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TheWickedoriginal Broadway cast recording should be an FDA controlled substance for theater kids under the age of 12.

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If found at an impressionable time, that shit will do something permanent to your brain.

Where Andrew Lloyd Webbers blockbuster-ified musicals fester with sludgy recitative, the songs of SchwartzsWickedare alchemically catchy and bright.

And on August 29, for some reason (something to do with Broadway reopening?

But while this special had some high points, I wouldnt say it defied gravity.

Ive replayed the way she sang look to the western sky ten times.

Moreno understandsmodulation,people.

Has Moreno voiced a Disney villain yet?

The downside is now I want to see her in everything.

But the highlight of Strokers appearance was the way she talked about what makes Schwartzs songwriting so good.

The music of Stephen Schwartz is the best music to sing, she said.

For a female voice, he writes right in the pocket.

So you really get to sing your favorite notes.

So true, bestie.

No mention of Dr. Dillamond or the furry subplot

This was for the best.

Thanks all for the#WickedPBSlove tonight!

Im really proud to have been part of this incredible cast!

But man, this arrangement wasrough.Im talking smooth, dulcet saxophones where no saxophones should go.

Im talking elevator-music jazz.

When performed at their fine-tuned best,Wickeds songs are corny, yes, but also shimmering and huge.

Idina Menzel

Even if she resorts on occasion to the sharing of [jazz hands] fake news.

Kristin Chenoweth, trying to make Glindas Act Two opening number, Thank Goodness, topical.

The giant carnival organ accompanying Mario Cantone

Look, intellectually, I get it.

The Wizard is presented as a turn-of-the-century fairground huckster.

The black-and-white behind the scenes footage

Again with the self-seriousness.

It makes her look good, but its a weird choice for this show.

And overall, the stripped-down black-box stage setting didnt fit this material either.

AWickedshow should be extravagant!

Wherefore art the dragon clock?

The bongos-forward percussion

Because when you thinkWicked,you think bongos.

I wantedsets,dammit!

Jennifer Nettles singing a literally made-up version of No Good Deed

What happened here?

Jennifer Nettless phrasing made this witchy track sound, if anything, like a more generic ballad.

Season six, maybe.

Casey Cott fromRiverdales The Wizard and I mashup

Anything but Kevin Keller serving mash-up.

Aca-miss me with this.

More like For(e) Head, am I right?

These things are sent to try us.

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