The highly anticipated NBC special Wicked: One Wonderful Night aired on November 6, showcasing extraordinary performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. However, the real enchantment unfolded during the live taping at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, which took place over a month earlier. As the host of Universal’s official Wicked podcast, I witnessed the magic firsthand. Here’s a glimpse into the moments that were left on the cutting room floor and the enchanting atmosphere in the theatre.
Attendees were advised to arrive by 4:30 p.m. to secure their seats at this much-anticipated event. What followed was a five-hour extravaganza that kept the audience entertained until half-past nine. Many devoted fans embraced the occasion, donning costumes inspired by characters from Oz, showcasing their dedication to the beloved musical.
Taping highlights and surprises
Once inside, audience members secured their phones in Yondr pouches, allowing them to immerse themselves in the experience without distractions. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as familiar faces from the Wicked press tour mingled, including Bowen Yang’s friend Matt Rogers and journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist. Notably, cast members who did not perform in the special, such as Cesily Collette Taylor, who portrays young Nessarose, were present to cheer on their colleagues.
Director Jon M. Chu made a special appearance, unveiling exclusive clips from the upcoming movie adaptation of Wicked. Throughout the evening, Erivo, Grande, and Yang teased snippets of new songs from the sequel, such as “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl in the Bubble,” while also performing “For Good” live at the Gershwin Theatre. The audience, however, would have to wait to see these moments on the broadcast.
Memorable performances
The musical numbers showcased the incredible talent of the performers, with some songs requiring multiple takes due to their demanding nature. Erivo opened the evening with a captivating version of “The Wizard and I,” featuring her co-star Jeff Goldblum on piano. Although she initially altered a few lyrics in the bridge, she quickly nailed the performance on her second attempt.
Not to be outdone, Erivo also performed “Defying Gravity,” which left the audience in awe as she ascended towards the theatre’s ceiling. Her first rendition was flawless, but due to production needs, she graciously performed the song again, delighting the crowd.
Audience participation and special guests
The spirit of Wicked extended beyond the stage as audience members actively participated in the special. At the outset, fans seated in the orchestra were given tulips and learned the opening lines to “No One Mourns the Wicked,” guided by the evening’s conductor, Stephen Oremus. Furthermore, choreographer Christopher Scott led the audience through flower-themed dance moves to accompany Grande’s performance.
One standout moment came when a young boy named Remington, who gained fame on TikTok for his rendition of “Defying Gravity,” was chosen by Grande to join her on stage during “Popular.” Dressed as Elphaba, Remington captured the audience’s hearts, showcasing the inclusive and joyful atmosphere of the event.
Creative expressions and contest
Though Jonathan Bailey, known for his role as Fiyero, was absent from the telecast, the spirit of “Dancing Through Life” persisted. Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, and Marissa Bode donned Fiyero’s iconic outfit to deliver a lively rendition of the song, demonstrating their vocal and dance skills. Yang’s impressive lift and Slater’s daring split added a playful, competitive edge to the performance.
The evening also featured an impromptu costume contest, where audience members showcased their best Wicked attire. Many costumes paid homage to the Oscar-winning designs of the film, while others reflected the original Broadway musical’s iconic outfits. A group of enthusiastic Glindas even engaged in a hair flip competition, embodying the playful spirit of the show.
Closing surprises and heartfelt moments
Attendees were advised to arrive by 4:30 p.m. to secure their seats at this much-anticipated event. What followed was a five-hour extravaganza that kept the audience entertained until half-past nine. Many devoted fans embraced the occasion, donning costumes inspired by characters from Oz, showcasing their dedication to the beloved musical.0
Attendees were advised to arrive by 4:30 p.m. to secure their seats at this much-anticipated event. What followed was a five-hour extravaganza that kept the audience entertained until half-past nine. Many devoted fans embraced the occasion, donning costumes inspired by characters from Oz, showcasing their dedication to the beloved musical.1