How Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Survived ‘Wicked’ Mishaps and Rigorous Training!

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Drawing inspiration from the timeless 1939 masterpiece “The Wizard of Oz,” seven-time Oscar-nominee Nathan Crowley recognized that creating “Wicked” required a solid foundation in pop culture history as a starting point.

He was eager to take the design concept to its limits, especially while crafting the sets for this enchanting location. Working on practical construction alongside the team is something I truly enjoy. There are times when you’re knee-deep in mud, but it’s simply a delightful challenge.”

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“He was determined to push the design boundaries as much as possible within this mystical place, focusing on constructing the sets. I adore hands-on construction, and being part of the team is always a joy. There are instances where you’re up to your knees in mud, but it’s just incredibly enjoyable.

Marc Platt, an Oscar-nominated film producer with three nods this year for “Wicked,” having previously worked on “La La Land” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” labeled this production as his most intimate creative endeavor. Upon reading Gregory Maguire’s novel in the ’90s, he instantly perceived its potential as a remarkable film. Yet, despite the musical’s Broadway debut in 2003, it took more than two decades for the project to materialize.

Platt remembered spending quite some time, primarily due to not wanting to mess things up, he said. He felt a sense of self-imposed pressure and a responsibility towards the fans who cherished these characters deeply. The expectations were immense for him.

Apart from Platt, not just Ariana Grande among the “Wicked” cast members foresaw the show’s cinematic potential before Chu’s vision was revealed. In fact, Ariana, who received her first Academy Award nomination for portraying Glinda, has been a fan of the show since its Broadway debut in 2003.

Grande articulated that there’s a massive gap between being a fan of something and fully embodying it. She shared her experience of adoring ‘Wicked’, appreciating the music, but then needing to truly feel and live those songs, even assigning personal emotions to them – quite an adventure! She was determined to understand Glinda beyond the humor because she strongly believes that humor only works if it’s rooted in truth.

A notable aspect of the show that fans of “Wicked” have swiftly identified is the climactic “Defying Gravity” sequence, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the central friendship’s narrative. Nominated for best actress, Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba, characterizes the process of filming the iconic scene as “incredibly enjoyable.

Erivo stated, ‘This is something that only becomes clear after putting in the effort.’ I aim to make it seem effortless… I want you to share her suffering, as the pain is genuine and deeply personal to me.

Grande echoed this feeling, emphasizing the deeper emotional impact of her performance. “It’s only after the Oz Dust Ballroom scene that Glinda forms her first genuine friendship,” she explained. “This is the moment in her sheltered, luxurious life where someone has reflected her true, profound goodness back to her.

It took several months of vocal and physical training for them to get ready for their roles. Erivo highlighted the demanding self-discipline involved, stressing the effort they both invested in perfecting their acts.

Erivo mentioned that mastering the vocal techniques and physical stamina required to create those sounds took considerable effort for both voice and body. Singing while suspended in a harness was not an easy task, but these women’s stories demanded our utmost dedication. So, regardless of whether it meant waking up at 2 a.m., starting makeup at 5 a.m., or enduring two-hour workouts, we gave it our all.

Following their rendition of a few enchanting notes from “Defying Gravity”, they discussed how Grande accidentally singed her rear end and required an ice pack, while Erivo found it slightly disconcerting when onions were served for lunch. Amid much laughter and amusement, this incident remains the most memorable scene in the film.

The team behind “Wicked” has poured their hearts into this project, turning it into a truly cherished endeavor that continues to bring them great delight.

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2025-02-12 02:47