Two new songs will be added to Wicked: For Good, but this may not be enough to level out the sequel’s disadvantage. The first half of the Wicked musical has some of its most notable songs in the first act, with the second act having fewer and less impactful songs like “No Good Deed” and “For Good”. This may be an issue for the two-part film adaptation since the shift between the first and second half of the show is comfortable on stage, but may not be as effective for two separate movies.
Wicked: For Good will feature two new songs written by original composer Stephen Schwartz, which will be solo performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as their respective characters. While this is promising, the absence of ensemble numbers may be a letdown, as the big ensemble musical numbers are primarily in the first act of the show.
The second act of Wicked focuses more on solo performances, which makes sense given the theme of Elphaba and Glinda being alone after their separation. This may be a shame, as the ensemble numbers like “What is This Feeling”, “Dancing Through Life”, and “One Short Day” from Wicked: Part 1 were some of the best moments of the film.
Wicked: For Good will be lacking in ensemble numbers, with only short and sweet reunions and reprises of original musical numbers in the second act. Stephen Schwartz adding solo numbers instead of ensemble songs may have been a mistake. As a result, Wicked: For Good will be at a disadvantage compared to the first part of the film, which may require it to focus on other ways to be spectacular.
The visual elements of the solo numbers will have to be exceptional, with a need for a more involved set and exciting choreography to make up for the lack of ensemble numbers. Thankfully, Wicked: Part 1 has already shown how powerful solos and duets can be on screen, and if Wicked: For Good focuses on personal character development, the emotional impact of these songs may still be effective.