Nearly two decades before stepping into the role of Glinda the Good Witch for the upcoming Wicked movie musical, Ariana Grande, at the age of 10, had a memorable meeting with Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth.
During their backstage encounter, Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda on Broadway, gifted young Grande a “magical body wash” and a small wand. Reflecting on the experience, Grande, now 31, shared with PEOPLE, “It felt magical—especially considering where life has brought us today.”
Under the direction of Jon M. Chu, the Wicked films adapt the iconic Broadway production by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, which first starred Chenoweth and Idina Menzel.
From Broadway to the big screen, Ariana Grande steps into Glinda’s shoes
Grande takes on the role of Glinda, while Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West. The first part of the two-part film releases in theaters this November, with the sequel set for 2025.
Grande vividly recalls her initial experience with Wicked in 2003, attending the show with her grandmother and meeting the original cast backstage. “It was transformative,” she explained, describing the event as a pivotal moment that divided her life into “before and after seeing Wicked.” That night, however, wasn’t without its quirks—Chenoweth’s dog had an accident on the couch, and Grande humorously pitched in to clean up.
Jonathan Bailey, portraying Fiyero in the films, teased Grande about her backstage memory of the gifted body wash, asking, “Didn’t you have one on set?” Laughing, Grande clarified that she still keeps a vintage Wicked-themed Stila lip gloss from two decades ago, joking that it’s likely too old to use but carries its own nostalgic magic.
Bailey, who also admired Wicked as a child, reminisced about watching Idina Menzel perform as Elphaba in London, describing the show’s orchestration and music as unforgettable influences on him as a young actor.
Grande, whose professional career began with her Broadway debut in 13 in 2008, remains close to Chenoweth. Reflecting on Grande’s Wicked audition journey, Chenoweth expressed her enthusiasm in an October interview, calling Grande “wickedly funny” and a brilliant actor who will excel as Glinda.
Fans can anticipate the release of Wicked: Part One on November 22, 2024, followed by Part Two on November 26, 2025. For an inside look at the production, PEOPLE’s special Wicked issue is now available.
