Music really is a language that we never forget.
I really doubt the composer would need the sheet music.
That’s the best rendition of Popular I’ve ever heard
The fact that the first verse of For Good was basically written by Stephen’s daughter is nuts
19:00
Yes! So cool to have a father like that, talented but humble enough ot say, ok, daughter, what do u think? Awesome. I wonder if she got cowriter credit. 😊🎶
Such a lovely story ❤
That hit me so hard knowing it was based on the feelings in a real friendship
I think that Stephen Swartz said in an interview that for the song 'Popular' he also asked her daughter what you had to do to be popular 😅 and she told him about the hair, the shoes, what to say and basically also the first verse was also written by her daughter
Alyssa Fox just made me FEEL. Her voice is perfect omg. They're both talented, but when Alyssa sang 'I'm not that girl' I melted.
I love how Stephen gives so much credit to his collaborators when he’s giving the background to the songs. Truly humble guy it seems
I have firsthand experience with two theaters- one small off-off B'way in NYC (where I heard several "Wicked" songs workshopped before it became the blockbuster it is) and one quite successful regional in California and he happened to work with both of them on a number of occasions. I'm sure he works with tons I'm just saying I can speak about these with personal knowledge, and I can tell you that for someone on his level, with his success going back decades, he could not have been more personable, approachable, and *kind* to every single person he came into contact with, no matter what their role was. He truly just seemed thrilled to be around people making art.
He seems that way. Glad to hear. He deserves all the success he's had @@cuchelo1
This should have been a nationally televised special. It's THAT good.
We saw Wicked the first season, with Indina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, pre Tony. Twenty years later, the magic we felt then remains. So much of it has been the soundtrack of our lives, including thru unspeakable tragedy. What a gift this musical is.
The storytelling of Steven Schwartz is so rich, which is so fitting for the way even in a tiny desk, Alyssa and McKenzie completely embody and share the story, emotions and all. Even the eye contact between them - it's so emotionally captivating
One of the best Tiny Desk. Having Stephen explain the songs was a gift. The women’s voices made me sit on the edge of my seat. The energy in this Tiny Desk was different.
The way McKenzie and Alyssa look at each other during For Good gets my heart every time. I don't even care whether it's genuine or just good acting, it's perfect.
The chemestry is awesome and so beautiful. Pure magic
I love the way that Alyssa Fox and McKenzie Kurtz have their own way of singing these songs! I know it's probably obvious, but after listening to these songs MANY times on the OBC, it's cool to hear the nuances of how they characterize these... characters (hah!). Awesome job!
The explanation of "For Good" really punched me in the gut. I'm in tears.
Stephen Schwartz is truly humble and is clearly SO proud of his amazing work, as he should be...20 years on Broadway!!!! The longest running show to date!!! Both of these leading ladies are powerhouses of women and actresses...So proud of the whole crew that makes the show go on 8 times a week!!!!
"I'm not that girl" always tugs at my heart strings and make me cry no matter how many times I have heard it.
Stephen explaining backstory of “For Good” was so touching…. Im in tears imaging that convo between he and his daughter. Makes me think of so many people in my life I havent said all the things to I wanted.
right im sitting here tears streaming down my face lol
A lot of things are striking for me watching this. This was once a musical panned by "critics" that is still running decades later - with tours and casts all over the world, proving the audience will and SHOULD decide. This music create instant chills with a full orchestra, or one man at a piano. These lyrics are incredible and continue to resonate. I am so glad the creators trusted their instincts, and perfected this show. Few shows can give you something new to learn and take away with you on every single visit. Thank you Stephen and Winnie for your incredible work of art that always reminds me why I love musical theatre.
I didn't know it was panned at first -- I saw it as a child and was so completely entranced that my dad sold our tickets to Mama Mia and managed to score tickets to see Wicked again with me, while my mother and sister saw Mama Mia. I should thank those critics for making it possible to get affordable last second seats and a treasured memory with my dad, who was also completely enchanted by the show and still listens to the soundtrack 20 years latwr
McKenzie Kurtz !!!! she was absolutly hysterical as Anna and looks just as perfect as Glinda as well!!
The little looks back that Stephen is doing the whole time that are all just filled with joy and pride are giving me LIFE. Imagine what it's like to see your work brought to life again and again and again in new and beautiful ways each time.
My late uncle was a huge Broadway fan, and Wicked was one of his favorites. We played For Good (among other Broadway tunes) at his funeral. This Tiny Desk rendition is beautiful, he would’ve loved it. Thank you for this, NPR!
This entire performance is pure magic but Alyssa Fox singing Im Not That Girl is so heartbreaking and breathtaking all at once. Her flip into head voice at 16:48 is absolute perfection.
That flip was magical!
Stephen's got pipes, in a way! Reminds me of Jason Robert Brown performing his own songs, in the sense that he might lack the insane power and control required to be a regular Broadway performer, but the intonation, purposeful interpretation, and gusto are all there.
And Alan Menken!
For Good is surely one of the most emotionally perfect songs ever written
that dude at the piano is killing it
He should write musicals (joke)
@@JosephJohnson-gu5fw I legit did not know who he was when I wrote that - Then he started talking and I was like oh I am ignorant
Yes. Lol @@Auldhelm
Stephen Schwartz is a BEAST on that piano!🎹
HUGE day for the theatre kids
5:54 still caring about spoilers when the 20th anniversary was coming up is so cute and kind
There are new tweens new to all of this art everyday. They shouldn’t have these plots spoiled.
@ exactly… what do you think I said 😅
I think it’s sweet that he still cares.
Literally on my couch sobbing on a Friday night. This musical means so much to me. I knew the words to the soundtrack years and years before I had a chance to see Wicked on stage. I definitely think I need to get tickets again this season because I am always in awe. It was really insightful and amazing to have Stephen give some background on the music and story as well. I know this Tiny Desk will be one I play over and over again. ❤
Do it! Go!
Me on a Saturday night
@@LadyGaGaNoFloods 😂🥹
Same!
stop it's literally a Friday night and was just sobbing to this bahahah
I watched this 5 times already and I’m still crying🥹🥹🥹 such a privilege to be able to watch this for free🥹🥹
I love that the way Schwartz plays the opening chords of Defying Gravity are just a tad different than in the show… even in the “So if you care…” bit. It’s incredible to see his interpretation of his own song. Love love love.
their “for good” had me in tears. absolutely phenomenal 🥹🥹🥹
I've heard these songs thousands of times, by dozens of different performers. This was a particularly delightful and emotional performance. Great job to Alyssa and McKenzie... and of course hearing Stephen play his songs anew 20 years later is magnificent, as well. Thanks for having them, Tiny Desk!
Such a lovely concert. It makes me want to go see the show again!
Alyssa Fox absolutely SLAYING Defying Gravity, jeez. Can't wait to see her on the 20th anniversary performance!!
I have seen a truly innumerable amount of Popular versions and compilations and without question this one’s my favorite. Maybe it’s just because of how close up the camera can get and they’re standing still so they have more ability to get in the face/vocal details, but she absolutely RUNS that song.
Of course Kristin is the blueprint but Mackenzie is a close second for me. She fits GaLinda so well with awesome personalized antics
I hate Kristen's interpretation. Seems like it's for 5 year olds
I love it - she's putting her own spin on it and clearly not impersonating KC, which must be hard. She's working with her voice so well.
more musical tiny desk concerts, PLEASE!!! this was incredible
That quick beat they took before “I do believe I have been changed for the better” was brilliant. 23:31
mckenzie as glinda is PERFECTION!! i can’t help smiling and laughing during her popular! she is so talented and charming! ❤
A pianist, two angelic voices and amazing music and lyrics. That’s all you need to have a fantastic little show. ❤️⭐️
The idea that Popular is like, Oz’s Eurovision entry just makes sense. It’s so ABBA coded
McKenzie Kurtz sounds so much like a young Kristen Chenoweth
She does! I saw her in the show a few weeks and I was beyond BLOWN away. 😊
i can't stop rewatching mckenzie kurtz's popular! i love the obc and many of the other performers i've seen, but i think this rendition of glinda might be my new all-time favourite. she does a flawless and hilarious job!
I was already crying during the story about For Good and I didn't make it a verse before the tears were streaming down my face. Tiny Desk has had some amazing concerts over the years but this may be the most poignant and touching and insightful one ever.
SAME. CURRENTLY. HE’S TELLING THE STORY AND THE TEARS ARE FALLING
It is great to hear "I'm Not That Girl" and all the explanations...
Seeing Wicked in NY this October for my 25th birthday. I’ve know their songs to heart since i was 12 but never seen the show. I’m gonna cry!!!!
Have fun stay safe and celebrate yourself 💗💗
How was it???
@@meh6757 it was spectacular!! I will never forget it :)
That was so cool. Hearing Stephen Schwartz explain how none of the music is supposed to feel “of this world” except the Wizard’s (since he is of this world) is mind blowing, because, well, I never noticed it, but he totally succeeded!!! The Wizard’s music feels markedly different from anything else in the show… there’s just such a simplicity and power to everything he wrote for this show. Absolutely masterful ❤️
The only time you'll hear a banjo... is when the Traveling Salesman visits Elphaba's mother while dad is away (and note the green drink), and when The Wizard are seen. Coincidence or conspiracy, you be the judge! ;)
The show is full of musical motifs and the attention to detail in book, score, and orchestration is amazing.
@@raygunsforronnie847 i think the original story revealed the wizard to be elphaba's father, so it certainly wasn't a coincidence. it would be a nod to the source matwrial.
What a gift to us Wicked fans to have this recording of Stephen playing and explaining his process along with Alyssa and McKenzie singing 💚💖
My goodness the harmonies are amazing. Love the energy that McKenzie puts into Glinda, is becoming one of my favorites
I can't remember the last time I got emotional from a song I didn't already know, but those last few lines of For Good almost had me sobbing at work
What an experience to have the composer not only tell the stories behind the songs we fans all know and love but to play the music while these Amazing women share their musical gifts with us!!! This was Fantastic!! Truly a Treat!!! xo
I have seen this play several times in different cities, always an amazing performance. It never gets old or boring. Hope to see it many more times.
Wow. The one time I saw Wicked live, it featured Alyssa Fox performing Elphaba as an understudy in SF in 2010. Her performance totally blew me away -- I've never seen a performer pour so much heart into a stage production before. It was the most memorable musical performance I've ever seen. Awesome that she now has the full-time lead role!
One of the best Broadway musicals ever gets its own Tiny Desk Concert. Tremendous! Seeing Stephen Schwartz explain the stories behind the songs was a bonus. Alyssa and McKenzie did so great. Saw Wicked a long time ago and now I have to see this version.
Besides the obvious reasons we are all obsessed with this video and these musicians, I find it so interesting to hear Schwartz pseudo-improvising his accompaniments, as it allows us to more clearly hear the harmonic underpinning of his songs that aren't as overt when heard in orchestration.
This has to be one of my favorite tiny desk concerts of all. I have always loved the music from wicked. Hearing it sung so beautifully was a blessing. During “Not that girl“ and “For good“ I had tears in my eyes. I also loved hearing the stories of how the music came to be, and was written. “Popular“ has always been a favorite song. It is quite a clever song and fun to see performed so perfectly. Thanks to all involved. Seeing wicked on Broadway is definitely a bucket list item for me. I am working on it.
Many friends connect to this son as something they would say to their best friend if they knew it was the last time they saw each other. But imagine being the friend who actually inspired the lyrics to the song! Knowing that your friend's imaginary last words to you inspired the songwriter to pen a beautiful goodbye song. That's how you know you have touched someone's life.... for good.
Absolutely HERE for the tiny desk musicals. I will listen to every one yall produce. Please more more more!
I've wanted to see Wicked for 15 years and finally saw it for the first time with these 2 wonderful actresses last month and it was beautiful! I felt enchanted watching them perform Defying Gravity. Such a great musical, composer and cast! ❤
One of the best pairings I've seen. Perfect! (And loved their "costumes"!)
The harmony on "For Good", sublime! brought me to tears 😪
I saw the show with the original cast as well as seeing it another time about a decade later. These two performers were incredible! Wish I could see Alyssa Fox sing The Wizard and I and I wish we could have seen them sing Loathing!
These ladies are WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!
The last set had me in goosebumps. What musical chemistry! Loved this concert, Tiny Desk!!
I love how they make the audio as raw possible. ❤❤❤❤❤❤ such wonderful performance.
I’ve watched this every day since it came out. I love the support the two ladies show one another when the other gets to shine. And hearing his thought process behind all the decisions is so inspiring to me. Me and my mom went on a trip to NYC before I went into my freshmen year and we got to see wicked at Gershwin. It’s one of my core memories and my favorite moments with my mom. This video brings me back. Edit: my FAVORITE part is in for good when they each sing their own chorus at the same time, they blend so well together.
I had the great joy of seeing these two on Broadway on Christmas. They were absolutely fabulous, and I’m thrilled that my 10 year old witnessed it. Alyssa Fox is a force and I hope she has a long and storied Broadway career.
Glad to see Alyssa make it to Broadway. I saw her on the national tours back in the day!
wicked has been my first and all time favorite musical throughout my life. to hear stephen tell how much love and inspiration he took from the women surrounding him and how he accompanies the girls on piano here is heartwarming. had i never watched wicked, i would've never been graduating theatre costumedesign. thank you stephen and winnie💚
Alyssa Fox is such a top tier Elphaba! Love her and McKenzie! Amazing performance :)