Unveiled: Highlights Deleted from Wicked’s One Wonderful Night

The recent NBC special, “Wicked: One Wonderful Night,” showcased a variety of performances and engaging moments as part of the build-up to “Wicked: For Good.” Held on September 24, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, this event featured prominent artists, including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who celebrated the beloved musical.

Highlights from the Event

• Performances: The concert included renditions of popular songs such as “No One Mourns The Wicked,” “I’m Not That Girl,” and “For Good.”
• Exclusive Content: Viewers were treated to exclusive interviews and previews of two new songs: “The Girl In The Bubble” and “No Place Like Home.”
• Duet Highlights: Grande and Erivo performed a duet of “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again,” originally sung by Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland.

Behind-the-Scenes Moments

Although the performance was captivating, certain moments from the taping did not make it to air. A notable instance was Marissa Bode’s introduction for “Defying Gravity,” where she addressed themes of empowerment and challenged societal norms. This segment received a lengthy standing ovation that NBC ultimately chose to omit.

Audience Engagement

Chris Scott, the choreographer, engaged the audience during the opening performance, inviting them to participate with flower props. The audience practiced choreography to enhance the experience, contributing to an engaging atmosphere.

Rehearsals and Multiple Takes

The filming of “Wicked: One Wonderful Night” involved shooting multiple takes to ensure the best performances. For example:

• “The Wizard and I” was performed several times by Cynthia Erivo and Jeff Goldblum.
• The duet “What Is This Feeling?” featured a revised ending for comedic effect, differing from the original.
• “Defying Gravity” was rehearsed three times, allowing Erivo to showcase her flying sequence efficiently.

Exciting Performances Reserved for Broadcast

While the event was filled with delightful performances, some anticipated segments were withheld for the official airing. Audiences eagerly awaited the performance of “For Good,” filmed at the Gershwin Theatre in New York, featuring the original cast members, Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel. This emotional segment was meant to be saved for viewers during the broadcast.

Engaging the Crowd

Throughout the event, an MC entertained the audience with interactive activities, including song contests and dance parties. Songs like “Soda Pop” and “Pink Pony Club” resonated with the audience, while “Hot To Go!” really energized the crowd, encouraging them to dance. Grande even acknowledged the audience’s enthusiasm for her hit song “thank u, next” while preparing for her next performance.

“Wicked: One Wonderful Night” not only celebrated the musical’s legacy but also engaged its devoted fans through memorable performances and audience interaction. With the much-anticipated “Wicked: For Good” approaching, this special event set the stage for continued excitement in the “Wicked” universe.