The Dolby Theatre recently hosted a special event, “Wicked: One Wonderful Night,” where audiences were granted an exclusive look behind the stage of the beloved musical. Taking place on September 24, this star-studded taping attracted fans, all eager to witness a unique performance featuring renowned actresses Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
The evening showcased several remarkable performances, including a duet of the legendary “Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy,” but what unfolded off-camera was equally captivating. Prior to filming, the audience participated in learning choreography for the opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked.” Attendees in the orchestra section were handed faux tulips, engaging in a synchronized routine timed to Grande’s entrance as Glinda the Good. The preparation culminated in a lively rehearsal with dancers, getting everyone excited for the show.
In the world of live performances, the show must always go on, and this event was no exception. Although segments were filmed out of sequence, several musical numbers, such as “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity,” were repeated for optimal takes, providing fans with unexpected encore moments. Grande and Erivo even decided to run through their duet again purely for enjoyment.
However, not all of the excitement made it to the broadcast. Viewers missed out on several teased clips and new musical moments as cast members, including Grande and Erivo, playfully announced snippets that never appeared during the show. The audience received a humorous apology from Grande, while Bowen Yang and Ethan Slater also teased performances that left attendees amused yet wanting.
The broadcast showcased a delightful reunion of original cast members Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth alongside Grande and Erivo, with composer Stephen Schwartz providing accompaniment. During breaks in production, emcee Bill Sindelar kept the energy lively, inviting audience members in costume to highlight their creativity and participation.
As the lengthy taping progressed, featuring breaks for scene resets, fans enjoyed a mix of music and spontaneous sing-alongs to recent hits, including Grande’s own “Thank U, Next.” A standout introduction to “Defying Gravity” by Marissa Bode emphasized themes of authenticity and resilience, leaving the crowd with a message that resonated deeply, even if it was edited out of the final broadcast.
In a heartwarming moment, Grande selected a young audience member, a four-year-old dressed as Elphaba, to perform “Popular.” Their playful interaction during the song, paired with Grande’s dynamic presence, enchanted the audience, showcasing the joyful spirit of the event.
While some cast members were unavailable, the show’s creative team ingeniously managed to incorporate fresh elements, with Bowen Yang stepping into the role of Fiyero, offering fans a new perspective on the performance.
Overall, the special night stands out for its vibrant energy, heartfelt performances, and the promise that even amidst the production’s intricacies, the magic of “Wicked” continues to flourish.