Pop icon and actress Ariana Grande had an emotional reunion with her former 13: The Musical Broadway costars Allie Trimm and Aaron Simon Gross, nearly two decades after the trio first shared the stage together. The nostalgic meet-up took place in New York City during a special industry screening of Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2024 Wicked movie, in which Grande stars as Glinda the Good Witch.

A Heartwarming Reunion at the Wicked: For Good Screening

On Monday, October 27, 2025, Grande embraced her longtime friends and 13 alums, sharing heartfelt hugs and smiles as they celebrated their shared Broadway beginnings. The event, attended by members of the Wicked Broadway and touring casts, was a celebration of the beloved musical’s enduring legacy and the community it continues to inspire.

Grande, now 32, was radiant in a soft pastel ensemble that paid homage to her character Glinda. Allie Trimm, currently starring as Glinda on Broadway, added a playful touch with Elphaba-green attire — a nod to the show’s signature color. When the two reunited, they shared a genuine, tearful embrace before waving over Aaron Simon Gross, completing the 13 reunion fans never expected to see again.

From 13: The Musical to Global Stardom

The original 2008 Broadway production of 13: The Musical, written by Jason Robert Brown, featured an all-teen cast and band — the first and only of its kind on Broadway. Though it ran for only 105 performances, it became a cult favorite, launching the careers of several stars including Grande, Trimm, Gross, and The Good Wife’s Graham Phillips.

Grande, then just 15, played cheerleader Charlotte while building the early foundation for her multifaceted career that would later span pop superstardom, television fame on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, and major motion pictures like Wicked. Gross and Grande’s friendship began even earlier in Boca Raton, Florida, where both performed in youth theater before landing on Broadway.

Wicked: For Good Honors the Broadway Legacy

The special screening of Wicked: For Good brought together Broadway legends and newcomers alike. Director Jon M. Chu, who helmed both parts of the Wicked film adaptation, opened the evening with gratitude for the original creative team — including composer Stephen Schwartz, writer Winnie Holzman, and producer Marc Platt.

Grande addressed the audience with heartfelt words:

“This was made with so much love and respect for all of you who perform Wicked eight shows a week. We share this with you — it’s an honor to be here and to celebrate what this show means to all of us.”

A surprise video message from Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba, echoed Grande’s sentiments.

“This film is our offering to everyone who has kept this story alive on stage for years,” Erivo said. “We hope you feel as proud of it as we do.”

The Legacy of 13: The Musical

Though short-lived, 13’s impact remains strong. Songs like “A Little More Homework,” “What It Means to Be a Friend,” and “Brand New You” became fan favorites thanks to the cast recording. The show continues to be performed by high schools nationwide, preserving its message of friendship and growing up. In 2022, Netflix revived the story with a film adaptation starring Eli Golden, Josh Peck, and Debra Messing — a tribute that rekindled interest in the original cast.

Ariana Grande’s Return to Her Broadway Roots

Grande’s reunion with Trimm and Gross at the Wicked: For Good screening wasn’t just a nostalgic moment — it was a full-circle celebration of her Broadway beginnings and artistic evolution. From 13 to Wicked, her journey underscores a deep respect for musical theater and the friendships that helped shape her path.

Fans eager to see Grande’s performance as Glinda won’t have to wait much longer. Wicked: For Good hits theaters on November 21, 2025, promising more magic, heart, and the timeless message that “everyone deserves the chance to fly.”

Tickets for the Broadway production of Wicked are currently on sale at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City.