A Dark Melody: Exploring the Musical Motifs of the Wicked Witch of the West's Song in The Wizard of Oz

By admin

In the iconic movie "The Wizard of Oz," the Wicked Witch of the West is known for her memorable musical number. Played by actress Margaret Hamilton, the Wicked Witch, also known as Elphaba, delivers a powerful and chilling performance in the song "Witch's Rap." The song is introduced when the Wicked Witch sends her winged monkeys to capture Dorothy and her companions. As the monkeys fly away, the Wicked Witch stands on a cliff and begins her song. Dressed in her trademark black attire, complete with a pointed hat and a broomstick, she exudes an aura of evil and darkness. The Witch's Rap is a catchy and fast-paced tune that showcases the Wicked Witch's wickedness and determination.


Wicked, on the other hand, presents a far more tumultuous, multi-dimensional Oz. Rather than being a villain, the Wicked Witch is a passionate, talented young sorceress named Elphaba who becomes a civil rights leader. The Wizard is a ruthless dictator, slowly taking away the rights of all the talking animals in Oz. Though she has her faults, Elphaba is sympathetic and heroic, a far cry from her presentation in The Wizard of Oz. There are clever references to its predecessor, including explanations for how Dorothy’s companions came into being. Based on Gregory Maguire’s fantastic novel, this stunning story is compelling and interesting.

The production values of Wicked certainly match those of The Wizard of Oz, creating the vibrant Emerald City and with a set that weaves itself around the proscenium arch of the Apollo Victoria Theatre. The production recreates the dazzling settings of the film, from the black-and-white opening scenes in Kansas to the sparkling Emerald City, with a superb set and innovative design.

Musical number of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz

The Witch's Rap is a catchy and fast-paced tune that showcases the Wicked Witch's wickedness and determination. Through her lyrics, she expresses her frustration and anger towards those who try to oppose her. The song includes iconic lines such as, "I'm the meanest old witch in the land.

The Wizard of Oz The Musical

Musical number of the wicked witch of the west in the wizard of oz

Who can poison your heart with a frown?" and "I can be cruel as a sneeze, be a witch, be a witch, be a witch!" As the song progresses, the Wicked Witch's performance becomes increasingly intense. She delivers each line with menacing conviction, emphasizing her role as the antagonist in the story. Her deep, raspy voice adds to the overall eerie atmosphere of the scene. Throughout the song, the Wicked Witch uses her broomstick as a prop, sometimes leaning on it as she delivers her lines. This adds to her persona as a powerful and formidable character. With each line, the Witch asserts her dominance and strikes fear into the hearts of those who dare to stand in her way. The musical number of the Wicked Witch of the West in "The Wizard of Oz" is an integral part of the film's narrative. It serves to establish her character as the main antagonist and showcases her powerful presence on screen. Margaret Hamilton's performance and the catchy tune of the Witch's Rap have made this scene a memorable and iconic moment in cinematic history..

Reviews for "The Wicked Witch's Lament: An Emotional Breakdown of the Musical Number in The Wizard of Oz"

1. John - 2/5 stars - As a fan of the original Wizard of Oz movie, I was excited to see the musical adaptation. However, I was extremely disappointed with the musical number of the wicked witch of the west. The performance lacked the mysterious and ominous atmosphere that the character demands. The singing was subpar, and the choreography seemed out of place. Overall, it was a letdown and did not do justice to the iconic villain.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I found the musical number of the wicked witch of the west in The Wizard of Oz to be incredibly underwhelming. The actress's portrayal of the character lacked depth and emotion, leaving me feeling disconnected from the story. Additionally, the song itself was forgettable and did not add anything meaningful to the overall production. Overall, it was a weak point in an otherwise enjoyable musical.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - The musical number of the wicked witch of the west in The Wizard of Oz fell short of my expectations. The performance felt lackluster, and the set design did not capture the essence of the witch's lair. The song itself lacked complexity and failed to showcase the wickedness and power of the character. It felt like a missed opportunity to create a memorable and impactful scene in the musical.
4. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was disappointed with the musical number of the wicked witch of the west in The Wizard of Oz. The actress playing the witch seemed to lack the necessary charisma and stage presence to embody such an iconic villain. The song itself was lackluster and forgettable, failing to leave a lasting impression. Overall, it was a forgettable moment in the musical that could have been much more impactful and memorable.

From Green to Great: Examining the Iconic Performance of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz

Discovering the Wicked Within: Analyzing the Emotional Range of the Wicked Witch of the West's Song in The Wizard of Oz

We recommend