Idina Menzel Approves Of Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo's 'Wicked' Casting
By MLC on November 5, 2021 at 9:35 PM EDT
Ariana Grande has bagged the role of a lifetime.
The Grammy-nominated singer, who got her start on Broadway, is going back to her roots and has been cast in the film adaptation of “Wicked.”
Ariana is set to play Glinda, the Good Witch, originally played by Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway.
Cynthia Erivo has been cast as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, which was brought to life and critical acclaim by Idina Menzel.
Idina Menzel was the original Elphaba
“Wicked” is about Elphaba and Glinda’s journey from being enemies to becoming best friends in college. It is based on the book by the same name and is a prequel to the “Wizard of Oz.”
“Wicked” first debuted on Broadway on June 10, 2003. The original show would go on to be nominated for ten Tony Awards in 2004, and took home three wins.
Menzel took home the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical, and it also took home a Tony for Best Costume and Best Scenic Design.
Upon hearing the news of Ariana and Cynthia’s casting, Menzel took to social media to give her seal of approval on the casting.
Idina Approves Of Ariana & Cynthia
Congrats to two amazing women. May it change your lives for the better forever and ever as it has for us. So much love. https://t.co/2avPFA9OBk
— Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) November 5, 2021
Chenoweth also sent her congratulations to new Elphaba and Glinda!
“I’m not sure if I’ve ever been this proud,” she wrote. “From the very first day I met you (swipe to see!!), you were destined for this role. Congratulations @arianagrande! The best Glinda you will be with @cynthiaerivo by your side 💗💚 I love you!!”
The Tony-winning actress took to Twitter writing, “Congrats to two amazing women. May it change your lives for the better forever and ever as it has for us. So much love.”
Ariana posted photos of herself reacting the exciting news to her Instagram Story on Thursday, November 4.
Jon M. Chu, the director of the film, wrote, “The moment I got to tell Ariana Grande that she is out Galinda in the Wicked movie.”
Ariana Is SHOCKED By The News!
Ariana replied back, “There are no words.”
Well Ari, from the looks of your Twitter there are words and were words from years ago!
The “Positions” singer posted a throwback picture of a tweet from 2011. It’s almost like this tweet put this role out into the universe for her.
She tweeted, “Loved seeing Wicked again… amazing production! Made me realize again how badly I want 2 play Glinda at some point in my life! #DreamRole.”
Well, it seems that dream role is now a reality.
In 2019, Ariana performed at the “Very Wicked Halloween” on NBC to celebrate the show’s successful 15-year run on Broadway.
It brought together Chenoweth and Menzel, along with Ari, the Pentatonix and more.
Ariana performed “The Wizard and I” during the show.
Cynthia also took to social media to show off her shocked face upon hearing the news and captioned the photo, “Pink goes good with Green💚💚💚.”
Ariana replied, “I LOVE YOU SO MUCH 💘.”