Large Orchestra And The Full Overture To Feature In 'Wicked' Soundtrack

TV & Film

Nov 23

Wicked poster — Image Source: CultureSlate

Wicked, the film adaptation of the stage musical adaptation of a book based on L. Frank Baum’s Oz series has just been released, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of news left to share. Veteran film orchestrator Jeff Atmajian has confirmed that the soundtrack features the full overture from the play and a large 80-piece orchestra, perfect for high-energy numbers like the iconic “Defying Gravity”. Atmajian has worked on several film musicals before, though never any with quite so many numbers. He discussed how the stage could get away with a smaller orchestra, but the film medium demanded an expansion.

It should also be noted that Wicked is a two-part experience. The first half, released right now, adapts only the first half of the musical, with a second part being released exactly one year from now. The film and musical focus on Elphaba, her relationship with a young Glinda the Good Witch (formerly Galinda), and her journey to become the Wicked Witch of the West. No one mourns the wicked, but is Elphaba really that wicked in the first place? Only those who’ve seen the play and movies will find out. Wicked: Part I was produced by Universal Pictures and Marc Platt Productions, who have already filmed the next part.

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