Sentimental Men Podcast Episode Summary: "It's Wicked! It Has to Be Earned!" (with Ariana Grande)
Podcast Information:
- Title: Sentimental Men
- Host/Author: Broadway Podcast Network
- Description: Sentimental Men. Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi talk (and maybe scream) about their favorite women in musical theatre.
- Episode: FULL LENGTH: "It's Wicked! It Has to Be Earned!" (with Ariana Grande)
- Release Date: December 2, 2024
Introduction
In this special full-length episode of Sentimental Men, hosts Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi dive deep into the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked. The episode features an exclusive interview with pop sensation and Broadway hopeful, Ariana Grande, alongside acclaimed actress Cynthia Erivo.
Thanksgiving and Wicked Reflections
The episode kicks off with a casual conversation between Quincy, Kevin, and Cynthia Erivo about their Thanksgiving experiences. Cynthia shares, “[01:05] I saw Wicked with Connor for the third time, and he thought Cynthia's vocal performance was truly astonishing.”
They discuss the film’s costumes, noting their appeal to both drag queens and cosplayers due to their intricate details. Cynthia muses, “[02:35] The costumes are brilliant. They're so specific, visual, and there's so much detail to replicate.”
Listener Reactions
Listeners are encouraged to send in their reactions to the Wicked movie. Matthew from Cincinnati shares his thoughts at [11:15], expressing awe at the film’s emotional depth and vocal performances: “[11:21] It just was unbelievable. The vocals were astounding.”
Quincy and Kevin highlight the film’s faithful adaptation, with Cynthia asserting, “[05:00] It's the highest-grossing movie based on a Broadway musical, even beating Grease.”
Exclusive Interview with Ariana Grande
Ariana’s Journey with Wicked
Ariana Grande opens up about her long-standing relationship with Wicked, recounting her first Broadway experience at age 10. “[22:52] When I was 10, I got to see the original Broadway cast of Wicked.” She describes the profound impact the show had on her, highlighting memorable moments like meeting Kristin Chenoweth and receiving a magical wand.
Auditioning for Glinda
Detailing her audition process, Ariana shares the intense preparation she undertook: “[36:02] I started acting and voice lessons every day to prepare for Glinda.” Her first audition involved singing “One Short Day,” where she arrived “45 minutes early” and exuded enthusiasm, “[39:05] I was blasting 'One Short Day' and was clearly campaigning for Glinda.”
Working with Cynthia Erivo
Ariana emphasizes the strong bond formed with Cynthia Erivo, stating, “[44:20] We immediately formed that because without that, nothing else works.” She appreciates their mutual support system, crucial for navigating the demanding filming schedule. “[62:48] We took care of each other and formed a real true friendship.”
Filming Experiences and Challenges
Ariana recounts memorable scenes, such as the emotional "Oz Dust" sequence: “[64:45] The Oz dust scene was a turning point, holding space for Elphaba and Cynthia.” She also discusses the practical effects used in the film, debunking fears of excessive CGI: “[87:32] The only thing that is CG is the animals. Everything else was practical.”
Character Exploration
Delving into Glinda’s character, Ariana reflects on finding balance between honoring the original portrayal and bringing her unique flair: “[47:10] I wanted to find my Glinda while honoring what we’ve known and loved for so many years.” She highlights the depth of Glinda’s character, her relationship with the animals, and the emotional weight she carries: “[64:45] Glinda walks a tightrope between performing for others and dealing with her own grief and loss.”
Memorable Moments on Set
Ariana shares humorous and heartfelt anecdotes from set, including spontaneous choreography ideas and emotional connections with fellow cast members: “[68:34] John choreographed a moment in minutes, and we decided to go for it.” She praises the dedication of her co-stars, especially Cynthia, noting their shared emotional experiences: “[94:18] Everyone cried every day. We all cried.”
Future Prospects and Gratitude
Expressing immense gratitude, Ariana reflects on the journey and looks forward to future projects: “[55:36] It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm so grateful for everything.” She acknowledges the support from her team and the importance of dedicating herself fully to the role: “[52:54] I gave my full self to Glinda and honored her character.”
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with rapid-fire questions that showcase the camaraderie and lightheartedness among the cast. Ariana humorously navigates the playful banter, demonstrating the strong relationships built during the production.
Cynthia and Kevin invite listeners to tune in for future episodes featuring more insights and interviews, ensuring audiences remain engaged and excited for what's to come in the world of Wicked and beyond.
Notable Quotes:
- “[05:00] It's the highest grossing movie based on a Broadway musical, even beating Grease.” – Cynthia Erivo
- “[36:02] I started acting and voice lessons every day to prepare for Glinda.” – Ariana Grande
- “[64:45] The Oz dust scene was a turning point, holding space for Elphaba and Cynthia.” – Ariana Grande
- “[94:18] Everyone cried every day. We all cried.” – Ariana Grande
Note: This summary focuses on capturing the essence of the podcast's content, highlighting key discussions, insights, and memorable moments shared by the guests. Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections have been excluded to maintain focus on the core material.