On November 6, NBC aired the highly anticipated special Wicked: One Wonderful Night, featuring remarkable vocal performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. While the broadcast captivated viewers with its star-studded lineup, the true enchantment unfolded earlier during the live taping at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. As the host of Universal’s official Wicked podcast, I witnessed the event firsthand, and it was evident that the evening held much more than what made it to the small screen.
Fans were instructed to arrive at the theater by 4:30 p.m., ensuring their entry for what became a five-hour celebration of all things Wicked. Enthusiastic attendees, many dressed in outfits inspired by the magical land of Oz, eagerly awaited the start of the show, their excitement palpable as the clock ticked toward the evening’s festivities.
Captivating moments and special appearances
Once inside, audience members secured their phones in Yondr pouches, allowing them to socialize with personalities from the Wicked press tour. Notable figures like Bowen Yang and journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist mingled with fans, creating a warm atmosphere filled with camaraderie. Some cast members, such as young Cesily Collette Taylor, who portrays baby Nessarose, lent their support from the audience, celebrating their fellow performers.
The evening buzzed with excitement as director Jon M. Chu introduced exclusive clips from the upcoming film adaptation. Audience members were treated to teasers of new songs, including “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl in the Bubble.” The night culminated in a breathtaking performance of “For Good,” featuring Erivo and Grande singing live at the legendary Gershwin Theatre. However, the audience would have to wait for the special broadcast to see this footage.
Challenges of live performances
The intricate musical numbers of Wicked presented challenges, necessitating multiple recordings of certain performances. The show opened with a dynamic rendition of “The Wizard and I,” where Erivo’s vocal prowess was complemented by the jazz stylings of her co-star Jeff Goldblum on the piano. During one take, Erivo cleverly altered some lyrics, an understandable slip considering the song’s repetitive melody. However, her second attempt nailed every word flawlessly.
Another highlight was Erivo’s exhilarating rendition of “Defying Gravity.” As she soared toward the ceiling of the Dolby Theatre, the audience was captivated. Although her initial performance was pitch-perfect, production required a second take from different angles, much to the crowd’s delight.
Audience engagement and unexpected surprises
The essence of Wicked was not just in its cast but also in the energy of the audience. At the beginning of the special, those seated in the orchestra were gifted tulips and instructed by Stephen Oremus, the evening’s conductor, on the opening lines of “No One Mourns the Wicked.” This interactive experience continued as choreographer Christopher Scott taught the crowd flower-inspired moves, allowing fans to actively participate in the festivities.
Among the evening’s standout moments was the appearance of a young fan named Remington. The four-year-old, who gained fame on TikTok for his rendition of “Defying Gravity,” was chosen by Grande to be her Elphaba during a performance of “Popular.” The audience was charmed as he confidently introduced himself, complete with an Elphaba costume and a broomstick.
Memorable performances and crowd interactions
Even in the absence of Jonathan Bailey, who plays Fiyero, the spirit of the character was alive and well. Performers Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, and Marissa Bode donned Fiyero’s iconic blue jacket for a playful rendition of “Dancing Through Life.” Their competitive spirit shone through as they showcased not only their vocal abilities but also impressive dance moves, including a remarkable lift by Yang and an impressive split from Slater.
The enthusiasm of the audience never waned, even as the evening progressed. A spontaneous costume contest erupted, with attendees showcasing their creative outfits inspired by the show. Some fans replicated designs from the original Broadway production, while others paid homage to the film’s Oscar-winning costumes.
A heartfelt conclusion
Fans were instructed to arrive at the theater by 4:30 p.m., ensuring their entry for what became a five-hour celebration of all things Wicked. Enthusiastic attendees, many dressed in outfits inspired by the magical land of Oz, eagerly awaited the start of the show, their excitement palpable as the clock ticked toward the evening’s festivities.0
Fans were instructed to arrive at the theater by 4:30 p.m., ensuring their entry for what became a five-hour celebration of all things Wicked. Enthusiastic attendees, many dressed in outfits inspired by the magical land of Oz, eagerly awaited the start of the show, their excitement palpable as the clock ticked toward the evening’s festivities.1