Behind the Scenes of 'Wicked' with the Stars

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'Wicked' Cast Takes Over Kelly Clarkson Show | Full Interview

The Kelly Clarkson Show

Nov 19, 2024

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People & Blogs

'Wicked' stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey and Jeff Goldblum

  1. The cast of the musical movie 'Wicked' includes Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum. They are praised for their exceptional talent and performances in the film, which is set to release on November 22nd.
  2. The host expresses excitement about the movie and the cast's talent, emphasizing that their performances exceed expectations, even for those familiar with their previous work.
  3. Ariana Grande is highlighted for her singing abilities, particularly her opera-style singing, which she often showcased backstage during 'The Voice.' This showcases her dedication and passion for music.
  4. The conversation hints at the anticipation and excitement surrounding the release of 'Wicked,' suggesting that the film will be a significant event for audiences.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

  1. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are starring in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical 'Wicked,' bringing their unique talents to the big screen.
  2. Ariana Grande has been a fan of 'Wicked' since she was 10 years old, and her passion for the musical is evident in her performance.
  3. During filming, Ariana had to adjust the air conditioning on set to protect her voice for an opera audition, showcasing her dedication to her craft.
  4. Kelly Clarkson praises both Cynthia and Ariana for their incredible vocal abilities, noting that their voices blend perfectly in the film.
  5. The original stars of 'Wicked,' Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, have encouraged Cynthia and Ariana to make the roles their own while honoring the original production.
  6. Kelly Clarkson expresses admiration for the synergy between Cynthia and Ariana, suggesting that their collaboration is perfectly timed and unique.

Inspiration from Broadway

  1. The conversation begins with a discussion about the cast's musical theater backgrounds, highlighting their early experiences and love for theater. One cast member recalls their first experience in a musical adaptation of 'The Caucasian Chalk Circle' at age 11, which was not well-received.
  2. Another cast member shares their journey into dance, starting with ballet at a young age, inspired by seeing girls dance through a window. This experience is described as a pure form of expression, and they encourage young boys to pursue dance.
  3. The discussion shifts to the cast's performances in 'Wicked,' with praise for their ability to deliver powerful and familiar performances. The host expresses admiration for one cast member's dance skills, comparing them to iconic dancers like Gene Kelly and Rudolph Valentino.
  4. Jeff Goldblum, who plays a charming character in 'Wicked,' is noted for his real-life interest in magic. He humorously demonstrates a magic trick, which he attempted to include in the film but was edited out.
  5. The conversation touches on the editing process of the film, with Goldblum acknowledging the director's role in creating a beautiful movie. He humorously notes that some of his magic tricks were cut, but hints that a subtle trick remains in the film.
  6. The segment concludes with a light-hearted interaction involving audience members who are longtime fans of 'Wicked,' expressing their excitement for the movie adaptation.

Bringing 'Wicked' to the Big Screen

  1. The film adaptation of 'Wicked' stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum, and it premieres this Friday. The story is an origin tale of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, set before Dorothy's arrival in Oz. It explores the friendship and difficult choices between the two women.
  2. The narrative is based on Gregory Maguire's book, which offers a unique perspective on the classic 'Wizard of Oz' story. It emphasizes understanding different viewpoints and the complexity of people's stories, challenging the audience's preconceived notions.
  3. Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, who originally starred in the Broadway production, have been supportive of the new cast. They encouraged the actors to take risks, have fun, and make the roles their own, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and enjoyment in their performances.
  4. Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have personal connections to the stage musical, having seen the original production and been deeply moved by it. The music by Stephen Schwartz is noted for its emotional depth and orchestral richness, which has captivated audiences worldwide.
  5. The film's release in New York is particularly significant, as it returns to the city where the original Broadway production began. The original cast's groundbreaking performances are credited with inspiring the current adaptation, highlighting the show's enduring impact.
  6. The adaptation also aims to inspire a new generation, including children, by highlighting the story's origins as a book. This connection to literature encourages young audiences to appreciate storytelling and creativity.
  7. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been fans of the musical since their youth, with Grande recalling how the Tony Award performance of the original cast influenced her. The music's blend of pop and orchestral elements is described as addictive and deeply engaging.

Ariana Grande Called Lorne Michaels To Get Bowen Yang

  1. Ariana Grande played a significant role in casting Bowen Yang for the project, demonstrating her influence and commitment to the production.
  2. The cast, including Bowen Yang and others, was described as incredible, highlighting the talent and chemistry among the actors.
  3. The director, John M. Chu, encouraged improvisation on set, allowing actors to explore and add spontaneity to their performances.
  4. The collaborative environment fostered by the director enabled actors to experiment beyond the script, enhancing the film's creativity.
  5. Bowen Yang and Bronwyn's performances were particularly noted for their humor, contributing to the film's engaging and entertaining nature.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's Matching Tattoos

  1. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, stars of the movie adaptation of 'Wicked', have matching tattoos to commemorate their experience working on the film. These tattoos are located on their hands and feature the phrase 'for good', symbolizing their bond and shared journey.
  2. The tattoos are strategically placed so that when Cynthia and Ariana hold hands, the tattoos align and touch, representing their connection and the significance of their roles in 'Wicked'.
  3. In addition to the 'for good' tattoos, they also have tattoos of their puppies, a broom, and a hat, which are elements related to their characters and experiences in the film.
  4. The idea of getting tattoos was a way for them to create lasting memories of their time on set, with each tattoo representing a different aspect of their journey and the film's story.
  5. The conversation humorously touches on the addictive nature of getting tattoos, with a playful suggestion that Jeff Goldblum might get a tattoo of the cast's faces, highlighting the camaraderie and fun shared among the cast members.

The Costumes In 'Wicked'

  1. The transformation into characters for 'Wicked' involved extensive hair and makeup sessions, particularly for the character Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo. The process took between 2 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the amount of green makeup used. This included practical techniques like using a vacuum form mask to airbrush freckles accurately.
  2. Cynthia Erivo's transformation included a unique method to ensure her scalp was green, matching her character's skin tone. This was done by airbrushing her bald head before applying the wig, ensuring consistency even if the wig shifted during performances.
  3. The costume design for 'Wicked' was led by Paul Tazewell, known for his work on 'Hamilton.' His designs were not only visually stunning but also practical, allowing actors to perform complex dance routines comfortably.
  4. The dedication of the actors, particularly Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, was highlighted by their commitment to their roles, often spending long hours in preparation and performance. This dedication was seen as a testament to their talent and professionalism.
  5. The overall experience of working on 'Wicked' was described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with the actors fully immersing themselves in their roles, leaving their personal lives behind to deliver extraordinary performances.

Cynthia Erivo Madde Playlists For The Film

  1. Cynthia Erivo created two playlists for the film 'Wicked' to help her prepare for her role. These playlists were designed to reflect the personality and experiences of her character, Elphaba, setting the emotional tone for her performances.
  2. Erivo often uses music as a tool for character development, allowing her to immerse herself in the emotional landscape of her roles. This practice helps her to mentally and emotionally prepare for the scenes she is about to perform.
  3. The playlists were used concurrently during the filming of both the first and second parts of the movie, indicating a continuous and evolving process of character engagement.
  4. Jeff Goldblum, another actor in the film, also used music to prepare for his role. He was inspired by the production design and incorporated songs like 'Wheels of a Dream' from 'Ragtime' and music by Kendrick Lamar to set the mood for his scenes.
  5. The use of music varied among the cast, with some choosing songs that evoked specific emotions needed for their performances, such as anger or motivation, to enhance their acting.

Kelly And Jonathan Love LEGO

  1. Kelly and Jonathan both share a love for LEGO, which they find to be a random but enjoyable hobby. They both started building LEGO sets with their kids and have since progressed to more complex, adult sets.
  2. Kelly mentions that her friends now gift her LEGO sets, and she is currently working on a Conservatory set. Jonathan also constructs LEGO sets while touring, finding it a meditative activity.
  3. Both Kelly and Jonathan describe LEGO building as a form of meditation, helping them to focus and providing a tangible creative outlet. They find it beneficial for relaxation and mental clarity.
  4. Kelly shares an experience from a press tour where she met the LEGO team who constructed life-size models of Elphaba and Glinda, characters from 'Wicked'. The models took a thousand hours to build, showcasing impressive design and engineering.
  5. Kelly admits to being easily persuaded to buy LEGO sets when visiting stores with her kids, highlighting her enthusiasm for the hobby.

Live Performances In 'Wicked'

  1. The cast of 'Wicked,' including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, performed live singing for the film adaptation, which is a challenging task due to the operatic nature of the music and the simultaneous acting required.
  2. Cynthia Erivo, while wearing a corset and performing aerial stunts, delivered an impressive rendition of 'Defying Gravity,' showcasing her vocal prowess.
  3. Ariana Grande's performance as Glinda involved singing in a high register, particularly in the Munchkinland scenes, which was noted for its live execution.
  4. The decision to sing live was driven by the cast's passion for music and the need to maintain the emotional integrity of the story, allowing for spontaneity and genuine emotional expression.
  5. Live performances enabled the actors to engage in improvisation and comedic interactions, which would not have been possible with pre-recorded tracks.
  6. The cast felt a sense of solidarity with Broadway performers who sing live eight times a week, motivating them to honor this tradition in the film.