Wicked Soundtrack CD

Based on Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name, the Broadway musical WICKED creates a history for the two witches from L. Frank Baum's OZ books. Through composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz's emotive songs, the show reveals the unlikely friendship between Elphaba (Idina Menzel), who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch, and Glinda (Kristin Chenoweth), the Good Witch.

The dramatic, horn-laden "No One Mourns the Wicked" starts the story in striking fashion, with the death of the ruby-slipper-wearing Wicked Witch. As Glinda appears, Elphaba's backstory begins, leading to jaunty numbers like "Popular" and "Defying Gravity," as well as ballads such as "I'm Not That Girl" and "For Good," with Menzel and Chenoweth showing off their substantial vocal chops. Adding to the boisterous energy is musical theater veteran Joel Grey, who brings a bit of Broadway's past to his role as the Wizard.

Stephen Schwartz/Winnie Holtz- Man

Recorded at Right Track Studios, New York, New York.

Personnel: Greg Skaff (guitar); Laura Sherman (harp); Maura Giannini, Ann Labin, Victor Heifets, Suzanne Ornstein, Victor Schultz (violin); Kevin Roy, Ronald Carbone (viola); Jeanne LeBlanc (cello); Helen Campo (flute); John Campo (clarinet, bassoon, baritone saxophone); John Moses (clarinet, soprano saxophone); Tom Hoyt, Jon Owens (trumpet); Kelly Dent (French horn); Douglas Purviance, Dale Kirkland (trombone); Alex Lacamoire (piano, synthesizer); Dr. David Evans (keyboards).

Audio Mixers: Frank Filipetti; Jason Stasium.

Recording information: Right Track Studios, New York, NY (11/10/2003).

Director: Stephen Oremus.

Photographer: Joan Marcus.

Arrangers: Stephen Oremus; James Lynn Abbott; Alex Lacamoire.

Principal cast includes: Kristin Chenowith (Galinda, Glinda); Sean McCourt (Witch's Father); Cristy Canlder (Witch's Mother); Jan Neuberger (Midwife); Idina Menzel (Elphaba); Michelle Federer (Nessarose); Christopher Fitzgerald (Boq); Carole Shelley (Madame Morrible); William Youmans (Doctor Dillamond); Norbert Leo Butz (Fiyero); Sean McCourt (Ozian Official); Joel Grey (The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz); Manuel Herrera (Chistery).