Both the 'Thank U, Next' singer and the 'Genius: Aretha' actress can't hide their joy after learning that they are going to star in Jon M. Chu's adaptation of the Broadway hit during a Zoom call with the director.
- Nov 5, 2021
AceShowbiz - Ariana Grande's musical theatre dreams have come true - she'll team up with Cynthia Erivo for the movie adaptation of Broadway hit "Wicked".
Both stars announced the big news via Instagram on Thursday, November 4, and Christmas has come early for the pop star, who grew up a huge fan of "The Wizard of Oz" prequel.
She famously met Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the character Glinda, backstage when she was a child and the two have become friends over the years, with Kristin recently signing on as Ariana's team mentor on "The Voice" in the U.S. Now the pop star will be taking on Kristin's role in Jon M. Chu's movie version of "Wicked", with Erivo tackling Elphaba - the character originated by Idina Menzel onstage.
Erivo, who played Aretha Franklin on TV earlier this year, posted a series of photos of herself and Grande looking excited on Instagram, and wrote, "Pink goes good with Green" - referencing her planned green look in the film, and that of Grande's character.
She also posted a shot of a bouquet of flowers from Grande, with a note that read, "dear Cynthia, honoured doesn't even begin to cover it. i cannot wait to hug you. See you in Oz. All my love, Ari."
Grande also uploaded photos of the two stars and her Zoom call with Chu and added, "thank goodness @jonmchu @cynthiaerivo @wickedmovie."
Erivo also sent the "Side to Side" hitmaker flowers with a note that repeated her "Pink goes good with green" line and added, "Congratulations Miss A. The Part Was Made For You. I Look Forward To Sharing The Musical Journey With You. Love, Cynthia."
Production on "Wicked" is set to start next summer (2022) in the U.K.
Both Erivo and Grande have musical theatre experience - the Brit won a Tony Award for "The Color Purple", while Ariana landed the role of Charlotte in the Broadway production of 13 when she was a teenager, before her TV and pop career took off. She also starred as Penny Pingleton in U.S. TV event "Hairspray Live!" in 2016.
Meanwhile, Menzel and Chenoweth recently reunited to co-host a TV tribute to the beloved musical in September.
"Wicked in Concert", which featured performances from Erivo, Rita Moreno and Jennifer Nettles, among others, was planned as a celebration of the return of Broadway following the COVID shutdown.
"Wicked" opened on Broadway in 2003 and has become the fifth longest-running show in the history of the Great White Way.
