In a delightful surprise for fans of “Wicked,” original Broadway stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth make a special appearance in the film adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu. However, they do not reprise their iconic roles as Elphaba and Glinda. Instead, they grace the screen in a cameo during a new rendition of the song “One Short Day,” where they narrate the tale behind the Wizard of Oz and engage in a playful rivalry for attention in the Emerald City. Menzel’s character takes center stage with a powerful rendition of her renowned “Defying Gravity.”
Interestingly, composer Stephen Schwartz also makes a cameo as an Oz soldier, while writer Winnie Holzman pops up touting the Wizard’s magical abilities. This moment connects the new film with its Broadway roots, offering nostalgia for longtime fans.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who portray the witches in this adaptation, expressed their excitement about collaborating with the Broadway legends. Grande described the experience as “surreal” and emotionally moving, highlighting the significance of Menzel and Chenoweth’s support as they each embody the characters in their unique ways.
Marc Platt, the producer of both the stage musical and this film adaptation, noted the atmosphere during the filming of these cameos. The young actresses were in awe of Menzel and Chenoweth, who, in turn, were impressed by how Grande and Erivo brought new life to their roles. Menzel had concerns about overshadowing Erivo’s moment but was ultimately convinced by Platt that their involvement would honor the legacy of “Wicked.”
Chenoweth reflected on the joy of reuniting with Menzel during filming, describing it as a wonderful experience filled with laughter and nostalgia. She expressed her pride in the film’s release, stating that it would allow new generations to appreciate the powerful story of friendship and courage, reflecting on her own childhood experiences and the barriers she faced in accessing Broadway.
Menzel echoed these sentiments, relishing the chance to connect with both the past and present of “Wicked,” while Erivo emphasized how the supportive dynamic between the original and new actors added depth to the production.
Platt believes the collaboration between Menzel, Chenoweth, Erivo, and Grande symbolizes the enduring legacy of “Wicked,” fostering a connection between different generations of fans. This blend of past and present not only strengthens the film’s narrative but also celebrates the magical world of Oz that continues to enchant audiences worldwide.
Overall, this reunion serves as a heartwarming reminder of how art can bridge gaps across generations, ensuring that the magical story of “Wicked” remains alive and well for audiences old and new.