Cameos Abound in Film Adaptation of ‘Wicked’

The film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical «Wicked» has delighted audiences with its release, featuring familiar faces for theater enthusiasts. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie includes cameos from the original Broadway cast members, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who portrayed Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in the inaugural production.

Menzel and Chenoweth make their appearances during the «One Short Day» sequence, a scene depicting Elphaba and Glinda’s arrival in the Emerald City. This scene includes an expanded version of the musical number «Wizomania,» which inverts the original Broadway presentation with a more elaborate history of Oz and its enigmatic Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum in the film.

In this adaptation, the legacy stars appear as performers in the musical-within-a-musical, reprising dynamics reminiscent of their original characters—Menzel as a powerful presence on stage, and Chenoweth as a robust aspirant for attention. Although Menzel does not appear in her iconic green makeup, her portrayal and Chenoweth’s vivacity evoke nostalgia for longtime fans.

Besides Menzel and Chenoweth, the film also features a quick cameo by Winnie Holzman, who authored «Wicked’s» original book based on Gregory Maguire’s novel. Holzman’s contribution to the screenplay, in collaboration with Dana Fox, further intertwines her with the movie’s multiple facets. Another cameo by Stephen Schwartz, the composer of «Wicked,» see him as a palace guard delivering an iconic line, «The Wizard will see you now.»

Both Menzel, now 53, and Chenoweth, 56, have expressed their support and excitement for the new actresses taking over the iconic roles. Menzel remarked on the talents of the new cast, including Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, praising Erivo specifically for her grasp of the character. The film adaptation aims to reach a broader audience while expanding the narrative depth beyond the putative limitations of its theatrical counterpart.

As «Wicked» continues to enchant viewers, it builds anticipation for its second installment, set for release in 2025. The adaptation promises the potential for additional cameo appearances, potentially involving other original Broadway cast members eager to return to the magical world of Oz.