‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’: 9 Things You Didn’t See on TV, Including Multiple Takes of ‘Defying Gravity’

Wicked: One Wonderful Night — 9 Things You Didn’t See on TV

During the taping of Wicked: One Wonderful Night at the Dolby Theatre, viewers on television missed several behind-the-scenes moments that brought extra magic to the event. The live recording took place on September 24 before an enthusiastic audience of fans dressed in emerald hues.

Oz may have told us to pay no attention to the man behind the curtain, but at the Dolby Theatre taping of “Wicked: One Wonderful Night,” audiences were treated to a rare peek at the magic behind the scenes.

The broadcast captured key highlights — including a standout duet of the Judy Garland–Barbra Streisand classic “Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy,” performed by film stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Yet many charming off-camera touches didn’t make it into the final version.

Moments You Didn’t See

Before filming began, the audience participated in a short dance rehearsal for the opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked.”
Those seated in the orchestra section received faux tulips and practiced a flower choreography timed to Ariana Grande’s entrance as Glinda.
Several full musical sequences and scene transitions were filmed out of order to achieve seamless edits in the final cut.

The night blended live performance energy with careful production design, giving both performers and fans a shared glimpse into the artistry of bringing Wicked to the screen.

Author’s Summary

The Dolby Theatre event revealed how audience interaction, multiple takes, and clever stagecraft shaped the unseen magic of Wicked: One Wonderful Night.

Variety — 2025-11-07