Quick Read
- NBC’s ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ aired November 6 with stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
- The live special featured viral TikTok star Remington, iconic duets, and emotional reunions.
- Some musical numbers were performed multiple times for camera angles and technical perfection.
- Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero) was absent, allowing other cast members to shine in comedic roles.
- No full-cast group number was performed, despite audience hopes.
Oz Reimagined: A Night at the Dolby Theatre
On November 6, NBC transported viewers back to the world of Oz with Wicked: One Wonderful Night, a prime-time musical celebration that blurred the lines between Broadway and Hollywood. Taped in front of a live audience at the famed Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the event was more than just a televised spectacle—it was a marathon of musical fervor, running over five hours for those lucky enough to witness it in person (Vanity Fair).
Fans arrived early, some costumed as their favorite Ozians, eager to be part of the magic. Phones tucked away, the audience was not only watching history—they became part of it, learning choreography and singing alongside the stars. The anticipation was palpable as cast members mingled with fans, and even those who weren’t performing, like Cesily Collette Taylor (baby Nessarose), cheered from the crowd.
Stars and Standouts: Grande, Erivo, and the Viral Remington
At the heart of the night were powerhouse performances from Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda), joined by Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, and Ethan Slater. Yet, the true breakout star was Remington, a four-year-old boy who’d gone viral for his TikTok cover of “Defying Gravity.” Grande invited Remington onstage during “Popular,” and his presence—broomstick in hand and dressed as Elphaba—brought genuine delight and laughter, even causing Grande to break character in fits of giggles (Entertainment Weekly).
Remington wasn’t just a one-off cameo. Between performances, he charmed the crowd, introducing himself and declaring his love for Elphaba. His spontaneous joy and innocence provided a counterpoint to the professional polish of the night’s stars, reminding everyone why Oz’s story continues to resonate with fans of all ages.
Iconic Musical Moments and Emotional Highs
The evening was built on a foundation of show-stopping numbers and emotional reunions. One highlight: Erivo’s rendition of “Defying Gravity.” Not only did she deliver the song with vocal brilliance, but she soared over the mesmerized audience—twice. The first take was flawless, but producers wanted more camera angles, prompting Erivo to belt out the anthem again, harnessed and flying high above the crowd (Vanity Fair).
Another unforgettable moment came at the Gershwin Theatre, where Erivo and Grande performed “For Good” at Stephen Schwartz’s piano. Grande, overcome with emotion, wiped away tears as Erivo sang the iconic line, “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” Their performance was elevated further when the original Broadway Glinda and Elphaba—Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel—joined them onstage, bridging generations of Wicked magic.
Michelle Yeoh, meanwhile, proved herself the evening’s chameleon. Not content with just one role, she dazzled with multiple costume changes and even vogued during a number. Her presence underscored the special’s star power and commitment to spectacle.
Offbeat Surprises, Missed Opportunities, and Behind-the-Scenes Magic
No live event is without its quirks. While the show excelled in many areas, some moments fell flat. The absence of Jonathan Bailey, who plays Prince Fiyero, was keenly felt. Bailey appeared only in pre-taped segments, but his absence allowed Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, and Marissa Bode to step up, performing “Dancing Through Life” in a competitive, comedic showcase. Yang’s charisma, honed on Saturday Night Live, became a running thread, injecting humor and energy into the show.
Other segments—like fake celebrity auditions (Khloe Kardashian, Ludacris, Heidi Klum)—were intended as comic relief but landed as filler. Fans and critics alike wished for more live performances and genuine backstage insights, rather than reels of random celebrities feigning for a part.
Audience participation was a theme. Fans received tulips and learned choreography, performing “No One Mourns the Wicked” with Grande. A spontaneous costume contest allowed attendees to strut designs inspired by Paul Tazewell’s film costumes and Susan Hilferty’s Broadway originals. Even moments between numbers sparked joy: when the crowd’s energy dipped, Grande’s “Thank U, Next” blasted through the theater, prompting a singalong and heartfelt thanks from the star herself.
Duets, Tributes, and What Was Left Unseen
Grande and Erivo capped the night with a tribute to queer icons: a duet of “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again,” channeling Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. Seated close, their harmonies soared, and technical hiccups meant the audience was treated to an encore. “We just wanted to sing it again,” quipped Grande, to the delight of fans.
Despite the star-studded cast, there was no full-cast group number—a letdown for some. Many hoped to see all the costars fill the stage for a singalong finale. Instead, the night closed with heartfelt duets and emotional embraces, leaving viewers hungry for more collective magic.
Throughout, the live orchestra under Stephen Oremus’s direction provided the musical backbone, while director Jon M. Chu teased footage and new songs from the upcoming sequel, “Wicked: For Good.” Some moments, like Erivo’s “The Wizard and I,” required multiple takes, revealing the perfectionism behind the scenes.
As the curtain fell, “Wicked: One Wonderful Night” proved itself more than just a television special—it was a celebration of community, creativity, and the enduring magic of Oz. For those who watched live or at home, the event felt both intimate and grand, capturing the spirit of Broadway while embracing the spectacle of Hollywood.
In balancing spectacle with heartfelt authenticity, ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ showcased the enduring power of musical theater to unite audiences. Its ability to blend viral moments, emotional reunions, and behind-the-scenes candor made for a night that was as memorable for its imperfections as for its triumphs—a reminder that the true magic of Oz lies in both its stars and its fans.