Glamorous Trash: A Celebrity Memoir Podcast
Episode: Hot Takes on Wicked + Kristin Chenoweth’s Emotional Memoir
Host: Chelsea Devantez
Guest: Alana Pena
Release Date: December 20, 2024

1. Introduction to the Episode and Guest

In this heartfelt episode of Glamorous Trash, host Chelsea Devantez welcomes returning guest Alana Pena, a prolific screenwriter and executive producer known for her work on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Diary of a Future President. Together, they delve into the cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked and discuss Kristin Chenoweth’s emotionally charged memoir, "I’m No Philosopher, but I Got Thoughts: Many Meditations for Saints, Sinners, and the Rest of Us."

2. Exploring the Wicked Movie Adaptation

Chelsea Devantez initiates the conversation by sharing her personal connection to Wicked, reminiscing about her deep familiarity with the musical's soundtrack and her longing to experience the Broadway production firsthand. She states:

"I know every word. I know every moment. I never got to see the show. So, like, got to New York. Tickets are expensive. I never won the tickets. And then they were gone. So seeing the movie for me was the first time I ever got to fully make sense of the lines that are in the songs."
[07:03] Chelsea Devantez

Alana Pena adds her perspective, highlighting the extended narrative in the film that wasn't as prevalent in the stage version:

"Wicked the musical does amazing scene work and choreography. But to see Oz, to see the Emerald City, the poppy fields, even just all the scenes in Shiz were a couple chairs and beds. And it was like the way that they told the story visually."
[08:14] Alana Pena

3. Cinematography and Color Palette

The hosts discuss the film's visual choices, particularly the color palette, drawing parallels to The Wizard of Oz's iconic transition from black-and-white to Technicolor. Chelsea expresses mixed feelings about the subdued colors:

"I couldn't change. I think I kind of came to the idea that because it is this love letter and because the original Wizard of Oz, like, invented color and Technicolor is, like, so, so, so saturated. I think I am at odds with the color palette they chose for this in that it not being more of a decision because they kind of chose a very faded color palette, which makes sense."
[11:44] Chelsea Devantez

Alana concurs, appreciating the filmmakers' intent to ground the story emotionally:

"If it was too hyper color, it would take away from the groundedness."
[12:17] Alana Pena

4. Casting Choices: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the casting of Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Alana praises Ariana's performance, especially her ability to infuse her own style into the role without merely imitating Kristin Chenoweth:

"I was really delighted at how much she made it her own."
[19:30] Alana Pena

Chelsea shares her admiration for Cynthia Erivo, noting her unique take on Elphaba compared to previous portrayals:

"I felt like Cynthia fully made the role her own and something new going off of just the soundtrack. And I loved it and I prefer it. Love Idina, but I think Cynthia knocked it out of the park."
[20:19] Chelsea Devantez

5. Themes: Fascism and Female Friendship

The episode delves into the deeper themes of Wicked, particularly its commentary on fascism and female friendship. Chelsea raises concerns about the film's ability to convey its political undertones effectively:

"It's about fascism isn't hitting people. ... it's about, like, the food industry."
[23:10] Chelsea Devantez

Alana agrees, emphasizing the nuanced portrayal of the central female relationship:

"It is a love story about female friendship. ... Emily and Galinda have layers of good and bad, which is what you think of with every female best friend you've ever lost."
[27:35] Alana Pena

6. Press Tour Insights and On-Screen Chemistry

The hosts reflect on the actual press tour for the Wicked movie, contrasting it with more tumultuous ones from other films. Chelsea appreciates the genuine camaraderie between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo:

"It was drama-less. It's all love. ... they're two fragile theater kids who are holding each other's hands."
[30:34] Chelsea Devantez

Alana adds that their shared theatrical backgrounds fostered a natural and supportive dynamic:

"They're two theater girls. They grew up in the theater, and they're together, so it's an explosion of theater."
[31:08] Alana Pena

7. Kristin Chenoweth’s Emotional Memoir

Shifting focus, Chelsea introduces their discussion on Kristin Chenoweth’s memoir, highlighting its unexpected emotional depth amidst seemingly lighthearted content. She shares her initial skepticism:

"At first I was like, I don't know about this book. It's giving inspirational memes, it has Bible passages, it has a few personal stories. And then all of a sudden I was crying."
[35:07] Chelsea Devantez

Alana echoes this sentiment, appreciating the memoir's blend of personal anecdotes and philosophical musings:

"The personal stories were really beautiful and well written, and I have such a respect for her."
[43:35] Alana Pena

8. Personal Reflections and Emotional Moments

Throughout the memoir discussion, both hosts share deeply personal reflections triggered by Chenoweth’s stories, particularly around adoption and identity. Chelsea opens up about her own experiences with donor conception:

"I feel like I was just that good... I ended up loving it... I actually cannot name one that has extensively talked about it like this."
[65:10] Chelsea Devantez

Alana relates through her Jewish heritage and the complexities of identity:

"I think it's really sad, but by the end of it, my parents lack of knowledge in that area allowed me to evolve purely as myself."
[84:21] Alana Pena

Their conversation underscores the memoir’s impact on personal growth and the understanding of self-identity.

9. Booktool Test: Evaluating the Memoir

Concluding the episode, both Chelsea and Alana undertake the Booktool Test, evaluating Chenoweth’s memoir across three critical questions:

1. Was the author vulnerable and did she share her truth?

   • Both agree: "I think yes."

2. Was it entertaining to read?

   • Alana emphasizes enjoyment of personal stories over memes: "Yes, the personal stories are so short and they pack such an intense punch."

3. Did reading this book elevate your life in any way?

   • Alana shares her positive transformation through the book: "I think it will continue to elevate my life."
   • Chelsea reflects on the importance of openness and healing: "I cannot ever fully be positive, but... it gave me a lot of love and joy."

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with a heartfelt exchange, emphasizing the importance of sharing personal journeys and supporting one another through shared experiences. Chelsea encourages listeners to engage with the memoir for its therapeutic and inspiring qualities, while Alana highlights the book’s role in fostering understanding and self-acceptance.

"Read this book. I'm crying now. I'll continuously cry."
[107:13] Chelsea Devantez

The hosts extend gratitude to their production team and promote avenues for listeners to support their work and access additional content.

Notable Quotes:

• Chelsea Devantez [07:03]: "I know every word. I know every moment. I never got to see the show."
• Alana Pena [08:14]: "Wicked the musical does amazing scene work and choreography. But to see Oz... the way that they told the story visually."
• Chelsea Devantez [11:44]: "I think I am at odds with the color palette they chose for this in that it not being more of a decision."
• Alana Pena [19:30]: "I was really delighted at how much she made it her own."
• Chelsea Devantez [20:19]: "I think Cynthia knocked it out of the park."
• Alana Pena [27:35]: "It is a love story about female friendship."
• Chelsea Devantez [31:08]: "They grew up in the theater, and they're together, so it's an explosion of theater."
• Chelsea Devantez [35:07]: "At first I was like, I don't know about this book... And then all of a sudden I was crying."
• Alana Pena [43:35]: "The personal stories were really beautiful and well written, and I have such a respect for her."
• Chelsea Devantez [65:10]: "I actually cannot name one that has extensively talked about it like this."
• Alana Pena [84:21]: "My parents lack of knowledge in that area allowed me to evolve purely as myself."
• Chelsea Devantez [107:13]: "Read this book. I'm crying now. I'll continuously cry."

This episode offers a profound exploration of both cinematic adaptation and personal memoir, intertwining discussions on visual storytelling, thematic depth, and the transformative power of sharing one's narrative. Whether you’re a fan of Wicked, Kristin Chenoweth, or personal growth journeys, this episode provides valuable insights and emotional resonance.

Follow and Support:

• Alana Pena:

  • Instagram: @lanstagram
  • Upcoming Projects: Writing the reboot of Working Girl, produced by Selena Gomez.

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