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"Wicked Costumer's 'Mad Dash' to Dress Menzel & Chenoweth(Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes)
2024-12-01
Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the original stars of Elphaba and Glinda in the Broadway production of Wicked in 2003, have made a delightful cameo in the new Wicked movie. Despite passing the torches to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, they couldn't resist making an appearance in Oz. Their costumes, dreamed up by the talented Paul Tazewell, are a sight to behold.

The Vision Behind the Gowns

The Oscar-winning costume designer, Paul Tazewell, had a unique vision for the Wizomania scene. He aimed to create gowns that looked like Christmas trees made from folded pages of books. Inspired by Nathan Crowley's pop-up book scenery, he envisioned something from the 19th century that was light, airy, and whimsical, with a definite sparkle. Tazewell wanted Idina's dress to be light pink, representing the "light" one, while Kristin's was purple, symbolizing the "dark" one. He worked tirelessly to pull it all together, flying to New York for fittings and then back to London. It was a mad dash, but they made it happen, and the result was truly wonderful. 1: Tazewell's attention to detail was evident in every stitch. The gowns were not just costumes; they were a part of the story. The light pink dress for Idina Menzel had a delicate texture that seemed to glow in the light. It was designed to showcase her character's inner strength and kindness. The purple dress for Kristin Chenoweth, on the other hand, had a more regal look. The fabric flowed gracefully, adding to her character's mysterious allure. 2: The choice of colors was crucial in defining the characters. Idina's light pink dress stood out against the backdrop of the fantasy world, making her the center of attention. Kristin's purple dress added a touch of darkness and mystery, enhancing the contrast between the two goddesses. Together, they created a visual spectacle that added depth to the Wizomania story.

The Behind-the-Scenes Magic

Menzel and Chenoweth shared a few behind-the-scenes photos from their "one short day" on set. Menzel's carousel showed the excitement and sisterhood on set. Her caption, "This was a special day. Sisterhood all around," captured the essence of their reunion. Chenoweth's carousel of photos with the caption, "the most magical time back in the emerald city," gave a glimpse of the enchanting atmosphere. 1: The duo's collab post with the line from the movie, "It was good to see us, wasn't it?" added a touch of nostalgia. It reminded viewers of their original roles and the bond they shared. Seeing them back on set brought a sense of joy and familiarity. 2: The video shared by the film's Instagram on Nov. 27, titled "The original Elphaba and Glinda return back to Oz," was a moment of celebration. It showed the two actresses in their element, ready to take on their roles once again. Their presence added a special charm to the movie.Wicked is now in theaters, and fans can go behind the scenes with PEOPLE's new special issue available here. This movie is a must-see for fans of the original Broadway production and a testament to the talent of Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, and the entire team involved.
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