Sentimental Men Podcast Episode 63: "It's Wicked! It Has to Be Earned!" (with Ariana Grande)
Broadway Podcast Network | Released November 1, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 63 of Sentimental Men, hosts Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi are thrilled to welcome pop sensation Ariana Grande as their special guest. The episode centers around Ariana's involvement in the highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation, delving deep into her journey from a Broadway fan to portraying the iconic character Glinda.

Ariana's First Encounter with Wicked

[05:18] Ariana Grande
Ariana reminisces about her first experience with Wicked on Broadway at the tender age of ten. She recounts the magical moment of seeing the original Broadway cast and how it profoundly impacted her love for musical theater.

"Wicked the musical entered my life when I was 10. I got to see the original Broadway cast. I was very, very, very fortunate to see them... It moved us so much."
She fondly remembers bidding on a backstage tour during the Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS auctions and meeting cast members like Adina and Kristin Chenoweth, who gifted her memorable keepsakes. This early exposure cemented her connection to the world of musical theater, making the Wicked soundtrack a source of comfort and inspiration throughout her life.

Transition to Pop Career and Musical Theater

[08:03] Ariana Grande
Balancing her burgeoning pop career with her passion for musical theater, Ariana shares her internal dialogue about pursuing both avenues. She expresses nostalgia for her theater roots while acknowledging the unforeseen trajectory her music career took.

"I had always hoped to do a little bit of both... But I never figured it would become my whole life the way it did for a decade."
Despite facing skepticism and light bullying for her musical aspirations, Ariana remained steadfast, ultimately finding herself fully immersed in her pop career. However, her love for theater never waned, leading her to seek opportunities to return to the stage.

Auditioning for Wicked

[16:00] Ariana Grande
The conversation shifts to Ariana's audacious decision to audition for the Wicked movie, well before its official casting announcements. Anticipating the opportunity, she proactively engaged in intensive voice and acting training.

"If this is happening now, we have to figure it out. I'm going home. I'm getting in voice lessons. I'm getting in acting lessons, and I'm going to turn this around."
Her first audition on [21:53] was for both Glinda and Elphaba, showcasing her versatility. Despite her pop fame, Ariana emphasized the importance of earning her role through dedication and authentic performance, rather than relying on her established persona.

Working with Cynthia Erivo

[43:08] Ariana Grande
Ariana discusses her collaborative relationship with co-star Cynthia Erivo, highlighting the immediate bond and mutual respect they developed during the long filming process.

"We immediately formed that because without that, nothing else works. Nothing else matters and works."
Their friendship became a cornerstone of the filming experience, providing emotional support and fostering a genuine on-screen chemistry. Ariana appreciates Cynthia's talent and the supportive environment they cultivated together, making the grueling schedule more manageable.

Filming the Movie

[48:09] Ariana Grande
Delving into the production aspects, Ariana praises the practical effects and meticulous set designs that brought Wicked to life on screen.

"Everything else was there. Everything else we. It was the most insane thing, these sets. Nathan Crowley is the most incredible set designer... the munchkin huts were actually functioning."
She highlights the immersive nature of the sets, comparing them to walking into a theme park and describing the seamless blend of practical effects with subtle CGI enhancements, particularly for the animals.

[58:16]
Ariana emphasizes the film's depth, noting how significant moments hit harder onscreen than in the stage version.

"Dr. Dilliman is the most emotional, moving, insane thing I've ever seen."
She elaborates on the collaborative efforts behind scenes, particularly praising the physical performances that added layers of authenticity to the characters and their interactions.

Challenges and Growth

[36:32] Ariana Grande
Discussing the logistical and emotional challenges of balancing her pop career with her commitment to Wicked, Ariana reveals the sacrifices she made to dedicate herself fully to the role.

"I have an incredible team that really took care of the other departments, but I'm a very hands-on person... I had like a separate phone for the first few months."
Her dedication is evident as she minimized her involvement in other projects to focus entirely on portraying Glinda, highlighting the personal growth and resilience required to undertake such a significant role.

Closing Thoughts

[61:40] Ariana Grande
Reflecting on her journey, Ariana expresses immense gratitude for the opportunity to bring Glinda to life and the support she received throughout the project.

"It's when something once in a lifetime like this happens... it deserves all of us and the best of us."
She anticipates the movie's release with excitement, eager for audiences to experience the culmination of her hard work and the collaborative spirit that defined the filming process.

Final Rapid-Fire Segment

In a light-hearted rapid-fire round, Ariana engages with Quincy and Kevin, showcasing her playful side and camaraderie with the cast. From who was most likely to set first on set to who would cry during filming, Ariana's responses underline the close-knit and emotionally invested environment of the movie's production.

Notable Quotes:

• Ariana Grande [05:18]:

  "Wicked the musical entered my life when I was 10. I got to see the original Broadway cast. I was very, very, very fortunate to see them... It moved us so much."

• Ariana Grande [08:03]:

  "I had always hoped to do a little bit of both... But I never figured it would become my whole life the way it did for a decade."

• Ariana Grande [16:00]:

  "If this is happening now, we have to figure it out. I'm going home. I'm getting in voice lessons. I'm getting in acting lessons, and I'm going to turn this around."

• Ariana Grande [43:08]:

  "We immediately formed that because without that, nothing else works. Nothing else matters and works."

• Ariana Grande [48:09]:

  "Everything else was there. Everything else we. It was the most insane thing, these sets. Nathan Crowley is the most incredible set designer... the munchkin huts were actually functioning."

• Ariana Grande [36:32]:

  "I have an incredible team that really took care of the other departments, but I'm a very hands-on person... I had like a separate phone for the first few months."

• Ariana Grande [61:40]:

  "It's when something once in a lifetime like this happens... it deserves all of us and the best of us."

Conclusion

Episode 63 of Sentimental Men offers an intimate glimpse into Ariana Grande's heartfelt journey into musical theater, illustrating her deep-seated love for Wicked and the transformative experience of portraying Glinda. Through candid conversations and memorable anecdotes, Ariana shares the dedication, challenges, and joyous moments that defined her role in bringing this beloved story to the big screen. For fans of Ariana Grande and musical theater enthusiasts alike, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and inspirations.

For more insightful conversations about your favorite women in musical theater, tune into Sentimental Men on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter @sentmenpod or email us directly at sentmenpodmail.com.