Chapter 6- Wicked vs. Phantom
Kurt's favourite musical is, and will always be, Wicked. He loves everything about it and the only thing he cannot tolerate is when people diss it. When people diss Idina Menzel or Kristin Chenoweth, his favourite cast members in the entire show's run in both New York, London and the international showings, things can get pretty intense between whomever crosses such a dangerous path.
So when a seemingly innocent comment by one Quinn Fabray lauds the likes of another musical rather than Wicked, Kurt feels the need to step in. Clearly, an intervention is needed. It would seem that their taste is severely lacking and Kurt feels that it is his duty as self-proclaimed Broadway fanatic to correct such a wrongful view.
Mr Schuester was asking about suggestions for the winter musical, and was asking about everybody's favourite Broadway classic.
"I personally love Phantom." Quinn stated proudly as Santana gasped. Even she knew not to go there.
"Excuse me, Quinn, but what did you just say?" Kurt calmly said as Tina fanned him.
"Phantom is a great musical Kurt. I love everything about it and it's my favourite. Plus, it's a classic and the longest-running show in history. You can't really beat that, especially not with Wicked. I know you love it, but it's a baby. Plus it's way overrated."
"Girl, are you trying to step on some toes here?" Mercedes interjected.
Kurt stood and addressed the entire room.
"Ladies and gentlemen of Glee Club, thanks to our dear, dear Quinn Fabray, it is time for Kurt Hummel's Seminar on How Not To Be Completely Basic.
Groans scattered across the room, mainly from Santana and Sam.
"You love it, really." Kurt said evenly.
"Quinn Fabray, you have made a very erroneous decision in preferring Phantom of the Opera over Wicked and I am here to intervene and set you straight. No pun intended."
"Kurt, is this really—?"
"No interruptions, please. Hear me out. Stephen Schwartz's Wicked, ever since debuting in 2003 has become one of the most adored musicals ever to grace the fabulous stage of the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway. There is no doubt about it that Wicked is supreme to most, if not all, musicals. Simply put, the face that it lost the Tony Award for Best Musical to the likes of the highly questionable Avenue Q is a complete travesty of international proportions."
Will frowned as he heard Sue Sylvester's favourite phrase being uttered by her male protégé. That was…all kinds of odd.
"Also, the fact that the musical is headlined by two amazingly detailed and wise characters such as my dears Elphaba and Galinda with a 'gah', and later just Glinda, is something that is rarely found in most of Wicked's contemporaries. Most shows, such as your beloved Phantom make use of highly dreadful male protagonists who seem more like antagonists. Don't get me wrong, Phantom is a great show and Lloyd Webber is awe-inspiring, but anybody who is of sound mind must admit that even that falls flat compared to Wicked."
He continued. "I know, it's all just conjecture and a matter of opinion, but I will defend Wicked until my death arrives at my door. Before we even begin to touch on the topic of Idina Menzel versus Sarah Brightman, I am going to sing a selection from Wicked to demonstrate just how relatable its music is. Nobody actually relates to a song about a creepy guy wanting this young girl to be his star so much that he trots her out at every performance and makes sure she's the only one that sings, outshining the likes of the equally talented Carlotta."
He gave a pointed glance to Rachel and then to Mr Schuester.
"Well, not many people. But I believe this is a song that everybody can see a part of themselves in, and no I am not going to be reprising Defying Gravity for you all today."
Hands touch, eyes meet
Sudden silence, sudden heat
Hearts leap in a giddy whirl
He could be that boy, but I'm not that girl…
Don't dream too far
Don't lose sight of who you are
Don't remember that rush of joy
He could be that boy but I'm not that girl
Every so often we long to steal
To a land of 'what might have been'
But that doesn't soften the ache we feel
When reality sets back in
Blithe smile, lithe limb
She who's winsome, she wins him
Gold hair with a gentle curl
That's the girl he chose
And heaven knows
I'm not that girl
Don't wish, don't start
Wishing only wounds the heart
I wasn't born for the rose and the pearl
There's a girl I know
He loves her so
I'm not…that girl.
The applause was short as they knew that Kurt wanted to continue on steamrollering Quinn with his flawless logic.
"That song is about knowing you love somebody but having to watch them choose somebody who is, in your eyes, perfect when you know that you yourself will never attract their attention, but that person can be close to you, but you still feel resentment. Now compare the beautiful themes that run through the likes of that, Defying Gravity, For Good and No Good Deed compared to songs such as Masquerade and Angel of Music. I will concede that her two solo ballads Think of Me and Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again are beautiful pieces are music, but they're not very timeless. The likes of Defying Gravity will live on and on until a musical so groundbreaking comes along that everything else is dimmed in comparison. Of course, I will originate a role in such a musical having composed the score and written the accompanying book. So Quinn, I now ask you to point out one thing which doesn't include the Tony's that makes Phantom a better musical."
Quinn's mouth flapped open and closed again, to both Kurt and Santana's high amusement.
"My point proven. Oh and Mr Schuester, not to completely contradict my points, but can we not do Wicked for the musical. Because we all know that I am the only person here who could pull of Glinda and there's no way I'm being allowed to personify the role as long as homophobia and transphobia exists in these hallowed halls. So I vote for Les Miserables. I can wipe the floor with everyone in my quest to play Marius alongside Santana's Eponine."
Mr Schuester nodded, rendered speechless by Kurt's rapid jabbering. Les Miserables did seem like a good musical and with lots of relevant themes such as war and prostitution.
Kurt looked to Quinn. "I'm taking you to see Wicked in New York, Quinn. You'll soon change your mind." He winked.
