Movies
The Enigmatic World of Wicked: One Short Day and Its Fun Cameos
2024-11-21
Wicked, the long-running Broadway musical, has finally made its way to the silver screen with a film adaptation that has left audiences on the edge of their seats. The story unfolds as Elphaba and Glinda arrive in the Emerald City, setting the stage for a series of unexpected events and cameos.

Uncover the Magic of Wicked's Cameos in "One Short Day"

Elphaba and Glinda's Reunion in "One Short Day"

In the "One Short Day" sequence, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth make a grand appearance. They take on their original roles as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, adding a touch of nostalgia to the film. Menzel's performer exudes the same star power she brought to the Broadway stage as Elphaba. Chenoweth's performer, on the other hand, tries to steal the spotlight, creating a dynamic between the two that feels warmly familiar. As they sing about the Grimmerie, an ancient book of magic, the story unfolds with a sense of wonder. It's a moment that showcases the talent and chemistry of these two Broadway legends.

Not only do they interact like former Shiz University roommates, but Menzel also does Elphaba's battle cry from the end of "Defying Gravity," a bold choice that adds an extra layer of excitement to the film. Chenoweth's gesture of putting her hand over Ariana Grande's mouth to stop her from singing is a humorous nod to the original musical, highlighting the unique dynamics within the story.

Their performance in "One Short Day" is not just a rehash of the Broadway show but an expanded version that offers a more comprehensive history of Oz and the Wizard's role. The Flatheads make a brief appearance, sharing their pro-Wizard propaganda, adding to the charm and whimsy of the sequence.

The Cameos Beyond Elphaba and Glinda

Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel aren't the only ones to make an impact in Wicked. Winnie Holzman also makes a quick appearance as another resident of the Emerald City. Holzman, known for creating My So-Called Life, wrote the book for the musical Wicked and is credited with writing two versions of the film's screenplay.

Composer Stephen Schwartz has a more prominent cameo as the palace guard who announces "the Wizard will see you now!" to Elphaba and Glinda. Schwartz, a multiple Academy Award winner and Tony nominee, has left his mark on the musical world with his score for Wicked. His next project, Broadway-bound The Queen of Versailles, reunites him with Chenoweth in the title role. While his cameo in the first Wicked movie may not lead to a repeat appearance in Wicked: Part Two, he has already announced the writing of two new songs for the second film.

There are plenty of opportunities for more original Broadway cast members to make cameos in the next movie. Norbert Leo Butz and Christopher Fitzgerald, with their talent, would make excellent witch hunters, adding to the magic and excitement of the Wicked universe.

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