Warning: This article contains spoilers for Wicked.WithWickedfinally hitting theaters, the musical adaptation’s two surprise returning legacy actors open up about their roles and musical number. Jon M. Chu helmed the reimagining of the celebrated stage show that added a new layer to L. Frank Baum’sWizard of Ozwith a sympathetic take on the Wicked Witch of the West.Wickedstars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande-Butera as Galinda, alongside Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Peter Dinklage, and Jeff Goldblum.
AsWickedaudiences have been taken by the surprise appearance of the original production’s stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who originally played Elphaba and Galinda in the original stage show, the actors opened up toET Onlineabout their return. Menzel, who played one of two lead singers of the in-universe Wiz-O-Mania show during “One Short Day” alongside Chenoweth,enjoyed reuniting with her co-star and crafting two characters that paid tribute to their original roles:
Menzel: That was great… That was so much fun, and Kristin and I were in London, and we got to do it together. We got to rehearse and sort of find our… They’re not the same characters, but we do a nod to them, so… It was just so nice to be written in, and I appreciate it in that way.
For Chenoweth,the experience was an emotional milestone for her, as she saw Grande-Butera take on the role of Galinda after their long history together, and enjoyed seeing her on-set and guiding her in the role:
Chenoweth: Oh my God! It was so special. Y’know, I’m always gonna be anything for her, because I’ve known her ever since she was 10 years old. So, I always say to Joan, her mom, that “You are her mother, but I’m her other mother”. And so, we were just standing there watching, and I said “Look at our girl”, and she said “Yes, it’s our girl”. So, I mean she was 10 years old in my dressing room, saying “I wanna play Glinda!” And when she got the audition, she called and we both squealed, because she said “I need your help”, and I said “You don’t need my help. You don’t need my help, just do you.”
What Menzel And Chenoweth’s Wicked Cameo Means For The Movie
The Pair’s Appearance Is A Touching Bridge Between Generations
With Menzel and Chenoweth’s appearance inWicked’s first number set in the Emerald City, the pair step off the stage and interact directly with Erivo and Grande-Butera’s Elphaba and Galinda upon their arrival to meet the Wizard. As such, the moment can not only be seen as a fun cameo to those in the know, buta moment in which the two original stars passed the torch to a new generation.
Wicked’s Broadway Musical Cameos Explained
Wicked’s biggest cameos fit neatly into the film and bring back two stars who will always have a major connection to the original Broadway musical.
Menzel and Chenoweth aren’t the only creatives involved in the original production to make an appearance in the sequence, however.Wicked’s original playwright Winnie Holzman and composer Stephen Schwartz each make appearancesas citizens of the Emerald City. As such, the sequence is a loving way to pay tribute to the show’s history and those who helped make it the hit it is.
Our Thoughts On Menzel and Chenoweth’s Wicked Appearances
The Original Cast Return Is A Perfect Tribute To The Source Material
For those who went intoWickedunaware of the two original stars' returns, their appearance during “One Short Day” is a pleasant surprise that doesn’t feel too overbearing or distracting. While they clearly evoke their original character’s initially tense rivalry, their presence doesn’t detract from the focus of the scene, and feels like a warm celebration of the show.
10 Biggest Differences Between The Wicked Movie & The Musical
Though the movie is extremely loyal to the Broadway musical, the creative team took artistic liberties with some new scenes and character arcs.
Furthermore, Chenoweth’s personal history with Grande-Butera adds another emotional layer to the moment, given the actor’s efforts to try and secure the role that meant a great deal to her. While brief, their inclusion highlights the great care taken to ensureWicked’sfirst chapter isn’t just a successful leapto the big screen, but a production that celebrates the original show.
Wicked
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Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
