Wicked: One Wonderful Night — Behind the Scenes
At the Dolby Theatre on September 24, fans of the musical “Wicked” gathered for the taping of One Wonderful Night, an event celebrating the show’s enduring legacy. The crowd, dressed for the occasion, not only enjoyed the performances but also witnessed the intricate process behind the production.
Behind the Curtain
“Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.”
While Oz warned audiences to ignore what happens behind the curtain, this night offered the opposite — a rare glimpse into the making of the spectacle. Viewers who later watched the broadcast missed several moments that made the live event especially memorable.
Unseen Highlights from the Taping
- Before filming began, the audience was invited to learn choreography for the opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked.”
- Those seated in the orchestra level held faux tulips and practiced coordinated movements, tossing them into the air right as Ariana Grande appeared as Glinda the Good.
- The rehearsal lasted several minutes before dancers joined for a final run-through prior to recording.
- The sequences were filmed out of order, combining full musical numbers with transitional scenes.
On-Camera Magic
Some standout acts made it to the televised version, including the duet of the classic “Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy,” performed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, echoing the Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand tradition. Yet much of the night’s playful spontaneity remained exclusive to those in the Theatre.
Author’s Summary: The Wicked: One Wonderful Night taping unveiled charming behind-the-scenes details, showing how the audience and performers together created the show’s irresistible magic.