Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth have made a heartwarming return to the world of Oz in the film adaptation of “Wicked,” directed by Jon M. Chu. The original stars of the Broadway production, which debuted in 2003, appear not as Elphaba and Glinda but as new characters lending their voices to a fresh rendition of “One Short Day.” In this scene, they narrate the backstory behind the Wizard while showcasing their vocal prowess, with Menzel’s character taking center stage with her iconic “Defying Gravity” riff.
The film also features composer Stephen Schwartz in a cameo, playing an Oz soldier, while book writer Winnie Holzman makes a brief appearance in the Emerald City. Menzel and Chenoweth, dressed in vibrant pink and purple dresses, share a touching moment with the film’s leads, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who have taken on the roles of Elphaba and Glinda respectively.
Grande expressed her awe at working with the Broadway legends, emphasizing the emotional impact of their support. The two original stars have previously voiced their excitement about the casting of Erivo and Grande, with Chenoweth expressing pride in Grande’s role as Glinda and Menzel highlighting Erivo’s talent.
Producer Marc Platt shared the special atmosphere on set, noting the respect and admiration from the younger cast towards Menzel and Chenoweth. He described the day of filming as one filled with love and legacy, where Menzel even shared a symbolic moment with Erivo, reminiscent of passing the torch.
Initially, Menzel and Chenoweth were hesitant about their cameo, concerned they might overshadow the new leads, but after some encouragement from Platt, they embraced the opportunity to be part of the ongoing “Wicked” legacy. Chenoweth relished the chance to reach a broader audience through the movie, allowing new generations to experience the magical story they helped bring to life.
Menzel echoed these sentiments, celebrating the chance to reconnect with Chenoweth on set after many years. For Erivo, the support from Menzel and Chenoweth has been invaluable, giving her confidence as she steps into the role of Elphaba.
Platt expressed hope that the involvement of both original stars would highlight the lasting impact of “Wicked” as it reaches a new fanbase, emphasizing the shared legacy and community among those involved in the production.
Overall, the collaboration between the original cast and new talent serves as a meaningful reminder of the timeless nature of “Wicked,” blending the past with the present for audiences old and new. It showcases the growth of talent in theater and film, inspiring optimism for the future of musical storytelling.
Summary:
Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth return to “Wicked” with impactful cameos in the film adaptation, celebrating the original roles while supporting new leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Their collaboration symbolizes the fruitful legacy of “Wicked,” reflecting the emotional connection and respect spanning generations of talent in theater.