I’m Not That Girl (Commentary)

[Spoken: Jon Chu]
"I'm Not That Girl" is one of the most beautiful songs in the show, one of the most touching songs, and Cynthia singing it alone is stunning. Earth-shattering, actually. She did it live, so we just had a piano playing with her, and at first we don't even play with her. She just does it a cappella, and she sings that hands touch, eyes meet, and it is heartbreaking to see this girl who's had so much confidence all along the way, when she says, "Don't wish, don't start, wishing only wounds the heart", how many times have you wished for something that you don't want to wish for because it will break your heart because you think you won't get it? It is the opposite of "Wizard and I". And to see her that vulnerable, I think, sets up a lot of stuff for us. And when Cynthia sings it, I mean, you can feel the rawness of that.

[Spoken: Stephen Oremus]
We raised the key to put it in her sweet spot. And once we did that, she's so magical. She did all the rest. It really is a very, very intense and personal and beautiful moment for Elphaba. And she really brings it to life in the most gorgeous and heartbreaking way.