Imagine a star-studded Hollywood event where two powerhouse performers take the stage, not just to sing, but to ignite a room with nostalgia, hope, and sheer talent. That’s exactly what happened when Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the dynamic duo of Wicked, performed a jaw-dropping medley of ‘Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again’ at an exclusive gathering hosted by Universal Pictures. But here’s where it gets even more captivating: this wasn’t just any awards season event—it was a celebration of Wicked’s second installment, masterfully directed by Jon M. Chu, and it took place at the chic boutique hotel and members club, The Aster, in the heart of Hollywood.
The evening began with a screening of the highly anticipated film at the iconic TCL Chinese 6 Theatre, followed by a lavish reception at The Aster. Among the A-list attendees were Charlize Theron (with her daughter in tow), Universal’s studio chairperson Donna Langley, and Wicked producer Marc Platt. But the real magic happened later, when Grande and Erivo—after mingling with guests during a cocktail reception—took center stage in a lounge space for what was billed as a ‘thrillifying’ surprise. And thrill it did, as they performed not only the film’s theme song, ‘For Good,’ but also a stirring rendition of the classic medley once immortalized by Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli at the London Palladium. And this is the part most people miss: Garland’s legacy as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz adds a layer of symbolic brilliance to this performance, connecting generations of musical icons.
The event was hosted by none other than musicals maestro Baz Luhrmann, who flew in from Tokyo, and actress-turned-tastemaker Colleen Camp. Luhrmann’s presence alone spoke volumes about his admiration for Chu’s work. During a brief Q&A, Luhrmann gushed about the film’s ability to bridge generations and cultures, calling it ‘incredibly classical but so pop, so of the moment.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: Luhrmann jokingly ‘blamed’ Chu for not cheering loudly enough when he first saw an early iteration of Wicked in San Francisco—a show Luhrmann described as ‘dead on arrival.’ Could this be a subtle dig at the challenges of bringing such a beloved stage production to the screen? Or just a playful jab between colleagues?
Luhrmann also shared insights into the grueling process of creating a movie musical, a genre often underestimated for its complexity. ‘If you fail, there’s no in between,’ he noted, highlighting the high stakes involved. Chu echoed this sentiment, revealing the immense effort behind Wicked, especially while juggling fatherhood to three kids. Yet, he emphasized the privilege of bringing such a dream project to life, calling musicals ‘access to the soul.’
And this is the part that’ll make you think: Chu reflected on how the film’s themes of change and unity resonated deeply during the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Something has changed within me, something’s not the same,’ he quoted from the film, explaining how these words took on new meaning amidst global turmoil. ‘Now is the time we have to make it,’ he declared, challenging the audience to consider: Can art truly heal and unite us in times of crisis?
As the night concluded, one thing was clear: Wicked isn’t just a film—it’s a cultural phenomenon that feels ‘made for now.’ But what do you think? Is Wicked a timeless masterpiece, or does its Broadway legacy overshadow its cinematic adaptation? Let’s debate in the comments!
