Wicked’s Defying Gravity is a musical theatre anthem – and a battle cry for outsiders

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.& Universal Studios by Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins, University of Nottingham As director Jon M Chu’s first instalment of the mega-musical adaptation Wicked arrives in cinemas, a new audience of fans is connecting with Stephen Schwartz’s memorable score. Featuring hits including Popular, The Wizard and I and For Good, the musical is particularly loved for its celebration of female characters in song. Unlike many Broadway shows, Wicked’s heroes Elphaba (played in the film by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (by Ariana Grande), both women, dominate the song list. They frequently sing together, whereas other musicals typically feature duets that focus on a romance between a male and female lead. At the heart of Wicked is the anthem Defying Gravity, which closes act one of the stage production and serves as the finale to Chu’s film. It begins as an argument between Elphaba and Glinda as they debate how to solve a mutual predicament. Elphaba explains her feelings to Glinda and asks her to leave Emerald City with her. They dream about becoming a united front but, in the end, the song climaxes with Elphaba breaking free and accepting the consequences of embracing her magic. Looking for something good? Cut...