Before there was Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the original Elphaba and Glinda in the Tony Award-winning musical “Wicked” were Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. Now, 21 years after the musical debuted on Broadway, a movie adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu pays tribute to these iconic actresses with a surprise cameo appearance.
In the movie, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth performed a brand new song during the “One Short Day” sequence, where the characters Elphaba and Glinda visit the Emerald City as tourists. This sequence showcases a musical-within-the-musical called Wizomania, which highlights the Wizard’s propaganda machine. In the film adaptation, Menzel and Chenoweth lead the Wizomania choir, reprising their roles as the main players. Menzel sings the iconic “Defying Gravity” riff, while Chenoweth embodies her beloved Glinda character once again. They interact with the new actors playing their former roles, creating a memorable and fun moment on screen.
The cameo by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth was not the only surprise appearance from the Wicked family in the movie. Stephen Schwartz, the composer of the musical, makes an appearance as the palace guard delivering the famous line, “The Wizard will see you now!” Additionally, Winnie Holzman, who co-wrote the screenplay for the movie adaptation and wrote the book for the original musical, appears briefly as one of the residents of Emerald City.
The inclusion of these original cast members and creators adds an extra layer of nostalgia and reverence to the movie adaptation of “Wicked.” Fans of the musical will appreciate seeing Menzel and Chenoweth back in their iconic roles, as well as the nods to other key figures involved in bringing the beloved story to life.
Overall, the surprise cameo by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in the “Wicked” movie adaptation is a delightful treat for fans and a fitting tribute to the legacy of the original Broadway production. Their performance of a new song and interactions with the new cast members add depth and authenticity to the on-screen portrayal of this beloved musical.
