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Tag: Chenoweths
‘Wicked’s’ Director Tells Us The Original Idea They Had For Idina Menzel And Kristen Chenoweth’s Cameos, And How Plans Changed Over One ‘Magical’ Night
It would be difficult for Jon M. Chu to mount a film adaptation of Wicked without paying some tribute to the Broadway sensation’s original stars, Idina Menzel (as Elphaba) and Kristin Chenoweth (as Glinda). Those of you who have seen the new movie – and based on box office numbers, it’s a large number of people – know that Menzel and Chenoweth appear in Wicked in the third act, when Glinda and Elphaba leave Shiz University and arrive in the Emerald City. They are a huge part of the musical number “One Short Day.” But when we spoke with Chu, we learned that they had different plans for Menzel and Chenoweth, and they changed rapidly as the shoot went on. Jon M. Chu appeared as a guest on CinemaBlend’s official ReelBlend podcast, where he spoke about the film’s reception, and several elements of the filming of the Broadway musical. And when we brought up the cameo appearances of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, we talked about walking the complicated line of showcasing these talents, but not taking audience members out of the movie that they have shown up to see. As “wickedly” talented as Menzel and Chenoweth are, they have the ability of possibly stealing focus away from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, whose movie this very much is.
“Wicked’s Director Reveals Original Idea for Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth’s Cameos, and How Plans Changed Over One ‘Magical’ Night”In a recent interview, the director of the hit Broadway musical “Wicked” shared some insights into the original idea they had for Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth’s cameos in the production. According to the director, the initial plan was to have both actresses make a surprise appearance during a special anniversary performance of the show.
However, as plans began to take shape, the director realized that having Menzel and Chenoweth perform together on stage would be a truly unforgettable moment for fans of the musical. And so, on one magical night, the two leading ladies of “Wicked” took to the stage together for the first time in years, much to the delight of the audience.
The director went on to explain that the energy and chemistry between Menzel and Chenoweth that night was palpable, and that it was a truly special moment that will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to witness it.
Overall, the director expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to work with such talented performers, and their excitement at the prospect of future collaborations with Menzel and Chenoweth. It just goes to show that sometimes, the best moments in theater are the ones that happen spontaneously and unexpectedly.
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- Wicked director
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- Kristen Chenoweth
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- Behind the scenes
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‘Wicked’ Director Explains Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth’s Cameos
With two of the most anticipated movie cameos of the year, Jon M. Chu had his work cut out for him.
The Wicked director recently recounted how he conceived an appearance for the original Broadway musical’s stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth during the song ‘One Short Day’, performed with their successors Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
“It was a tightrope that we all had to talk about a lot, with Stephen [Schwartz] and Winnie [Holzman] as well, where’s the best place,” Chu told CinemaBlend. “And we had them as cameo roles at some point, like, ‘maybe they’re Galinda’s parents’ or ‘maybe they’re this or that.’ And those were all fine and good, but every time we thought of it more, it didn’t feel — they’re at the top of their game right now. They’re at the top of their game right now. They’re not like some people who don’t do it there. [If] they are there, you want them to do their thing, and I always felt like as a fan myself, if I see them in this movie, I’m going to want them to do their thing.
The director explained that he envisioned a “Wizomania” type of ride when the two women arrive in Oz, inspired by the Disney ride ‘It’s a Small World’, “where you get into a boat and it takes you through the history of Oz.”
“And it was going to be a performance that happens around them and all this stuff and then sends you back to the Wizard’s palace,” he said. “So, we had that, because we needed to set up what the show didn’t have too much about, that we had to do, which was set up the Grimmerie, why the Wizard was here, what the prophecy is — we had a lot of information to give.”
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in Wicked (2024) (Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection)
Universal Pictures
Chu continued, “And it was during those conversations that Stephen and I were talking, and I suggested, ‘We have this section anyway, that’s sort of outside of the narrative that we need to give. Maybe that’s where you do it, so you can add a little sugar to the information.’ And he was like, ‘Give me one night.’ And he rewrote the whole thing as a performance for these girls. It was so fun, that’s where it felt like this is a great moment of sort of a send-off.”
Menzel and Chenoweth originated the roles of Elphaba and Galinda when Wicked premiered on Broadway in 2003, earning the former a Tony for Best Actress in a Musical, for which her co-star was also nominated.
“Wicked” Director Explains Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth’s CameosFans of the hit Broadway musical “Wicked” were thrilled to see original stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth make cameo appearances in the recently released film adaptation. Director Jon M. Chu sat down with us to explain how he was able to bring these iconic actresses back to the world of Oz.
Chu revealed that he knew from the beginning that he wanted to include Menzel and Chenoweth in the film in some capacity. “Their performances as Elphaba and Glinda are so ingrained in the hearts of fans, I knew we had to find a way to honor that legacy,” he said.
The director explained that Menzel and Chenoweth were more than willing to make a cameo appearance, despite their busy schedules. “They both love ‘Wicked’ as much as the fans do, so they were excited to be a part of the film in any way they could,” Chu shared.
As for their cameos, Chu kept details under wraps to surprise fans. “I wanted their appearances to be a special moment for the audience, so I won’t give too much away,” he teased. “But I can promise that their performances will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye.”
With the inclusion of Menzel and Chenoweth, “Wicked” fans can rest assured that the film adaptation stays true to the magic and heart of the beloved musical.
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Wicked director, Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, cameos, behind the scenes, Broadway stars, Broadway musical, interview, exclusive insights, theater, stage performance, musical theater, Wicked movie, Broadway legends
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