Wicked: One Wonderful Night (2025) Movie Script
1
Good news
She's dead
The Witch of the West is dead
The wickedest witch there ever was
The enemy of all of us here in Oz
Is dead
Good news
Look! It's Glinda!
Let us be glad
Let us be grateful
Let us rejoicify that goodness
Could subdue
The wicked workings of
You-know-who
Isn't it nice to know
That good will conquer evil?
The truth we all believe will
By and by
Outlive a lie
For you and...
It's good to see me, isn't it?
Bowen...
What are you doing here?
I paid for the Bubble Machine
Meet and Greet Experience.
Is this not the line?
No, this is... this is the opening
number.
Then who did I Venmo?
Okay, whatever. Break legs, everyone.
Love you.
- Love you. See you later.
- See you.
Now, where were we?
Thank you, former Broadway prince.
No one mourns the Wicked
No one cries, "They won't return"
No one lays a lily on their grave
The good man scorns the Wicked
Through their lives
Our children learn
What we miss when we misbehave
And goodness knows
The Wicked's lives are lonely
Goodness knows the Wicked die alone
It just shows, when you're wicked
You're left only on your own
Yes, goodness knows
The Wicked's lives are lonely
Goodness knows
The Wicked cry alone
Nothing grows for the Wicked
They reap only what they've sown
No one mourns the Wicked
Now, at last, she's dead and gone
Now, at last, there's joy
Throughout the land
And Goodness knows
Goodness knows
Goodness knows the Wicked die alone
She died alone
Woe to those
Spurn what goodness is
They are shown
No one mourns the Wicked
Good news
No one mourns the Wicked
Good news
No one mourns the Wicked
Wicked
Wicked
Wicked
Fellow Ozians, hello.
And please welcome Cynthia Erivo
and our incredible vocal cast.
Ariana Grande, everybody.
Welcome to
Wicked: One Wonderful Night.
And welcome, welcome,
welcome to the...
To the legendary Dolby Theater
right here in Hollywood.
The global impact this movie has had
has been nothing short of magical.
Tonight, we will celebrate the fans,
hear stories from behind the scenes
and even get a little tease of what's
still to come in Wicked: For Good.
You'll also see
some incredible musical performances
of all the songs from Wicked
that you know and love
in ways you've never seen before
and never will again.
Being part of this cast
has been one of the most
life-changing experiences for me.
Their talent and spirit inspire me
every day.
Wicked is a movie
about friendship, love
and defying every limit
placed upon you.
It's a story about honoring
those parts of ourselves
that don't fit the mold.
It's owning your difference
as a doorway to your power
and using that power to become
who you were always meant to be.
This is Wicked: One Wonderful Night.
Tonight on
Wicked: One Wonderful Night...
Everyone knows that it's Wicked.
No one and nothing is bigger
than this piece.
A celebration of music,
wonder and spectacle...
Wicked!
...with dazzling performances.
Loving Wicked isn't a hobby for me.
It is a lifestyle.
The cast look back
on their Wicked experience.
Most likely to burst into song.
Oh, yeah, actually.
Loathing, loathing
And a once in a lifetime performance
from the Gershwin Theater
featuring Stephen Schwartz
and two very special guests.
You are truly wicked.
305. Take one. Marker.
Did you keep any props from set?
I kept one of the books
from the library scene.
I took Boq's handkerchief.
There's a hat, a pair of boots.
One of the things I held on to
is this small piece of fabric
from the pajamas that I wore
in "What Is This Feeling?"
Did I take anything to keep
as a kind of keepsake?
Well... yes, actually I did.
Isn't that magnificent?
He took the head?
The giant one that I run into
in The Wizard and I, he kept that?
Isn't it like ten feet tall?
Does anyone know
what he does with that?
As of late, I've been taking it
every place with me
wherever I go.
Thank you.
I find it to be very naturalistic
and subtle.
It gives me great comfort.
I think he likes it
because it's his head, you know.
And it's huge.
No, no, no.
It has nothing to do with size.
I think these days,
I can recognize good craftsmanship
and a kind of mesmerizing artistry.
Does it hang on a wall?
Does he just carry it
around with him?
Ow.
How does it move around his home?
No, no, no!
I like to think that this statue
kind of is me.
Together
We're unlimited
Hi.
Hi. Shh.
Please welcome Jeff Goldblum.
Thank you. How are you?
Look at you. Hi.
Thank you so much for coming.
My name is Jeff.
Hello. Thank you.
Hey, who feels like
a little more singing and dancing?
You feel like that?
Good.
Look what I see over here.
This is a piano. Do you recognize it?
Okay. Let's see. Oh, hey.
Ooh, I dig this tune. Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
You know what we need?
May I kindly request the presence
of the one and only Cynthia Erivo?
- How are you?
- Good.
- Cynthia, well...
- Yes.
Hey, would you be mad if we got to
do something a little bit together?
I would love
to do something together.
Geez. I'm the luckiest guy on earth.
- Okay. Well...
- Yes.
Listen to this.
Hey, Stephen Schwartz...
I've changed some of the chords.
Listen up. I hope you like it.
I hope it's okay.
- Oh, dear. Okay.
- Just a little bit.
Did that really just happen?
Have I actually understood?
This weird quirk
I've tried to suppress or hide
Is a talent that could help me
Meet the wizard
If I make good
So I'll make good
When I meet the wizard
Once I prove my worth
Then I meet the wizard
What I've waited for since
Well, since birth
And with all his wizard wisdom
By my looks, he won't be blinded
Do you think the wizard is dumb
Or, like munchkins, so small-minded
No, he'll say to me
I see who you truly are
A girl on whom I can rely
And that's how we'll begin
The wizard and I
Once I'm with the wizard
My whole life will change
'Cause once you're with the wizard
No one thinks you're strange
No father is not proud of you
No sister acts ashamed
All of Oz has to love you
When by the wizard you're acclaimed
And this gift or this curse
I have inside
Maybe at last I'll know why
As we walk hand in hand
The wizard and I
And one day he'll say to me, Elphaba
A girl who is so superior
Shouldn't a girl who's so good inside
Have a matching exterior
And since folks here
To an absurd degree
Seem fixated on your verdigris
Would it be all right by you
If I de-greenify you
No, of course
That's not important to me
All right, why not? I'll reply
Oh, what a pair we'll be
The wizard and I
Yes, what a pair we'll be,
the wizard and...
Unlimited
My future is unlimited
And I've just had a vision
Almost like a prophecy
I know it sounds truly crazy
And true, the vision's hazy
But I swear someday there'll be
A celebration throughout Oz
That's all to do
With me
And I'll stand there with the wizard
Feeling things
I've never felt
And though I'd never show it
I'd be so happy I could melt
And so it will be for the rest
Of my life
And I'll want nothing else till I die
Held in such high esteem
When people see me, they will scream
For half of Oz's favorite team
The wizard
And I
Hi, guys. We have little seats.
- I like the palette.
- You look gorgeous.
- That's a great color on you.
- I see.
Everybody, how's it feel
to be in the same room?
But before you answer that,
I just remembered
the very first experience I had
with the cast.
My dressing room was next door
to Ariana Grande.
- And at that point...
- We were neighbors.
...I hadn't remembered
that we knew each other.
When Ariana was... What was it, 11?
Oh, yeah. I went to see
The Pillowman.
You went to see The Pillowman.
I was on Broadway doing this show.
And I waited by the stage door
to see you.
Anyway, she came with her mom
and took a picture of the two of us.
At the stage door.
But I saw her dressing room.
And Ariana was there.
And you were wearing a gold shirt
and a top hat.
- You looked so wizardly.
- Wait a minute.
- You came in in your wizard duds.
- He looked fabulous.
It was amazing.
We were all like, that's the wizard.
It must have been very stressful
for especially Jon and Marc
to try and find
the most perfect cast for this
because it's been around for,
what, 20-something years?
It's, like, if you get it wrong,
oh, my God.
Thunder and lightning
will strike you down.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
What were your
audition experiences like?
Mine was sort of the chemistry read.
So I go through the audition,
and put everything out
and I'm there for three hours.
And by the end of the audition,
I start running a 103 fever...
- Oh, gosh.
- And go home.
And I'm in bed for, like, four days.
So at the time,
I have left the audition.
I'm, like,
there's actually nothing left.
So I think whatever I had left
was in that room.
I remember I'd sent a tape,
crazy tape.
And I basically did
a karaoke version of it, and...
- Which song did you do?
- I did...
I was gonna say "No Good Deed."
No, I did "Dancing Through Life."
But I did it at the five-minute call,
and I was doing a play.
I'm worried about this section.
They're not gonna suddenly cut to it.
The trouble with schools is
They always try
to teach the wrong lessons
Believe me, I've been kicked
Out of enough of them to know
You have five minutes, please.
That's five minutes.
I can't believe you did it
in your five-minute call.
How on earth did you even have...
Well, because it was too...
It was the same thing.
It was such a bit...
It's like you sort of go, it's now.
I'd had the five-minute call
and just play it. Let's just do it.
And I was getting ready.
And I just sang. I sang it.
But it was the only way
I was gonna be able to do that tape.
Everyone just wanted so earnestly
to serve this big, beautiful piece
that is Wicked, you know?
Everyone knows that it's Wicked.
No one and nothing is bigger
than this piece.
And everyone just showed up
as the most, like
raw, authentic artist they could be.
And everyone gave it their all.
It was really beautiful.
Please welcome Michelle Yeoh
and Marissa Bode.
Time for a special tribute
to all the fans
who took the song,
"What Is This Feeling"
and reimagined it as an epic
Super Bowl halftime performance.
We all saw your TikToks
and we loved
every single one of them.
And here to perform
"What Is This Feeling"
like never before
please welcome Cynthia Erivo
and Ariana Grande.
Loathing
Unadulterated loathing
For your face
- Your voice
- Your clothing
Let's just say I loathe it all
Every little trait, however small
Makes my very flesh begin to crawl
With simple, utter loathing
There's a strange exhilaration
In such total detestation
It's so pure, so strong
Though I do admit, it came on fast
Still, I do believe that it can last
And I will be loathing, loathing
You my whole life long
Dear Galinda, you are just too good
How can you stand it
I don't think I could
I don't think I could
These things are sent to try us
Poor Galinda, forced to reside
With someone so disgusticified
We just want to tell you
We're all on your side
We share your...
What is this feeling
So sudden and new
I felt the moment I laid eyes on you
My pulse is rushing
My head is reeling
We loathe it all
- Oh, what is this feeling
- Every little trait, however small
Does it have a name?
Yes
Hallowed halls and vine-drapped walls
The proudliest sight there is
When gray and sere
Our hair hath turned
We shall still revere
The lessons learned
In our days at dear old Shiz
Our days at dear old
Loathing There's a strange exhilaration
In such total detestation
It's so pure, so strong
Though I do admit it came on fast
Still, I do believe that it can last
And I will be loathing for forever
Loathing, truly, deeply
Loathing you
- My whole life long
- Loathing, unadulterated loathing
- Boo!
- All right, I get it.
Wicked: One Wonderful Night
is brought to you by Lexus.
Wicked resonated with fans
all around the world
and invited them not only to watch
but to engage with our world.
In fact, a lot of moments from the
movie took on a life of their own
whether it be Ariana's hair flip...
Toss, toss.
the "Defying Gravity" riff
that so many have tried to recreate.
Very nice.
Some of you even painted
yourself green.
It won't wash off. It's been a year.
Yeah. You've got to use
a special soap for your face.
What about the rest of my body?
Well, how much of your body
have you covered in green?
Everything.
Everything?
Everything.
Oh, dear.
Well, we'll just have to get you
a doctor for that, okay?
Meanwhile...
let's take a look
at just how much of an impact
this film has had across the world.
Wicked!
Dear Galinda, you are just too good
I love Wicked!
How do you stand it
I don't think I could
- We love Wicked so much.
- Wicked!
We're Wicked super fans.
I've been watching Wicked every day.
And I will be loathing for forever
Loving Wicked isn't a hobby for me.
It is a lifestyle.
I am just absolutely obsessed.
It is everything.
My whole life long
My favorite character is Elphaba
because she can fly just like this.
- Dancing through life
- Down at the Ozdust
If only because dust is
what we come to
Nothing matters
But knowing nothing matters
It's just life
Come on. Hop into the Wicked world.
It's just life
So if you care to find me
Wicked has had a huge impact
on my life.
As someone told me lately
Everyone deserves a chance to fly
Wicked has this timeless power.
It motivated me to keep fighting
for my dreams.
I just feel like
I could take on the world.
It was the best thing I've ever seen.
I sat there sobbing.
It became something
that I could wrap myself up in
to get through the rough times.
If Elphaba can do it
with the whole world against her
then I can do it, too.
Yeah. It makes me feel happy.
Happy, happy, happy.
Thank you for everything.
Fly
Good job!
Now cut.
Oh, my goodness.
I wonder what song is coming next.
The love that we have received
from our fans all over the world
has been truly so amazing
and so moving.
And one of those fans
that you've just seen
in that incredible montage happens
to be in our audience tonight.
So I wanted to know...
Remington...
Hello.
- Hey.
- Hi. Is this okay?
- Hi.
- Yeah.
- I loved your video.
- Thanks.
- How old are you?
- Four.
Oh, my goodness.
Well, I love your outfit.
Thanks.
Well, I was wondering,
since you're dressed like Elphie
would you be my Elphie
for this next song, please?
Yeah.
Thank you so much.
Oh, my goodness, I'm so excited.
Come this way. Thank you.
Hi.
Hi.
Oh, my goodness.
It's nice to meet you. Come here.
Do you mind if I...
Do you want me to take this for you?
It's not going anywhere. Don't worry.
Now, can you get up here?
Is that okay?
Are you comfy there? Is that okay?
You know the scene.
Hi, Remy.
Is it okay if I call you Remy?
Yeah. Yeah.
Okay. Thank you.
I was gonna call you that anyway
because, Remy...
Now that we're friends...
Now that we're friends...
I've decided to make you
my new project.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah. I know.
That's what makes me so nice.
Whenever I see someone
Less fortunate than I
And let's face it, right? Who isn't?
Less fortunate than I
My tender heart tends to start
To bleed
And when someone needs
A makeover
I simply have to take over
I know, listen, I know, okay?
Exactly what they need
And even in your case
Though it's...
The toughest case I've yet to face
Don't worry
I'm determined to succeed
Follow my lead
And yes, indeed
You will be
Popular, you're gonna be popular
I'll teach you the proper ploys
When you talk to boys
Little ways to flirt and flounce
I'll show you what shoes to wear
How to fix your hair
Everything that really counts to be
Popular, I'll help you be popular
You'll hang with the right cohorts
You'll be good at sports
Know the slang you've got to know
So let's start
'Cause you've got an awfully
Long way to go
Come with me, come on.
Down center stage.
Don't be offended
By my frank analysis
Think of it as personality dialysis
Now that I've chosen to
Become a pal, a sister
And advisor
There's nobody wiser
Not when it comes to
Popular, I know about popular
And with an assist from me
To be who you'll be
Instead of dreary who you were
Well, are
There's nothing that can stop you
From becoming popular
Lar
La-la, la-la
We're gonna make you popular
When I see depressing creatures
With unprepossessing features
I remind them on their own behalf
To think of
Celebrated heads of state
Or especially great communicators
Did they have brains or knowledge
Don't make me laugh
They were
- Popular
- Exactly.
That's what I'm saying.
It's not about aptitude
It's the way you're viewed
So it's very shrewd to be
Very, very popular like me
Now, Remy, would you mind
coming with me?
I'd like to teach you
how to toss your hair.
Ready?
Now this is
a slightly different technique
because I have a ponytail today.
But I have to wind it up.
And then you toss, toss.
No notes, Rem.
It's been a pleasure.
I have one more thing before you go.
A parting gift.
This is my training wand.
I hope you enjoy it.
Thank you, Remy. Can I have a hug?
You're amazing. Thank you so much.
Everyone, Remington.
Well, hello.
And though you protest
Your disinterest
I know, clandestinely
You're going to grin and bear it
Your newfound popularity
La la la la
La la la la
La la
You'll be popular
Just not quite as popular as me
After the break,
a breathtaking performance
from the Gershwin Theater
when Ariana and Cynthia
join Stephen Schwartz
and two very special guests.
Please welcome Ethan Slater
and Bowen Yang.
- Hello.
- I'm browning out.
Good for you then. You got this.
- Please excuse our appearance.
- Sorry.
We were watching Ariana and Remy
perform "Popular" backstage
and got a little overexcited
during the hair toss.
Yeah.
So to all the kids watching at home,
remember to stretch before you toss.
Now, back to what really matters.
We go now to the iconic
Gershwin theater in New York City
the original home
of the Broadway production Wicked.
Accompanied by the incomparable
Stephen Schwartz
with a special arrangement
and performance just for tonight
this is "For Good."
- Hey, guys.
- Hi.
We're at the Gershwin.
- I know.
- Who thought that would happen?
- I don't know.
- You guys look beautiful.
You should probably sing something.
What do you think?
- I think it's a good idea.
- All right. Let's do it.
- Why not?
- How about this?
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know
If I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes the sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed
For the better
But because I knew you
I have been changed
For good
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now
Whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine
By being my friend
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a sky bird
In a distant world
Who can say if I've been changed
For the better
But because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
The years go by so fast
The flames keep burning
But we know someday
It could be gone
It's nice to know then
As the torch gets passed
You will keep it blazing brightly on
Like a comet pilled form orbit
Like a ship blown from its moorings
By a wind off the sea
Like a stream that leads
Like a seed dropped by a bird
In the wood
Who can say
If I've been changed for the better
I do believe I have been changed
For the better
- And because I knew you
- Because I knew you
Because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed
For good
There's such a capacity
for the fans to love the films
alongside the musical,
alongside the books
alongside the L. Frank Baum books.
It is more likely than not that
fans are a little bit adversarial
towards the newer thing,
the newer installment
the newer imagination of something.
I think the fact that none of us
have really encountered
any sort of like, I don't know...
- Pushback.
- That is so meaningful.
We're lucky to have been embraced
by the fans the way we have.
The Wicked fans are the most
beautiful souls in the world.
- And they're fiercely loving.
- Oh, my gosh.
They're so insanely loving.
It's crazy.
The love and passion that
you've poured into each character
has really allowed them, and...
opened their hearts and minds to us.
We all love our characters.
I remember you defending the wizard
to the end.
And, you know, I don't know
if that's how you feel now
that we're out of it.
But you have to love...
You have to love your character.
And so I love Boq so much. Yeah.
I take away a lot from you guys.
But what helped me is, like,
when I look into your eyes
and I see Elphaba,
and I see all the complexities there.
Then you find that exchange.
And I love when I look at you.
You're like fresh and nave.
And then Jon will come up to me and
say, "Scare the hell out of Ariana."
And I'm like, "Are you sure?"
He says, "Yes."
So I just turned and ran at her,
literally like...
- This poor woman...
- Best moment of my life.
She... dropped onto the couch.
Wave.
And shut your mouth!
She was so scared,
a contact lens popped out.
My contact came out.
I'm sorry, y'all.
My contact came out.
It was a really cherished moment.
- I loved scaring you.
- I savor every minute.
And now, you,
let's get to this half of the room.
I want to hear about this.
- Bowen, what about Pfannee?
- The besties.
I've learned, like,
the danger of cruelty from him.
These are two people
who are, like, bullies.
And they execute and motivate
other people to do bad things.
But I would apologize
to Cynthia between takes
and be, like, that felt awful,
like, being cruel to you.
So I think... I don't know,
I think as you age
you just soften a little bit
in those ways, hopefully.
And I feel like that is the thing
that I've taken away from him.
- Yes.
- Yeah.
We're so privileged
to have been able to be there
to witness each other's moments
and see every single take
of everything
because the movie is so beautiful.
And everyone is so brilliant in it.
But it was so special to be there
and see everyone's process
and every single ad lib
and every single choice
that everyone made.
And it was just such a treat.
- Well done, everyone.
- Yeah.
Please welcome Bowen Yang
and Ariana Grande.
You know, when you think about it
Wicked is a film at its core
about friendship.
I couldn't agree more.
Yes. Friendship between two people
who couldn't be more different
from each other.
Yes. The popular, ambitious sorcery
student with impeccable style
and a love for all things pink.
And her best friend Pfannee.
What?
No, nothing.
I just thought you were...
I thought you were going to say,
you know, Elphaba.
Elphaba? Really?
Well, yeah.
Oh, well...
That's like the core friendship
of the whole movie.
I don't know.
I feel like Wicked is a story
about a popular girl
and an equally popular guy
who loves to follow her around,
carry her books
and occasionally makes catty little
comments about their ugly classmates.
I really don't think that's
what people are taking away from...
But yeah.
Well, art is subjective.
Yeah, it is. That's true.
- I love you.
- I love you.
- So much.
- So much.
In the meantime,
performing "I'm Not That Girl,"
please welcome the phenomenal,
the singular Cynthia Erivo.
Hands touch
Eyes meet
Sudden silence
Sudden heat
Hearts leap in a giddy whirl
He could be that boy
But I'm not that girl
Don't dream too far
Don't lose sight of who you are
Don't remember that rush of joy
He could be that boy
I'm not that girl
Every so often, we long to steal
To the land of what-might-have-been
But that doesn't soften
The ache we feel
When reality sets back in
Blithe smile, lithe limb
She who's winsome
She wins him
Gold hair with a gentle curl
That's the girl he chose
And heaven knows
I'm not that girl
Don't wish
Don't start
Wishing only wounds the heart
I wasn't born
For the rose and pearl
There's a girl I know
He loves her so
I'm not that girl
Thank you.
And now, please welcome the director
of Wicked and Wicked: For Good
Jon M. Chu.
Wow.
I am Jon M. Chu.
I am the director of Wicked.
Four-plus years of my life
poured into this.
My wife had three kids during this.
Superstar.
Anyway, directing this movie has been
one of the highlights of my career
but I knew from the very beginning,
I had to get the casting just right.
And we ended up
with the perfect cast. Right?
But I have to tell you all
that so many different people
wanted to be in Wicked
and sent us their casting tapes,
you may have heard this.
And tonight, for the first time
we are sharing some of the unseen
footage from the Wicked auditions.
Take a look.
My name is Chris Ludacris Bridges
and I'll be reading for Glinda
because I want to show people
that I have range.
Lainey Wilson reading for Elphaba.
My name is Ben Schwartz.
I'm Rob Gronkowski, a.k.a. The Gronk.
Do me a favor. Don't stand there.
Thank you.
Hi, I'm Shaquille O'Neal.
And I'm reading for the part
of Munchkin Number Five.
- Seven.
- Oh, Munchkin Number Seven.
I'm Khloe Kardashian.
And I'm auditioning for Glinda
because she's a good bitch.
I mean, witch. Witch.
So if you can't find me...
Look to the western sky
I'll show you what shoes to wear
I am auditioning
for the part of Glinda.
Toss. Toss. Hello.
The toughest case I've yet to face
Don't worry, I'm determined
You could be that boy
And I could be that girl
Five, six, seven, eight.
And if I'm flying solo, at least
I'm...
What's that? She's already been cast?
Not a problem. Not a problem.
I didn't know which character, so...
Popular
You're gonna be popular
Popular
Popular, you gonna be popular
I'll teach you the proper ploys
When you talk to boys
You're gonna be pop...
What's that? She's cast as well?
So, who do you want me to audition?
Flying monkey!
Sure. Yeah. You got it.
I'm just a fly...
He doesn't sing or talk. Okay.
I wanna be on the room
Where it happens
The room where it happens
Defying gravity? Battle cry.
Here's my big finish, Jon Chu.
Now that's Wicked.
Please welcome Bowen Yang.
Hello, everyone. Oh, aren't you nice?
Hi, everyone.
I know we're all having fun tonight
but this is actually
a huge night for me.
I don't know if you know this,
but I originally went out for Fiyero.
I didn't get the part
because Jon M. Chu said
that I was
too "conventionally attractive."
And that rejection would make me
"a better Pfannee."
That's the name of my character.
Did you know that? Most people don't.
But he was nice enough
to let me be Fiyero's understudy
which many have told me
is not a job in movies.
But seeing as Jonathan Bailey
couldn't be here tonight...
I am proud to be
your Fiyero this evening.
And all I have to say is...
The trouble with schools is
They always try to teach
The wrong lesson
Believe me
I've been kicked out of
Enough of them to know
They want you to become less callow
Less shallow, guys
But I say, why invite stress in
Stop studying strife
And learn to live
The unexamined life
Dancing through life
Skimming the surface
Gliding where turf is smooth
Life's more painless
For the brainless
Why think too hard
When it's so soothing
Dancing through life
No need to tough it
When you can slough it off as I do
Nothing matters
But knowing nothing matters
It's just life
So keep dancing through
- Hey, Bowen.
- Ethan, what the Boq are you doing?
Nice job working my character name
into the segment.
But tonight, I'm Fiyero's understudy.
No, I'm Fiyero's understudy.
- According to who?
- According to Chu, Jon M. Chu.
Hey, what does the M stand for?
- I think movies.
- Yeah, movies.
Get those Fiyero duds
off of you right now.
Wait. Hold on, Bowen.
I think I hear our cue coming up.
Dancing through life
Swaying and sweeping
And always keeping cool
Life is fraughtless
When you're thoughtless
Those who don't try
Never look foolish
Dancing through life
Mindless and careless
Make sure you're
Where less trouble is rife
Woes are fleeting, blows are glancing
When you're dancing through life
- Thank you.
- That was very cool.
That was really good.
Come on.
Whoa, Marissa?
What in the Nessa
are you doing here?
- I'm the Fiyero understudy.
- No, you are not!
What are you saying,
a woman can't play Fiyero?
No. I think all women
should play all roles.
You know this about me.
So what's the big problem?
Well, we can't all be Fiyero.
It's a little bit confusing.
It's really not. Tonight's our night.
And there's no rule that says
we can't all be Fiyero.
- Maybe Marissa's right.
- Yeah, maybe Marissa's right.
Because Fiyero isn't just a person.
He's a feeling.
The feeling of wanting attention.
And we can all relate to that.
Let's do as all Fiyeros do.
Let's go down to the Ozdust Ballroom
We'll meet there later tonight
We can dance till it's light
Find the prettiest girl
Give her a whirl
Right on down to the Ozdust Ballroom
Come on, follow me
You'll be happy to be there
Dancing through life
If only because dust is
What we come to
Nothing matters
But knowing nothing matters
It's just life
It's just life
So keep dancing through
- You're good.
- You're good.
- You did a good job.
- No.
- You're good.
- You're good.
You're good.
We're good.
Yes!
Please give a warm welcome to
Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh.
You are truly Wicked, okay?
Next up, we've got
an amazing performance
of one of the most beloved songs
from the Wicked universe.
Performing a special arrangement of
"Thank Goodness," for just tonight
please welcome the enchanting,
the incomparable Ariana Grande.
I love you, too.
We couldn't be happier
Right, dear
Couldn't be happier right here
Look what we've got, a fairytale plot
Our very own happy ending
Where we couldn't be happier
True, dear
Couldn't be happier
And we're happy to share
Our ending vicariously
With all of you
He couldn't look handsomer
I couldn't feel humbler
We couldn't be happier
Because happy is what happens
When all your dreams come true
That's why I couldn't be happier
No, I couldn't be happier
Though it is, I admit
The tiniest bit
Unlike I anticipated
But I couldn't be happier
Simply couldn't be happier
Well, not simply
'Cause getting your dreams
It's strange
But it seems a little
Well, complicated
There's a kind of sort of cost
There's a couple of things get lost
There are bridges you cross
You didn't know you crossed
Until you crossed
And if that joy, that thrill
Doesn't thrill like you think it will
Still, with this perfect finale
The cheers and the ballyhoo
Who wouldn't be happier
So I couldn't be happier
Because happy is what happens
When all your dreams come true
Well, isn't it?
Happy is what happens
When your dreams
Come true
- Okay. Shh. She's concentrating.
- This is very serious.
What are you guys up to?
Michelle's taking one of those
"Which Wicked Character Are You?"
quizzes.
Oh, fun.
Okay, done.
And the Wicked character
I'm most like is...
- Madame Morrible.
- Right on the money.
- Nailed it.
- That's who you play in the movie.
- Great. Madame Morrible.
- That's crazy.
Exactly, bingo. Let me try. Yeah.
Good. Good. Good. Okay. Let's see.
Very good. I like quizzes.
Okay. And done.
The character
you're most like in Wicked.
I'll be a ring-tailed monkey.
It's the wizard.
Oh, wow. What a surprise.
- And that's your character.
- Yes.
This is incredible. I have to try.
- Yeah, you must try. Yes, yeah.
- Oh, yeah.
I think I know who he's gonna be.
- Okay.
- They list every character's name.
Okay. And the Wicked character
I am most like is...
Okay.
Elphaba's broom?
Interesting.
Elphaba's broom is not a character.
Why is this even an option?
I can kind of see it.
Yeah, I totally see it.
His posture is straight.
I don't know what about me
is giving Elphaba's broom
besides the fact that
I wipe the floor with y'all.
Ooh, that's harsh.
Hey, Bowen, do you mind helping me
open this? It's a little...
What are you...
What are you guys up to?
We're taking one of those
"Which Wicked Character are you?"
quizzes.
Bowen got Elphaba's broom.
That's ridiculous.
Thank you. My man Ethan.
I cannot believe
I haven't seen it before.
- You are so Elphaba's broom.
- Right?
Look at his face now.
I think it's bristling.
- You get it? Bristles. Broom.
- Guys.
Are we really gonna let some silly
little quiz tell us who we are?
That's not what Wicked is about.
Wicked is about having the courage
to be who you are
no matter what the world tells you.
And with that, I bid you farewell.
That's exactly how I imagined
Elphaba's broom would sweep away.
Not cool, Legend!
I love you still.
Please put your hands together
for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
We have a very special surprise
for everyone in the audience tonight.
Yes. If you would just look
under your seats...
- No, no, Ariana, we cut that bit.
- Just kidding.
What we're excited about
is that Wicked: For Good
will feature two brand-new songs
written exclusively for the movie.
And tonight, we are thrilled to share
a sneak peek of them both.
The first song is sung stunningly
by Cynthia.
And it's about Elphaba's dedication
to protecting Oz
even as she faces rejection
from everyone around her.
It's called "No Place Like Home."
The second original song
is a poignant solo
sung wonderfully by Ariana,
called "The Girl in the Bubble."
It captures the moment
where Glinda decides
not to just call herself good
but to truly become Glinda the Good.
Let's take a special look at both.
Why do I love this place
That's never loved me
There's no place like home
There's no place
Like home
There's that beautiful girl
With a beautiful life
Such a beautiful life built on lies
For the girl in the bubble
The pink shiny bubble
Isn't it high time
For her bubble
To pop
All of the music performed
in tonight's broadcast special
is available now.
Please welcome Marissa Bode.
Wicked is filled
with so many incredible songs
but there is one that stands out.
It's connected with so many people
from all over the world.
I'm talking, of course,
about "Defying Gravity."
The song is an ode to authenticity
and about believing in yourself
no matter what obstacles
the world puts in your way.
Performing "Defying Gravity,"
please welcome
the incredible Cynthia Erivo.
Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by
The rules of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap
It's time to try defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you can't pull me down
I'm through accepting limits
'Cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot not change
But till I try, I'll never know
Too long I've been afraid
Of losing love, I guess
I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost
I'd sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down
It's me
So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky
As someone told me lately
Everyone deserves a chance to fly
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am defying gravity
I'm flying high, defying gravity
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No wizard that there is or was
Is ever going to
Bring me down
Look at her, she's wicked, kill her
Bring me down
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh!
- Okay. This involves pointing.
- Okay.
So, this is a game of most likely to.
Everyone point to the person
you think is most likely to
first, steal a costume from wardrobe.
I don't want to cast aspersions on...
Yes, you can. No.
- Are they pointing to you?
- No, we're not pointing to you.
- I'm completely shielded.
- This lady here.
- Me?
- Yeah.
- We're pointing to you.
- Well, I've owned this.
I have addressed this. I have stolen.
I'm a thief.
I have stolen
from the closet of Glinda.
I think we all may have
taken a thing or two.
- Yes.
- A memorabilia.
Okay. Next, most likely
to burst into song.
- Oh, yeah, actually. For sure.
- Yeah. I apologize to everybody.
- Whenever he's nervous, he sings.
- With good in the title.
Most likely to end up a director?
Why are you pointing at me?
- I would love...
- Because you want to be a director.
All of you. I'd say all of you.
Directing definitely.
I feel like the fingers can go.
Everyone is so creative
and brilliant here.
This is too damn hard.
Most likely to accidentally
spoil the plot in an interview?
Yeah.
Bowen's like,
there's this one thing that they cut
that they said never to mention
or show anyone ever.
That was awesome. It was this.
That's you. Amazing.
What a wonderful, like,
ragtag bunch of folks we are
to get to be able
to do this together.
Meant to be, for sure
because I can't really imagine doing
this with anyone else, you know?
We won't see each other sometimes,
maybe months, maybe years.
But I think
when we do see each other
we will just pick up
where we left off.
That's right.
- We should do this again.
- We should do it more often.
I would be down for this.
- We'll take some.
- We'll put them in boxes.
Someone take the flowers home.
- I love flowers.
- That's too cute. Look at you.
Yeah. Good. Why don't we help you?
I'll help you.
- We are stealing.
- You got it? Okay.
- We are stealing from the set.
- Is this bolted down?
- It's a really nice table.
- I'll take the pastries.
Oh, yeah, that might be too much.
Oh, my God.
- Bye, guys. See you later.
- Off you go.
- Yeah. Good point.
- Thank you so much.
All right, well, there we are.
Wicked is a movie that teaches us
to look beneath the surface
and see the beauty
in our differences.
And Oz has always been
a magical place
that celebrates uniqueness and
embraces every color of the rainbow.
In times like these
that feel so divided
as if we're reading from different
pages and different books...
We want you all to know
that you're never alone.
And you're safe with us.
And we love you so much.
- Forget your troubles
- Happy days
- Come on, get happy
- Are here again
- You better chase
- The skies above
- Your cares away
- Are clear again
- Shout hallelujah
- So let's sing a song
- Come on, get happy
- Of cheer again
- Get ready for the Judgment Day
- Happy days are here again
- The sun is shining
- All together
- Come on, get happy
- Shout it now
- The Lord is waiting
- There's no one to
- To take your cares away
- Who can doubt it now
- So let's tell the world
- Shout hallelujah
And just get happy
About it now
- We're going to the promised land
- Happy days are here again
We're heading across the river
Soon, your cares will all be gone
There'll be no more from now on
From now on
- Forget your troubles
- Happy days
- Come on, get happy
- Are here again
You better chase
The skies above are clear again
- Shout hallelujah
- So let's sing a song
- And just get happy
- Of cheer again
- Happy times
- Happy times
- Happy nights
- Happy nights
Happy days
Are here again
Good news
She's dead
The Witch of the West is dead
The wickedest witch there ever was
The enemy of all of us here in Oz
Is dead
Good news
Look! It's Glinda!
Let us be glad
Let us be grateful
Let us rejoicify that goodness
Could subdue
The wicked workings of
You-know-who
Isn't it nice to know
That good will conquer evil?
The truth we all believe will
By and by
Outlive a lie
For you and...
It's good to see me, isn't it?
Bowen...
What are you doing here?
I paid for the Bubble Machine
Meet and Greet Experience.
Is this not the line?
No, this is... this is the opening
number.
Then who did I Venmo?
Okay, whatever. Break legs, everyone.
Love you.
- Love you. See you later.
- See you.
Now, where were we?
Thank you, former Broadway prince.
No one mourns the Wicked
No one cries, "They won't return"
No one lays a lily on their grave
The good man scorns the Wicked
Through their lives
Our children learn
What we miss when we misbehave
And goodness knows
The Wicked's lives are lonely
Goodness knows the Wicked die alone
It just shows, when you're wicked
You're left only on your own
Yes, goodness knows
The Wicked's lives are lonely
Goodness knows
The Wicked cry alone
Nothing grows for the Wicked
They reap only what they've sown
No one mourns the Wicked
Now, at last, she's dead and gone
Now, at last, there's joy
Throughout the land
And Goodness knows
Goodness knows
Goodness knows the Wicked die alone
She died alone
Woe to those
Spurn what goodness is
They are shown
No one mourns the Wicked
Good news
No one mourns the Wicked
Good news
No one mourns the Wicked
Wicked
Wicked
Wicked
Fellow Ozians, hello.
And please welcome Cynthia Erivo
and our incredible vocal cast.
Ariana Grande, everybody.
Welcome to
Wicked: One Wonderful Night.
And welcome, welcome,
welcome to the...
To the legendary Dolby Theater
right here in Hollywood.
The global impact this movie has had
has been nothing short of magical.
Tonight, we will celebrate the fans,
hear stories from behind the scenes
and even get a little tease of what's
still to come in Wicked: For Good.
You'll also see
some incredible musical performances
of all the songs from Wicked
that you know and love
in ways you've never seen before
and never will again.
Being part of this cast
has been one of the most
life-changing experiences for me.
Their talent and spirit inspire me
every day.
Wicked is a movie
about friendship, love
and defying every limit
placed upon you.
It's a story about honoring
those parts of ourselves
that don't fit the mold.
It's owning your difference
as a doorway to your power
and using that power to become
who you were always meant to be.
This is Wicked: One Wonderful Night.
Tonight on
Wicked: One Wonderful Night...
Everyone knows that it's Wicked.
No one and nothing is bigger
than this piece.
A celebration of music,
wonder and spectacle...
Wicked!
...with dazzling performances.
Loving Wicked isn't a hobby for me.
It is a lifestyle.
The cast look back
on their Wicked experience.
Most likely to burst into song.
Oh, yeah, actually.
Loathing, loathing
And a once in a lifetime performance
from the Gershwin Theater
featuring Stephen Schwartz
and two very special guests.
You are truly wicked.
305. Take one. Marker.
Did you keep any props from set?
I kept one of the books
from the library scene.
I took Boq's handkerchief.
There's a hat, a pair of boots.
One of the things I held on to
is this small piece of fabric
from the pajamas that I wore
in "What Is This Feeling?"
Did I take anything to keep
as a kind of keepsake?
Well... yes, actually I did.
Isn't that magnificent?
He took the head?
The giant one that I run into
in The Wizard and I, he kept that?
Isn't it like ten feet tall?
Does anyone know
what he does with that?
As of late, I've been taking it
every place with me
wherever I go.
Thank you.
I find it to be very naturalistic
and subtle.
It gives me great comfort.
I think he likes it
because it's his head, you know.
And it's huge.
No, no, no.
It has nothing to do with size.
I think these days,
I can recognize good craftsmanship
and a kind of mesmerizing artistry.
Does it hang on a wall?
Does he just carry it
around with him?
Ow.
How does it move around his home?
No, no, no!
I like to think that this statue
kind of is me.
Together
We're unlimited
Hi.
Hi. Shh.
Please welcome Jeff Goldblum.
Thank you. How are you?
Look at you. Hi.
Thank you so much for coming.
My name is Jeff.
Hello. Thank you.
Hey, who feels like
a little more singing and dancing?
You feel like that?
Good.
Look what I see over here.
This is a piano. Do you recognize it?
Okay. Let's see. Oh, hey.
Ooh, I dig this tune. Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
You know what we need?
May I kindly request the presence
of the one and only Cynthia Erivo?
- How are you?
- Good.
- Cynthia, well...
- Yes.
Hey, would you be mad if we got to
do something a little bit together?
I would love
to do something together.
Geez. I'm the luckiest guy on earth.
- Okay. Well...
- Yes.
Listen to this.
Hey, Stephen Schwartz...
I've changed some of the chords.
Listen up. I hope you like it.
I hope it's okay.
- Oh, dear. Okay.
- Just a little bit.
Did that really just happen?
Have I actually understood?
This weird quirk
I've tried to suppress or hide
Is a talent that could help me
Meet the wizard
If I make good
So I'll make good
When I meet the wizard
Once I prove my worth
Then I meet the wizard
What I've waited for since
Well, since birth
And with all his wizard wisdom
By my looks, he won't be blinded
Do you think the wizard is dumb
Or, like munchkins, so small-minded
No, he'll say to me
I see who you truly are
A girl on whom I can rely
And that's how we'll begin
The wizard and I
Once I'm with the wizard
My whole life will change
'Cause once you're with the wizard
No one thinks you're strange
No father is not proud of you
No sister acts ashamed
All of Oz has to love you
When by the wizard you're acclaimed
And this gift or this curse
I have inside
Maybe at last I'll know why
As we walk hand in hand
The wizard and I
And one day he'll say to me, Elphaba
A girl who is so superior
Shouldn't a girl who's so good inside
Have a matching exterior
And since folks here
To an absurd degree
Seem fixated on your verdigris
Would it be all right by you
If I de-greenify you
No, of course
That's not important to me
All right, why not? I'll reply
Oh, what a pair we'll be
The wizard and I
Yes, what a pair we'll be,
the wizard and...
Unlimited
My future is unlimited
And I've just had a vision
Almost like a prophecy
I know it sounds truly crazy
And true, the vision's hazy
But I swear someday there'll be
A celebration throughout Oz
That's all to do
With me
And I'll stand there with the wizard
Feeling things
I've never felt
And though I'd never show it
I'd be so happy I could melt
And so it will be for the rest
Of my life
And I'll want nothing else till I die
Held in such high esteem
When people see me, they will scream
For half of Oz's favorite team
The wizard
And I
Hi, guys. We have little seats.
- I like the palette.
- You look gorgeous.
- That's a great color on you.
- I see.
Everybody, how's it feel
to be in the same room?
But before you answer that,
I just remembered
the very first experience I had
with the cast.
My dressing room was next door
to Ariana Grande.
- And at that point...
- We were neighbors.
...I hadn't remembered
that we knew each other.
When Ariana was... What was it, 11?
Oh, yeah. I went to see
The Pillowman.
You went to see The Pillowman.
I was on Broadway doing this show.
And I waited by the stage door
to see you.
Anyway, she came with her mom
and took a picture of the two of us.
At the stage door.
But I saw her dressing room.
And Ariana was there.
And you were wearing a gold shirt
and a top hat.
- You looked so wizardly.
- Wait a minute.
- You came in in your wizard duds.
- He looked fabulous.
It was amazing.
We were all like, that's the wizard.
It must have been very stressful
for especially Jon and Marc
to try and find
the most perfect cast for this
because it's been around for,
what, 20-something years?
It's, like, if you get it wrong,
oh, my God.
Thunder and lightning
will strike you down.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
What were your
audition experiences like?
Mine was sort of the chemistry read.
So I go through the audition,
and put everything out
and I'm there for three hours.
And by the end of the audition,
I start running a 103 fever...
- Oh, gosh.
- And go home.
And I'm in bed for, like, four days.
So at the time,
I have left the audition.
I'm, like,
there's actually nothing left.
So I think whatever I had left
was in that room.
I remember I'd sent a tape,
crazy tape.
And I basically did
a karaoke version of it, and...
- Which song did you do?
- I did...
I was gonna say "No Good Deed."
No, I did "Dancing Through Life."
But I did it at the five-minute call,
and I was doing a play.
I'm worried about this section.
They're not gonna suddenly cut to it.
The trouble with schools is
They always try
to teach the wrong lessons
Believe me, I've been kicked
Out of enough of them to know
You have five minutes, please.
That's five minutes.
I can't believe you did it
in your five-minute call.
How on earth did you even have...
Well, because it was too...
It was the same thing.
It was such a bit...
It's like you sort of go, it's now.
I'd had the five-minute call
and just play it. Let's just do it.
And I was getting ready.
And I just sang. I sang it.
But it was the only way
I was gonna be able to do that tape.
Everyone just wanted so earnestly
to serve this big, beautiful piece
that is Wicked, you know?
Everyone knows that it's Wicked.
No one and nothing is bigger
than this piece.
And everyone just showed up
as the most, like
raw, authentic artist they could be.
And everyone gave it their all.
It was really beautiful.
Please welcome Michelle Yeoh
and Marissa Bode.
Time for a special tribute
to all the fans
who took the song,
"What Is This Feeling"
and reimagined it as an epic
Super Bowl halftime performance.
We all saw your TikToks
and we loved
every single one of them.
And here to perform
"What Is This Feeling"
like never before
please welcome Cynthia Erivo
and Ariana Grande.
Loathing
Unadulterated loathing
For your face
- Your voice
- Your clothing
Let's just say I loathe it all
Every little trait, however small
Makes my very flesh begin to crawl
With simple, utter loathing
There's a strange exhilaration
In such total detestation
It's so pure, so strong
Though I do admit, it came on fast
Still, I do believe that it can last
And I will be loathing, loathing
You my whole life long
Dear Galinda, you are just too good
How can you stand it
I don't think I could
I don't think I could
These things are sent to try us
Poor Galinda, forced to reside
With someone so disgusticified
We just want to tell you
We're all on your side
We share your...
What is this feeling
So sudden and new
I felt the moment I laid eyes on you
My pulse is rushing
My head is reeling
We loathe it all
- Oh, what is this feeling
- Every little trait, however small
Does it have a name?
Yes
Hallowed halls and vine-drapped walls
The proudliest sight there is
When gray and sere
Our hair hath turned
We shall still revere
The lessons learned
In our days at dear old Shiz
Our days at dear old
Loathing There's a strange exhilaration
In such total detestation
It's so pure, so strong
Though I do admit it came on fast
Still, I do believe that it can last
And I will be loathing for forever
Loathing, truly, deeply
Loathing you
- My whole life long
- Loathing, unadulterated loathing
- Boo!
- All right, I get it.
Wicked: One Wonderful Night
is brought to you by Lexus.
Wicked resonated with fans
all around the world
and invited them not only to watch
but to engage with our world.
In fact, a lot of moments from the
movie took on a life of their own
whether it be Ariana's hair flip...
Toss, toss.
the "Defying Gravity" riff
that so many have tried to recreate.
Very nice.
Some of you even painted
yourself green.
It won't wash off. It's been a year.
Yeah. You've got to use
a special soap for your face.
What about the rest of my body?
Well, how much of your body
have you covered in green?
Everything.
Everything?
Everything.
Oh, dear.
Well, we'll just have to get you
a doctor for that, okay?
Meanwhile...
let's take a look
at just how much of an impact
this film has had across the world.
Wicked!
Dear Galinda, you are just too good
I love Wicked!
How do you stand it
I don't think I could
- We love Wicked so much.
- Wicked!
We're Wicked super fans.
I've been watching Wicked every day.
And I will be loathing for forever
Loving Wicked isn't a hobby for me.
It is a lifestyle.
I am just absolutely obsessed.
It is everything.
My whole life long
My favorite character is Elphaba
because she can fly just like this.
- Dancing through life
- Down at the Ozdust
If only because dust is
what we come to
Nothing matters
But knowing nothing matters
It's just life
Come on. Hop into the Wicked world.
It's just life
So if you care to find me
Wicked has had a huge impact
on my life.
As someone told me lately
Everyone deserves a chance to fly
Wicked has this timeless power.
It motivated me to keep fighting
for my dreams.
I just feel like
I could take on the world.
It was the best thing I've ever seen.
I sat there sobbing.
It became something
that I could wrap myself up in
to get through the rough times.
If Elphaba can do it
with the whole world against her
then I can do it, too.
Yeah. It makes me feel happy.
Happy, happy, happy.
Thank you for everything.
Fly
Good job!
Now cut.
Oh, my goodness.
I wonder what song is coming next.
The love that we have received
from our fans all over the world
has been truly so amazing
and so moving.
And one of those fans
that you've just seen
in that incredible montage happens
to be in our audience tonight.
So I wanted to know...
Remington...
Hello.
- Hey.
- Hi. Is this okay?
- Hi.
- Yeah.
- I loved your video.
- Thanks.
- How old are you?
- Four.
Oh, my goodness.
Well, I love your outfit.
Thanks.
Well, I was wondering,
since you're dressed like Elphie
would you be my Elphie
for this next song, please?
Yeah.
Thank you so much.
Oh, my goodness, I'm so excited.
Come this way. Thank you.
Hi.
Hi.
Oh, my goodness.
It's nice to meet you. Come here.
Do you mind if I...
Do you want me to take this for you?
It's not going anywhere. Don't worry.
Now, can you get up here?
Is that okay?
Are you comfy there? Is that okay?
You know the scene.
Hi, Remy.
Is it okay if I call you Remy?
Yeah. Yeah.
Okay. Thank you.
I was gonna call you that anyway
because, Remy...
Now that we're friends...
Now that we're friends...
I've decided to make you
my new project.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah. I know.
That's what makes me so nice.
Whenever I see someone
Less fortunate than I
And let's face it, right? Who isn't?
Less fortunate than I
My tender heart tends to start
To bleed
And when someone needs
A makeover
I simply have to take over
I know, listen, I know, okay?
Exactly what they need
And even in your case
Though it's...
The toughest case I've yet to face
Don't worry
I'm determined to succeed
Follow my lead
And yes, indeed
You will be
Popular, you're gonna be popular
I'll teach you the proper ploys
When you talk to boys
Little ways to flirt and flounce
I'll show you what shoes to wear
How to fix your hair
Everything that really counts to be
Popular, I'll help you be popular
You'll hang with the right cohorts
You'll be good at sports
Know the slang you've got to know
So let's start
'Cause you've got an awfully
Long way to go
Come with me, come on.
Down center stage.
Don't be offended
By my frank analysis
Think of it as personality dialysis
Now that I've chosen to
Become a pal, a sister
And advisor
There's nobody wiser
Not when it comes to
Popular, I know about popular
And with an assist from me
To be who you'll be
Instead of dreary who you were
Well, are
There's nothing that can stop you
From becoming popular
Lar
La-la, la-la
We're gonna make you popular
When I see depressing creatures
With unprepossessing features
I remind them on their own behalf
To think of
Celebrated heads of state
Or especially great communicators
Did they have brains or knowledge
Don't make me laugh
They were
- Popular
- Exactly.
That's what I'm saying.
It's not about aptitude
It's the way you're viewed
So it's very shrewd to be
Very, very popular like me
Now, Remy, would you mind
coming with me?
I'd like to teach you
how to toss your hair.
Ready?
Now this is
a slightly different technique
because I have a ponytail today.
But I have to wind it up.
And then you toss, toss.
No notes, Rem.
It's been a pleasure.
I have one more thing before you go.
A parting gift.
This is my training wand.
I hope you enjoy it.
Thank you, Remy. Can I have a hug?
You're amazing. Thank you so much.
Everyone, Remington.
Well, hello.
And though you protest
Your disinterest
I know, clandestinely
You're going to grin and bear it
Your newfound popularity
La la la la
La la la la
La la
You'll be popular
Just not quite as popular as me
After the break,
a breathtaking performance
from the Gershwin Theater
when Ariana and Cynthia
join Stephen Schwartz
and two very special guests.
Please welcome Ethan Slater
and Bowen Yang.
- Hello.
- I'm browning out.
Good for you then. You got this.
- Please excuse our appearance.
- Sorry.
We were watching Ariana and Remy
perform "Popular" backstage
and got a little overexcited
during the hair toss.
Yeah.
So to all the kids watching at home,
remember to stretch before you toss.
Now, back to what really matters.
We go now to the iconic
Gershwin theater in New York City
the original home
of the Broadway production Wicked.
Accompanied by the incomparable
Stephen Schwartz
with a special arrangement
and performance just for tonight
this is "For Good."
- Hey, guys.
- Hi.
We're at the Gershwin.
- I know.
- Who thought that would happen?
- I don't know.
- You guys look beautiful.
You should probably sing something.
What do you think?
- I think it's a good idea.
- All right. Let's do it.
- Why not?
- How about this?
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know
If I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes the sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed
For the better
But because I knew you
I have been changed
For good
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now
Whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine
By being my friend
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a sky bird
In a distant world
Who can say if I've been changed
For the better
But because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
The years go by so fast
The flames keep burning
But we know someday
It could be gone
It's nice to know then
As the torch gets passed
You will keep it blazing brightly on
Like a comet pilled form orbit
Like a ship blown from its moorings
By a wind off the sea
Like a stream that leads
Like a seed dropped by a bird
In the wood
Who can say
If I've been changed for the better
I do believe I have been changed
For the better
- And because I knew you
- Because I knew you
Because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed
For good
There's such a capacity
for the fans to love the films
alongside the musical,
alongside the books
alongside the L. Frank Baum books.
It is more likely than not that
fans are a little bit adversarial
towards the newer thing,
the newer installment
the newer imagination of something.
I think the fact that none of us
have really encountered
any sort of like, I don't know...
- Pushback.
- That is so meaningful.
We're lucky to have been embraced
by the fans the way we have.
The Wicked fans are the most
beautiful souls in the world.
- And they're fiercely loving.
- Oh, my gosh.
They're so insanely loving.
It's crazy.
The love and passion that
you've poured into each character
has really allowed them, and...
opened their hearts and minds to us.
We all love our characters.
I remember you defending the wizard
to the end.
And, you know, I don't know
if that's how you feel now
that we're out of it.
But you have to love...
You have to love your character.
And so I love Boq so much. Yeah.
I take away a lot from you guys.
But what helped me is, like,
when I look into your eyes
and I see Elphaba,
and I see all the complexities there.
Then you find that exchange.
And I love when I look at you.
You're like fresh and nave.
And then Jon will come up to me and
say, "Scare the hell out of Ariana."
And I'm like, "Are you sure?"
He says, "Yes."
So I just turned and ran at her,
literally like...
- This poor woman...
- Best moment of my life.
She... dropped onto the couch.
Wave.
And shut your mouth!
She was so scared,
a contact lens popped out.
My contact came out.
I'm sorry, y'all.
My contact came out.
It was a really cherished moment.
- I loved scaring you.
- I savor every minute.
And now, you,
let's get to this half of the room.
I want to hear about this.
- Bowen, what about Pfannee?
- The besties.
I've learned, like,
the danger of cruelty from him.
These are two people
who are, like, bullies.
And they execute and motivate
other people to do bad things.
But I would apologize
to Cynthia between takes
and be, like, that felt awful,
like, being cruel to you.
So I think... I don't know,
I think as you age
you just soften a little bit
in those ways, hopefully.
And I feel like that is the thing
that I've taken away from him.
- Yes.
- Yeah.
We're so privileged
to have been able to be there
to witness each other's moments
and see every single take
of everything
because the movie is so beautiful.
And everyone is so brilliant in it.
But it was so special to be there
and see everyone's process
and every single ad lib
and every single choice
that everyone made.
And it was just such a treat.
- Well done, everyone.
- Yeah.
Please welcome Bowen Yang
and Ariana Grande.
You know, when you think about it
Wicked is a film at its core
about friendship.
I couldn't agree more.
Yes. Friendship between two people
who couldn't be more different
from each other.
Yes. The popular, ambitious sorcery
student with impeccable style
and a love for all things pink.
And her best friend Pfannee.
What?
No, nothing.
I just thought you were...
I thought you were going to say,
you know, Elphaba.
Elphaba? Really?
Well, yeah.
Oh, well...
That's like the core friendship
of the whole movie.
I don't know.
I feel like Wicked is a story
about a popular girl
and an equally popular guy
who loves to follow her around,
carry her books
and occasionally makes catty little
comments about their ugly classmates.
I really don't think that's
what people are taking away from...
But yeah.
Well, art is subjective.
Yeah, it is. That's true.
- I love you.
- I love you.
- So much.
- So much.
In the meantime,
performing "I'm Not That Girl,"
please welcome the phenomenal,
the singular Cynthia Erivo.
Hands touch
Eyes meet
Sudden silence
Sudden heat
Hearts leap in a giddy whirl
He could be that boy
But I'm not that girl
Don't dream too far
Don't lose sight of who you are
Don't remember that rush of joy
He could be that boy
I'm not that girl
Every so often, we long to steal
To the land of what-might-have-been
But that doesn't soften
The ache we feel
When reality sets back in
Blithe smile, lithe limb
She who's winsome
She wins him
Gold hair with a gentle curl
That's the girl he chose
And heaven knows
I'm not that girl
Don't wish
Don't start
Wishing only wounds the heart
I wasn't born
For the rose and pearl
There's a girl I know
He loves her so
I'm not that girl
Thank you.
And now, please welcome the director
of Wicked and Wicked: For Good
Jon M. Chu.
Wow.
I am Jon M. Chu.
I am the director of Wicked.
Four-plus years of my life
poured into this.
My wife had three kids during this.
Superstar.
Anyway, directing this movie has been
one of the highlights of my career
but I knew from the very beginning,
I had to get the casting just right.
And we ended up
with the perfect cast. Right?
But I have to tell you all
that so many different people
wanted to be in Wicked
and sent us their casting tapes,
you may have heard this.
And tonight, for the first time
we are sharing some of the unseen
footage from the Wicked auditions.
Take a look.
My name is Chris Ludacris Bridges
and I'll be reading for Glinda
because I want to show people
that I have range.
Lainey Wilson reading for Elphaba.
My name is Ben Schwartz.
I'm Rob Gronkowski, a.k.a. The Gronk.
Do me a favor. Don't stand there.
Thank you.
Hi, I'm Shaquille O'Neal.
And I'm reading for the part
of Munchkin Number Five.
- Seven.
- Oh, Munchkin Number Seven.
I'm Khloe Kardashian.
And I'm auditioning for Glinda
because she's a good bitch.
I mean, witch. Witch.
So if you can't find me...
Look to the western sky
I'll show you what shoes to wear
I am auditioning
for the part of Glinda.
Toss. Toss. Hello.
The toughest case I've yet to face
Don't worry, I'm determined
You could be that boy
And I could be that girl
Five, six, seven, eight.
And if I'm flying solo, at least
I'm...
What's that? She's already been cast?
Not a problem. Not a problem.
I didn't know which character, so...
Popular
You're gonna be popular
Popular
Popular, you gonna be popular
I'll teach you the proper ploys
When you talk to boys
You're gonna be pop...
What's that? She's cast as well?
So, who do you want me to audition?
Flying monkey!
Sure. Yeah. You got it.
I'm just a fly...
He doesn't sing or talk. Okay.
I wanna be on the room
Where it happens
The room where it happens
Defying gravity? Battle cry.
Here's my big finish, Jon Chu.
Now that's Wicked.
Please welcome Bowen Yang.
Hello, everyone. Oh, aren't you nice?
Hi, everyone.
I know we're all having fun tonight
but this is actually
a huge night for me.
I don't know if you know this,
but I originally went out for Fiyero.
I didn't get the part
because Jon M. Chu said
that I was
too "conventionally attractive."
And that rejection would make me
"a better Pfannee."
That's the name of my character.
Did you know that? Most people don't.
But he was nice enough
to let me be Fiyero's understudy
which many have told me
is not a job in movies.
But seeing as Jonathan Bailey
couldn't be here tonight...
I am proud to be
your Fiyero this evening.
And all I have to say is...
The trouble with schools is
They always try to teach
The wrong lesson
Believe me
I've been kicked out of
Enough of them to know
They want you to become less callow
Less shallow, guys
But I say, why invite stress in
Stop studying strife
And learn to live
The unexamined life
Dancing through life
Skimming the surface
Gliding where turf is smooth
Life's more painless
For the brainless
Why think too hard
When it's so soothing
Dancing through life
No need to tough it
When you can slough it off as I do
Nothing matters
But knowing nothing matters
It's just life
So keep dancing through
- Hey, Bowen.
- Ethan, what the Boq are you doing?
Nice job working my character name
into the segment.
But tonight, I'm Fiyero's understudy.
No, I'm Fiyero's understudy.
- According to who?
- According to Chu, Jon M. Chu.
Hey, what does the M stand for?
- I think movies.
- Yeah, movies.
Get those Fiyero duds
off of you right now.
Wait. Hold on, Bowen.
I think I hear our cue coming up.
Dancing through life
Swaying and sweeping
And always keeping cool
Life is fraughtless
When you're thoughtless
Those who don't try
Never look foolish
Dancing through life
Mindless and careless
Make sure you're
Where less trouble is rife
Woes are fleeting, blows are glancing
When you're dancing through life
- Thank you.
- That was very cool.
That was really good.
Come on.
Whoa, Marissa?
What in the Nessa
are you doing here?
- I'm the Fiyero understudy.
- No, you are not!
What are you saying,
a woman can't play Fiyero?
No. I think all women
should play all roles.
You know this about me.
So what's the big problem?
Well, we can't all be Fiyero.
It's a little bit confusing.
It's really not. Tonight's our night.
And there's no rule that says
we can't all be Fiyero.
- Maybe Marissa's right.
- Yeah, maybe Marissa's right.
Because Fiyero isn't just a person.
He's a feeling.
The feeling of wanting attention.
And we can all relate to that.
Let's do as all Fiyeros do.
Let's go down to the Ozdust Ballroom
We'll meet there later tonight
We can dance till it's light
Find the prettiest girl
Give her a whirl
Right on down to the Ozdust Ballroom
Come on, follow me
You'll be happy to be there
Dancing through life
If only because dust is
What we come to
Nothing matters
But knowing nothing matters
It's just life
It's just life
So keep dancing through
- You're good.
- You're good.
- You did a good job.
- No.
- You're good.
- You're good.
You're good.
We're good.
Yes!
Please give a warm welcome to
Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh.
You are truly Wicked, okay?
Next up, we've got
an amazing performance
of one of the most beloved songs
from the Wicked universe.
Performing a special arrangement of
"Thank Goodness," for just tonight
please welcome the enchanting,
the incomparable Ariana Grande.
I love you, too.
We couldn't be happier
Right, dear
Couldn't be happier right here
Look what we've got, a fairytale plot
Our very own happy ending
Where we couldn't be happier
True, dear
Couldn't be happier
And we're happy to share
Our ending vicariously
With all of you
He couldn't look handsomer
I couldn't feel humbler
We couldn't be happier
Because happy is what happens
When all your dreams come true
That's why I couldn't be happier
No, I couldn't be happier
Though it is, I admit
The tiniest bit
Unlike I anticipated
But I couldn't be happier
Simply couldn't be happier
Well, not simply
'Cause getting your dreams
It's strange
But it seems a little
Well, complicated
There's a kind of sort of cost
There's a couple of things get lost
There are bridges you cross
You didn't know you crossed
Until you crossed
And if that joy, that thrill
Doesn't thrill like you think it will
Still, with this perfect finale
The cheers and the ballyhoo
Who wouldn't be happier
So I couldn't be happier
Because happy is what happens
When all your dreams come true
Well, isn't it?
Happy is what happens
When your dreams
Come true
- Okay. Shh. She's concentrating.
- This is very serious.
What are you guys up to?
Michelle's taking one of those
"Which Wicked Character Are You?"
quizzes.
Oh, fun.
Okay, done.
And the Wicked character
I'm most like is...
- Madame Morrible.
- Right on the money.
- Nailed it.
- That's who you play in the movie.
- Great. Madame Morrible.
- That's crazy.
Exactly, bingo. Let me try. Yeah.
Good. Good. Good. Okay. Let's see.
Very good. I like quizzes.
Okay. And done.
The character
you're most like in Wicked.
I'll be a ring-tailed monkey.
It's the wizard.
Oh, wow. What a surprise.
- And that's your character.
- Yes.
This is incredible. I have to try.
- Yeah, you must try. Yes, yeah.
- Oh, yeah.
I think I know who he's gonna be.
- Okay.
- They list every character's name.
Okay. And the Wicked character
I am most like is...
Okay.
Elphaba's broom?
Interesting.
Elphaba's broom is not a character.
Why is this even an option?
I can kind of see it.
Yeah, I totally see it.
His posture is straight.
I don't know what about me
is giving Elphaba's broom
besides the fact that
I wipe the floor with y'all.
Ooh, that's harsh.
Hey, Bowen, do you mind helping me
open this? It's a little...
What are you...
What are you guys up to?
We're taking one of those
"Which Wicked Character are you?"
quizzes.
Bowen got Elphaba's broom.
That's ridiculous.
Thank you. My man Ethan.
I cannot believe
I haven't seen it before.
- You are so Elphaba's broom.
- Right?
Look at his face now.
I think it's bristling.
- You get it? Bristles. Broom.
- Guys.
Are we really gonna let some silly
little quiz tell us who we are?
That's not what Wicked is about.
Wicked is about having the courage
to be who you are
no matter what the world tells you.
And with that, I bid you farewell.
That's exactly how I imagined
Elphaba's broom would sweep away.
Not cool, Legend!
I love you still.
Please put your hands together
for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
We have a very special surprise
for everyone in the audience tonight.
Yes. If you would just look
under your seats...
- No, no, Ariana, we cut that bit.
- Just kidding.
What we're excited about
is that Wicked: For Good
will feature two brand-new songs
written exclusively for the movie.
And tonight, we are thrilled to share
a sneak peek of them both.
The first song is sung stunningly
by Cynthia.
And it's about Elphaba's dedication
to protecting Oz
even as she faces rejection
from everyone around her.
It's called "No Place Like Home."
The second original song
is a poignant solo
sung wonderfully by Ariana,
called "The Girl in the Bubble."
It captures the moment
where Glinda decides
not to just call herself good
but to truly become Glinda the Good.
Let's take a special look at both.
Why do I love this place
That's never loved me
There's no place like home
There's no place
Like home
There's that beautiful girl
With a beautiful life
Such a beautiful life built on lies
For the girl in the bubble
The pink shiny bubble
Isn't it high time
For her bubble
To pop
All of the music performed
in tonight's broadcast special
is available now.
Please welcome Marissa Bode.
Wicked is filled
with so many incredible songs
but there is one that stands out.
It's connected with so many people
from all over the world.
I'm talking, of course,
about "Defying Gravity."
The song is an ode to authenticity
and about believing in yourself
no matter what obstacles
the world puts in your way.
Performing "Defying Gravity,"
please welcome
the incredible Cynthia Erivo.
Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by
The rules of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap
It's time to try defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you can't pull me down
I'm through accepting limits
'Cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot not change
But till I try, I'll never know
Too long I've been afraid
Of losing love, I guess
I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost
I'd sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down
It's me
So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky
As someone told me lately
Everyone deserves a chance to fly
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am defying gravity
I'm flying high, defying gravity
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No wizard that there is or was
Is ever going to
Bring me down
Look at her, she's wicked, kill her
Bring me down
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh!
- Okay. This involves pointing.
- Okay.
So, this is a game of most likely to.
Everyone point to the person
you think is most likely to
first, steal a costume from wardrobe.
I don't want to cast aspersions on...
Yes, you can. No.
- Are they pointing to you?
- No, we're not pointing to you.
- I'm completely shielded.
- This lady here.
- Me?
- Yeah.
- We're pointing to you.
- Well, I've owned this.
I have addressed this. I have stolen.
I'm a thief.
I have stolen
from the closet of Glinda.
I think we all may have
taken a thing or two.
- Yes.
- A memorabilia.
Okay. Next, most likely
to burst into song.
- Oh, yeah, actually. For sure.
- Yeah. I apologize to everybody.
- Whenever he's nervous, he sings.
- With good in the title.
Most likely to end up a director?
Why are you pointing at me?
- I would love...
- Because you want to be a director.
All of you. I'd say all of you.
Directing definitely.
I feel like the fingers can go.
Everyone is so creative
and brilliant here.
This is too damn hard.
Most likely to accidentally
spoil the plot in an interview?
Yeah.
Bowen's like,
there's this one thing that they cut
that they said never to mention
or show anyone ever.
That was awesome. It was this.
That's you. Amazing.
What a wonderful, like,
ragtag bunch of folks we are
to get to be able
to do this together.
Meant to be, for sure
because I can't really imagine doing
this with anyone else, you know?
We won't see each other sometimes,
maybe months, maybe years.
But I think
when we do see each other
we will just pick up
where we left off.
That's right.
- We should do this again.
- We should do it more often.
I would be down for this.
- We'll take some.
- We'll put them in boxes.
Someone take the flowers home.
- I love flowers.
- That's too cute. Look at you.
Yeah. Good. Why don't we help you?
I'll help you.
- We are stealing.
- You got it? Okay.
- We are stealing from the set.
- Is this bolted down?
- It's a really nice table.
- I'll take the pastries.
Oh, yeah, that might be too much.
Oh, my God.
- Bye, guys. See you later.
- Off you go.
- Yeah. Good point.
- Thank you so much.
All right, well, there we are.
Wicked is a movie that teaches us
to look beneath the surface
and see the beauty
in our differences.
And Oz has always been
a magical place
that celebrates uniqueness and
embraces every color of the rainbow.
In times like these
that feel so divided
as if we're reading from different
pages and different books...
We want you all to know
that you're never alone.
And you're safe with us.
And we love you so much.
- Forget your troubles
- Happy days
- Come on, get happy
- Are here again
- You better chase
- The skies above
- Your cares away
- Are clear again
- Shout hallelujah
- So let's sing a song
- Come on, get happy
- Of cheer again
- Get ready for the Judgment Day
- Happy days are here again
- The sun is shining
- All together
- Come on, get happy
- Shout it now
- The Lord is waiting
- There's no one to
- To take your cares away
- Who can doubt it now
- So let's tell the world
- Shout hallelujah
And just get happy
About it now
- We're going to the promised land
- Happy days are here again
We're heading across the river
Soon, your cares will all be gone
There'll be no more from now on
From now on
- Forget your troubles
- Happy days
- Come on, get happy
- Are here again
You better chase
The skies above are clear again
- Shout hallelujah
- So let's sing a song
- And just get happy
- Of cheer again
- Happy times
- Happy times
- Happy nights
- Happy nights
Happy days
Are here again