“Harry Potter” Through Songs from “Wicked”
Harry Potter and the hit Broadway musical Wicked have a number of similarities. They both have wizards, witches, flying broomsticks, and a central theme of friendship. In honor of the release of the film adaptation of Wicked, here are songs from the soundtrack, written by Stephen Schwartz, that match up with the story of Harry Potter.
“No One Mourns the Wicked”
Wicked and Harry Potter both open with a celebration of the supposed defeat of an allegedly evil witch (the Wicked Witch of the West) or wizard (Voldemort). In both instances, “Now at last there’s joy throughout the land,” as Ozians and the British wizarding world are free from the reign of terror under which they had been living. Glinda even mentions “the wicked workings of you-know-who,” which has surely always made some of us respond with “Voldemort?”
“Dear Old Shiz”
There’s no form of school pride like singing an alma mater. The Shiz University school song somewhat evokes that of Hogwarts, which has its own “hallowed halls and vine-draped walls.” Elphaba and Harry both learn magic and meet their closest friends at school.
“The Wizard and I”
Elphaba and Harry both grew up feeling different, and embracing their magic gives them the opportunity to finally feel like they belong somewhere and that they are special rather than strange. While Elphaba dreams of meeting one specific wizard, Harry gets to join a whole world full of them.
“What Is This Feeling?”
Although Elphaba and Glinda become friends, they initially despise each other. This song expressing their mutual loathing could easily be sung by Harry and Draco the first time they meet. Unlike the witches, the wizards’ hatred for each other does not dissipate. They may very well be “loathing you my whole life long.”
“Popular”
Glinda seems to be rather shallow at first, undeservedly fawned over merely for her beauty and charm, but she turns out to be a skilled sorceress and a caring friend. The similarly blonde Fleur is initially written off, particularly by other women, as sickeningly saccharine, irresistible to men because of her Veela heritage and flirtatiousness. However, in addition to her qualification for the Triwizard Tournament, she proves herself to be a skilled and serious witch dedicated to both her partner and their cause.
“I’m Not That Girl”
Witnessing Fiyero and Glinda’s blossoming romance, Elphaba resigns herself to never being the object of his affection. Ginny admires Harry from afar, too shy to speak around him, then starts to look elsewhere and date other boys. But neither really gives up hope, and both eventually catch the eye and capture the heart of the one they always wanted.
“One Short Day”
Elphaba and Glinda enjoy an exciting day in the Emerald City, encountering the many offerings of the Wizard’s capital and solidifying their friendship. While the wizarding world doesn’t have its own city separate from the Muggle world, Harry does experience the awe of visiting both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, getting to feel more a part of wizarding society as he goes to Gringotts, the Three Broomsticks, and the many magical shops.
“Defying Gravity”
In addition to their magical abilities, Harry and Elphaba share a love of flying on a broomstick. Elphaba’s first flight is a moment of empowerment when she comes into her own. Harry’s first experience flying on a broom is similarly a chance to truly embrace his identity as a wizard and his newfound freedom in the wizarding world.
“Thank Goodness”
Madame Morrible’s anti-Elphaba propaganda feels a bit familiar, not unlike Umbridge, the Ministry of Magic, and the Daily Prophet defaming Harry after Voldemort’s return.
“Wonderful”
The Wizard of Oz and Gilderoy Lockhart are both famous, beloved frauds. The Wizard’s false humility and justification for his lies sound a bit like the self-obsessed Lockhart.
“For Good”
Although the trio don’t have to go their separate ways like Elphaba and Glinda (spoilers), this song about the impact of friendship holds true for them as well. They had their ups and downs, helped each other grow, and changed each other’s lives forever. Wherever they go, they will feel the presence of their friends “like a handprint on my heart.”
What other songs from Wicked would fit with characters, scenes, or themes from Harry Potter?
