With two of the year’s most eagerly awaited movie cameos, Jon M. Chu faced a significant challenge.

The director of Wicked recently shared his creative process for incorporating original Broadway stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth into the song ‘One Short Day’, which will be performed alongside their successors, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

“It was a delicate balance that we had to discuss extensively with Stephen [Schwartz] and Winnie [Holzman] to determine the best placement,” Chu explained to CinemaBlend. “At one point, we considered them for cameo roles, like ‘perhaps they could be Galinda’s parents’ or ‘maybe they could play this or that.’ While those ideas were acceptable, the more we deliberated, the less they felt right. They are at the peak of their careers right now. If they are present, you want them to showcase their talents. As a fan, I know that if I see them in this movie, I want them to shine.”

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The director envisioned a “Wizomania”-style experience when the two women arrive in Oz, inspired by Disney’s ‘It’s a Small World’, where guests board a boat that takes them through Oz’s history.

“It was designed as a performance that unfolds around them, ultimately leading back to the Wizard’s palace,” he noted. “We needed to establish elements that the show didn’t adequately cover, such as the Grimmerie, the Wizard’s purpose, and the prophecy — there was a lot of information to convey.”

Chu elaborated, “During discussions with Stephen, I proposed that we utilize this section, which exists outside the main narrative, to introduce some engaging content. He responded, ‘Give me one night,’ and he completely reworked it into a performance for these girls. It was such a delightful experience, and it felt like a perfect send-off.”

Menzel and Chenoweth originated the roles of Elphaba and Galinda when Wicked debuted on Broadway in 2003, with Menzel winning a Tony for Best Actress in a Musical, while her co-star received a nomination.

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Person: Jon M. Chu, Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman
Company Names: Universal Pictures
Titles: Wicked

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