“Wicked: One Wonderful Night” at the Dolby Theatre was a magical experience for fans of the beloved musical. The taping of the show on Sept. 24 gave audiences a rare glimpse behind the scenes, revealing some delightful moments that didn’t make it to the final broadcast.
One of the highlights of the evening was a duet of “Happy Days Are Here Again/ Get Happy” by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The chemistry between the two film stars was palpable, but there were many off-camera moments that added to the magic of the night.
Audience participation played a key role in the taping process, with audience members learning choreography for the opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked.” The orchestra section was given faux tulips and taught the flower choreography, adding an interactive element to the performance.
The show was filmed out of order, with full musical numbers and scene transitions captured multiple times to ensure a clean version. Some numbers, like “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity,” were performed twice for perfection. Grande and Erivo’s duet was also repeated simply because they wanted to “do it again.”
The production recorded multiple intros for packaged segments, including unseen audition tapes from celebrities like Khloe Kardashian and Ludacris. However, not all of these alternate versions made it to the broadcast.
Throughout the night, the cast teased exclusive looks at new film clips and musical moments, only to playfully reveal that the audience wouldn’t be seeing them. The room responded with good-natured groans, showing their playful disappointment.
Marissa Bode, who plays Nessarose, delivered a powerful speech about authenticity and resilience before introducing “Defying Gravity.” The live audience cheered loudly in response, showing their support for her message.
In a surprising moment, Ariana Grande picked a young audience member named Remington to perform “Popular” with her. The interaction was heartwarming and showcased Grande’s playful side.
Overall, the taping of “Wicked: One Wonderful Night” was a night to remember, filled with behind-the-scenes moments that added to the magic of the musical. The unique experiences shared by the cast and audience made the event truly special.
