9 Things You Didn’t See on TV

“Wicked: One Wonderful Night” is a magical event that took place at the Dolby Theatre, offering fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of the show. The taping on Sept. 24 was a star-studded affair, with film stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo delivering a show-stopping duet of “Happy Days Are Here Again/ Get Happy.”

While the broadcast version captured many standout moments, there were several off-camera highlights that didn’t make the final cut. One such moment was the audience participation before the show, where attendees learned choreography for the opening number “No One Mourns the Wicked.” The orchestra section even had the chance to participate in a flower choreography, adding an extra layer of magic to the performance.

The taping of the show was a meticulous process, with sequences filmed out of order to ensure a seamless final product. Some musical numbers required multiple takes, such as “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity,” to perfect the performance. Additionally, alternate intros for packaged segments were recorded, offering a glimpse into the creative process behind the scenes.

Throughout the night, the cast teased exclusive looks at new film clips and musical moments, only to playfully reveal that the audience wouldn’t be seeing them. Despite the teasing, the live audience was treated to a “Wicked” reunion of Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Ariana Grande, and Cynthia Erivo, accompanied by composer Stephen Schwartz on piano.

Emcee Bill Sindelar kept the energy high during downtime, engaging with the audience and guiding the taping process. Between scenes, the crowd was entertained with music and dance sessions, ensuring that spirits remained high throughout the four-hour taping.

One memorable moment involved Ariana Grande selecting a young audience member named Remington to perform “Popular” with her. The heartwarming interaction added a special touch to the performance, showcasing the magic of live theater.

Overall, “Wicked: One Wonderful Night” offered fans a unique glimpse into the world of the beloved musical, with behind-the-scenes moments and unexpected surprises making the event truly unforgettable.