There are things in the Wicked films that are beautiful additions to the story that I believe are not in the stage version simply because they aren’t feasible on stage.
One of these moments is in Defying Gravity. We expect Elphaba to fly on the first attempt, but in the film we see her fall. She loses her hold of the broomstick, she hears the voices of those who have never believed in her and the panic is very real. Then, she sees herself.
Her younger self. Reaching out to her. The voices fade, the panic vanishes, and she is surrounded by a soft swell of music.
This moment centers Elphaba. The broomstick is now in her grasp and she, with a renewed strength she sings, “It’s Me!” and soars.
I have been experiencing this recently. I made a hard, but necessary decision in my life concerning my job. I knew when I made it that it was the right choice but it was definitely a leap. But the last week, I have been falling. Every doubt, external criticism and the internal panic has been overwhelming.
Then, just as the work week was closing, I got the news that my leap into the complete unknown is paying off! I have my own broomstick in my hand and I too am ready to soar!
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