The magic of music in “Agatha All Along”

Exploring the musical enchantment in the latest Disney+ series

A spellbinding melody

While “Agatha All Along” isn’t classified as a musical, music plays a pivotal role in the series, serving as a literal plot device. In Episode 2, the coven led by Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) performs “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road” to conjure a mystical pathway, hoping to fulfill their deepest desires. This song’s significance echoes throughout the series, with each episode title derived from its lyrics. As executive producer Mary Livanos notes, “the song will continue playing an incredibly significant role in the show.”

A journey through trials

In Episode 4, the coven—comprising Agatha, Teen (Joe Locke), Lilia Calderu (Patti LuPone), Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza), Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata), and Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn)—faces life-or-death trials that test their witchcraft knowledge and skills. They must sing “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road” once more to free Alice from a generational curse. This version of the song, first recorded by Alice’s mother, Lorna Wu, became a pop hit in the 1970s. Throughout the episode, Alice discovers that her mother’s rendition was a spell designed to protect her from the curse.

Crafting a magical tune

To create a song with such depth and versatility, Livanos and showrunner Jac Schaeffer enlisted the talents of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the Emmy-winning songwriting duo behind “Agatha All Along” from Marvel’s “WandaVision.” Schaeffer and Livanos discussed the creation of “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road” and the cast’s experience performing it in Episode 4.

The creative process

Mary Livanos (Executive Producer): During the show’s development, Jac was determined to collaborate with the Lopezes again. She conceptualized “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road,” and the Lopezes built upon her idea, infusing it with numerous easter eggs and intricate details that enriched the story.

Jac Schaeffer (Showrunner): I was captivated by the idea of the song functioning as a spell that draws the audience into the show. The song’s multifaceted purpose intrigued me, and I knew the Lopezes would excel at this unique challenge. Initially, we had a temporary song with plot points but no melody. We handed it to the Lopezes, asking them to transform it into an iconic earworm, and they delivered.

Writing a song that serves both thematic and narrative purposes while being catchy and melodically rhythmic is a daunting task. However, the Lopezes embraced the challenge and enjoyed the creative puzzle it presented.

Singing with a legend

Joe Locke (Teen): Singing alongside Patti LuPone was initially intimidating, but it became less so over time. Watching her record her part for Episode 4, I realized I couldn’t compete with her iconic status, which made it easier to perform without pressure.

Playing their instruments

Sasheer Zamata (Jennifer Kale): I took bass lessons to prepare for my role, learning to the best of my abilities.

Ali Ahn (Alice Wu-Gulliver): I actually played my instrument during the scene, which was a cool moment for me. Although I’m not in the recording, I am genuinely playing in the scene.

Backstage harmonies

Ali Ahn: Patti often led us in singing backstage. One memorable song was a Chuck Mangione tune that I still enjoy.

Joe Locke: We sang a lot of Broadway songs. Patti once accidentally played an old, sexist country song about marrying up. She found the lyrics awful but amusing.

A musical journey

The integration of music in “Agatha All Along” adds a unique layer to the storytelling, blending enchantment with melody. The collaboration between the show’s creators and the Lopezes has resulted in a song that not only drives the plot but also captivates the audience.

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