Warning: This article contains spoilers for Wicked.With Evil Finally hitting theaters, the musical adaptation’s two surprising legacy actors open up about their roles and musical number. Jon M. Chu led the reimagining of the celebrated show that added a new layer to L. Frank Baum’s work Wizard of Oz with a sympathetic take on the Wicked Witch of the West. Evil stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande-Butera as Galinda, alongside Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Peter Dinklage and Jeff Goldblum.
As Evil audiences were surprised by the surprise appearance of the original production’s stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who originally played Elphaba and Galinda in the original show, the actors opened up to ET online upon your return. Menzel, who played one of the two lead singers on the show Wiz-O-Mania during “One Short Day” alongside Chenoweth, enjoyed reuniting with his co-star and creating two characters that paid homage to their original roles:
Menzel: That was great… It was really fun, and Kristin and I were in London and we did it together. We had to rehearse and find our… They’re not the same characters, but we nod to them, so… It was so great to have it written, and I appreciate it in that way.
For Chenoweth, the experience was an emotional milestone for herupon seeing Grande-Butera take on the role of Galinda after their long history together, and enjoyed seeing her on set and mentoring her in the role:
Chenoweth: Oh my God! It was so special. You know, I’ll always be anything for her, because I’ve known her since she was 10. So, I always tell Joana, her mother, that “You are her mother, but I am her other mother”. And so, we were standing there looking, and I said, “Look at our girl,” and she said, “Yeah, that’s our girl.” So, I mean, she was 10 years old in my dressing room, saying “I want to play Glinda!” And when she got tested, she called and we both screamed, because she said, “I need your help,” and I said, “You don’t need my help.
What Menzel and Chenoweth’s Wicked Cameo Means for the Film
The pair’s appearance is a touching bridge between generations
With the appearance of Menzel and Chenoweth in EvilIn the first number set in the Emerald City, the duo leaves the stage and interacts directly with Elphaba and Galinda de Erivo and Grande-Butera when they arrive to meet the Magician. As such, the moment can not only be seen as a fun cameo for those in the know, but a moment when the two original stars passed the torch to a new generation.
However, Menzel and Chenoweth aren’t the only creatives involved in the original production to appear in the sequel. Eviloriginal playwright Winnie Holzman and composer Stephen Schwartz make appearances as citizens of the Emerald City. As such, the sequel is a loving way to pay homage to the show’s history and those who helped make it the success that it is.
Our Thoughts on Menzel and Chenoweth’s Wicked Appearances
The return of the original cast is a perfect tribute to the source material
For those who entered Evil Unaware of the return of the two original stars, 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.
Additionally, 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 so much to her. Although brief, its inclusion highlights the great care taken to ensure Evil The first chapter is not only a successful leap to the big screen, but a production that celebrates the original show.
Source: ET online