An Enchanting Night in the Emerald City
The world of Wicked is soaring back into the spotlight — this time, on live television. NBC’s two-hour musical special “Wicked: One Wonderful Night”, airing on November 6, brings the magic of Oz to life ahead of the upcoming film Wicked: For Good (in theaters November 21). The celebration features Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo leading a star-studded cast in jaw-dropping live performances that remind fans why Wicked remains one of Broadway’s most beloved stories.
Filmed at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the event transforms the venue into a dazzling Emerald City-inspired wonderland. The night features a 37-piece live orchestra conducted by award-winning music director Stephen Oremus, creating a lush, cinematic soundscape for the performances.
Ariana Grande Opens with “No One Mourns the Wicked”
Grammy winner Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda in Wicked: Part One, opens the special with a brand-new arrangement of the musical’s iconic opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked.” Wearing a glittering champagne gown and surrounded by dancers and a live choir, Grande delivers powerhouse vocals that blend Broadway theatricality with pop precision.
The audience becomes part of the magic, waving bouquets of flowers in sync with Grande’s soaring high notes — a moment that perfectly captures the spirit of Wicked’s blend of spectacle and heart.
Cynthia Erivo’s Spellbinding “The Wizard and I” Performance
Following Grande’s ethereal opener, Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba, takes the stage for a rousing rendition of “The Wizard and I.” Dressed in a chic, menswear-inspired outfit and illuminated by the signature Wicked green lighting, Erivo’s soulful voice fills the theater with emotion. Her performance embodies Elphaba’s yearning and determination, bringing depth and power to one of the musical’s most beloved solos.
The performance builds to an electrifying finale, with Erivo surrounded by dancers in emerald costumes as she belts out the climactic notes. It’s a moment of pure theatrical brilliance that reminds audiences why Erivo is one of the most acclaimed vocalists of her generation.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Oz to Life
Wicked: One Wonderful Night also features appearances by Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Marissa Bode (Nessarose), Ethan Slater (Boq), and Bowen Yang in an ensemble role. Together with Grande and Erivo, the cast previews several key numbers from both Wicked: Part One and its upcoming sequel.
Among the highlights is an emotional performance of “For Good,” the beloved duet between Glinda and Elphaba that gives the sequel its title. The rendition captures the deep friendship and bittersweet farewell at the heart of the story — and gives fans a taste of what to expect when Wicked: For Good hits theaters.
Behind the Magic: The Making of a Musical Event
According to NBC’s official synopsis, the production of Wicked: One Wonderful Night was designed to capture “the essence of Oz with a modern cinematic flair.” The Dolby Theatre was transformed into an immersive environment filled with shimmering lights, intricate Emerald City set pieces, and the lush orchestrations that made Wicked a Broadway sensation.
The special also celebrates the creative partnership between director Jon M. Chu, who helms the Wicked films, and the original Broadway creative team led by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. Together, they ensure that the timeless story of friendship, courage, and acceptance continues to resonate with new generations.
When and Where to Watch
- Broadcast Date: Thursday, November 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC
- Streaming: Available on Peacock starting November 7
- Movie Release: Wicked: For Good hits theaters on November 21
For fans eager to dive deeper into the world of Oz, PEOPLE Magazine has released an exclusive behind-the-scenes feature on the making of the film and the friendship between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
A Wicked Night to Remember
Wicked: One Wonderful Night isn’t just a promotional special — it’s a love letter to musical theater, reimagined for television audiences worldwide. With Ariana Grande’s enchanting vocals, Cynthia Erivo’s commanding stage presence, and the dazzling production that transports viewers straight to Emerald City, this event cements Wicked’s legacy as one of the most iconic musical tales ever told.
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