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.
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.