Scoop of the Day
A new advertisement has been released for the upcoming Wicked shows, highlighting the idea that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were meant to embody Elphaba and Glinda since they were children. Grande has openly expressed that taking on the role of Glinda represents her “dream role”.
Ariana’s & Erivo Career Debut ✨
The talented Grammy-winning singer and actress began her pursuit of this coveted part back in 2013, even setting her music career aside to dedicate herself fully to this film project. Meanwhile, Erivo, who earned both a Tony Award and a Grammy Award for her remarkable performance in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple, has also shared her deep passion for this adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, further emphasizing the significance of these roles for both actresses.
Both Erivo and Ariana had ties to Wicked even before they were officially cast. Grande showcased her talent by performing
“The Wizard and I” during the NBC special celebrating the musical’s 15th anniversary, while Erivo delivered a captivating rendition of “I Couldn’t Be Happier” in the PBS special Wicked in Concert ⭐️
Casting..
Initially, however, director Jon M. Chu considered casting less familiar actors for the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda. This thinking shifted dramatically during the audition process, prompting the director to realize that… “there were two people who were meant to do this role, for this particular movie at this particular time.” His statement underscored the undeniable chemistry and suitability that Grande and Erivo brought to the characters.
Grande recently addressed the criticism surrounding her casting, as she started expressing her awareness of the mixed reactions by stating
“I felt a little bit of the initial nervousness or the sort of preconceived notions about what I might be able to deliver or not deliver, or why I would be wrong or whatever.”
While much of the criticism may relate to her prominence as a pop star, it also serves as a reminder of her roots in the theater, having made her Broadway debut a few years ago with 13: The Musical. This background underscores her connection to musical performance, despite the reservations some may have regarding her transition to a more prominent stage role.
Although opinions on the casting decisions may vary, it’s undeniable that Erivo and Ariana Grande share a remarkable chemistry, which is clearly displayed in their promotional appearances for Wicked.
Their genuine friendship shines through, adding an authentic touch to their collaboration. From the glimpses we’ve seen of their performances so far, it’s evident that they are set to honor the legacy of the original stars, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, while captivating audiences with their portrayal of Elphaba and Glinda.
