Detailed Summary of "Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang & Michelle Yeoh Talk Magic of Wicked"
Podcast Title: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Host: NBC Universal
Episode Title: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang & Michelle Yeoh Talk Magic of Wicked
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Introduction
In this special Fallon flashback episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, host Jimmy Fallon engages in an insightful and entertaining conversation with a star-studded panel comprising Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, and Michelle Yeoh. The discussion centers around the making of the highly anticipated movie adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked, delving into the actors' experiences, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and the magic that brought the story to life on the big screen.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on Wicked
Ariana Grande's Journey and Feelings
Cynthia Erivo warmly welcomes Ariana Grande back to the show, praising her multifaceted talents. Ariana reflects on the overwhelming positive feedback received for her performance in Wicked, stating:
"I feel really, really good. I think every time we get a little feedback from people who have seen it, I think I'm a little bit overwhelmed by how wonderful people have been and how open people have been for, like, some of the changes. It's really special. It's. I'm very proud of it."
[01:14] Ariana Grande
Audition Process and Preparation
Ariana shares the intense preparation that went into her audition and role, mentioning her rigorous training and dedication to mastering the songs:
"I start running around the house and training like a boxer and learning all the songs like the back of my hand... I was there three hours [for the audition]."
[01:55] Ariana Grande
On-Set Chemistry with Cynthia Erivo
The chemistry between Ariana and Cynthia is palpable as they discuss their instant connection upon working together:
"Instant chemistry. So when we knew we were doing this film, I invited her over to my house and we just sat on my floor and chatted and became, for us, friends. It was really easy. It was really easy."
[03:14] Ariana Grande
Defying Gravity Scene
A highlight of their conversation is the iconic "Defying Gravity" scene. Ariana describes the physical and vocal demands of performing the scene:
"The first time it feels like that. The first time you're like, where am I supposed to put my voice? It's not working... I had a wonderful vocal coach who made sure that I knew where to put my breath because you are being thrown around."
[04:35] Ariana Grande
Cynthia adds her admiration for Ariana's ability to seamlessly perform such a complex scene:
"That is insane. What we just saw. That doesn't look real. That looks like CGI."
[05:12] Cynthia Erivo
Bowen Yang's Journey into Wicked
Audition and Casting Stories
Bowen Yang recounts his unconventional path to securing a role in Wicked, highlighting his determination and the unexpected support from established figures:
"I was gonna do anything. I was like, I'll call Lorne. I was gonna do anything."
[09:14] Bowen Yang
He reveals a pivotal moment when he reached out to Lorne Michaels, expressing his desire to be part of the film:
"I was just like, oh, hi, Lauren. How are you?... I'm still unpacking the emotional weight of Antonio with my therapist."
[09:32] Bowen Yang
Preparation and Role Development
Bowen discusses the extensive preparation required for his role, including voice training and acting lessons:
"I started to kind of mentally prepare myself and my team. I just told them, you know, if this is really happening and if they are gonna start seeing people for it, I just want to be so prepared."
[10:35] Bowen Yang
On-Set Chemistry and Collaboration
He emphasizes the collaborative environment on set, particularly his partnership with Cynthia Erivo:
"When they called me to tell me that I had the part, I had one heart attack... I died."
[12:34] Bowen Yang
"How are you? And getting to play opposite her and also just become true sisters with her has been such a beautiful experience."
[13:02] Bowen Yang
Jonathan Bailey's Insights
SNL Experience and Acting in Wicked
Jonathan Bailey shares his excitement about reaching milestone episodes on Saturday Night Live and how his comedic skills translated into his role in Wicked:
"You were phenomenal in it. We all know how funny you are. And you can... But you can be so funny."
[23:00] Cynthia Erivo
Funny Anecdotes from Filming
Jonathan entertains the audience with behind-the-scenes stories, including improvisations that made it into the film:
"I was like, I'm not gonna change a word of this script... Jon M. Chu was like, now do one just for fun. And then this man pulled a fast one on me. He used every single ad lib."
[26:17] Jonathan Bailey
He also mentions a memorable line that, despite being cut from the final film, became a fan favorite:
"I've been through. I've been through it. I've been through, I've been through it."
[27:21] Jonathan Bailey
Jeff Goldblum on Wicked and Production
Working with Director Jon M. Chu
Jeff Goldblum praises director Jon M. Chu's vision and expertise in adapting musicals into cinematic masterpieces:
"John M. Chu, you look for a great director. He knows how to do it. He did."
[16:59] Jeff Goldblum
Anecdotes and Production Insights
He shares humorous stories about the production process, including memorable moments and interactions with cast members:
"They planted 9 million tulips. And they have. The set is all around you. Yeah. You're not. You're not in front of anything."
[20:05] Jeff Goldblum
Reflections on Wicked Legacy
Jeff reflects on the enduring legacy of Wicked and the unique challenges of bringing it to the screen:
"There's a curse on all the people who have ever been in wicked, from the 20-year phenomenon that's been since we saw it 20 years ago."
[17:24] Jeff Goldblum
Michelle Yeoh's Experience
Casting and Singing in Wicked
Michelle Yeoh discusses her unexpected foray into singing for her role in Wicked and the support she received from fellow cast members:
"When he called me, he says, I really wanted you to do this for me with me and, you know, read the script. And I think, John... I read the script. I called him John. You realize she sings, right?"
[28:04] Michelle Yeoh
Collaborative Environment
She highlights the collaborative and supportive atmosphere on set, crediting Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo for their encouragement:
"When you walk on and you hear them sing, it's like you've gone to heaven."
[29:06] Michelle Yeoh
Closing Remarks and Special Announcement
Cynthia Erivo wraps up the conversation by announcing a special NBC airing on November 19th titled "Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked," which will feature behind-the-scenes footage and a sneak peek of an actual scene from the film.
"Wicked is in theaters everywhere. November 20... There's a special on NBC airing November 19th."
[20:35] Cynthia Erivo
Jimmy Fallon concludes the episode by thanking the guests and listeners, encouraging everyone to subscribe for the latest episodes and to watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon weeknights on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Ariana Grande:
"I feel really, really good."
[01:14] -
Bowen Yang:
"I'll call Lorne."
[09:14] -
Cynthia Erivo:
"That is insane. What we just saw. That doesn't look real. That looks like CGI."
[05:12] -
Jonathan Bailey:
"I've been through. I've been through it."
[27:21] -
Jeff Goldblum:
"John M. Chu, you look for a great director. He knows how to do it. He did."
[16:59] -
Michelle Yeoh:
"When you walk on and you hear them sing, it's like you've gone to heaven."
[29:06]
Conclusion
This episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon offers an in-depth look into the collaborative efforts behind the making of Wicked. Through engaging conversations and heartfelt reflections, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, and Michelle Yeoh provide fans with exclusive insights into their roles, the challenges they faced, and the joy of bringing a cherished musical to life on the silver screen. The inclusion of notable quotes and personal anecdotes makes this summary a valuable resource for those interested in the magic of Wicked and the dynamic experiences of its talented cast.