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"Wicked," released with enough green and pink merchandising to choke a horse, has been one of the rare musical extravaganzas to cross over from an audience of theater enthusiasts into the mainstream. Based on the popular Broadway musical starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth (which in turn was based on a Gregory Maguire novel of the same name), "Wicked" tells the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West from "The Wizard of Oz." Elphaba ends up becoming roommates with Glinda (Ariana Grande as the future good witch) while they're both studying magic at university. An unlikely friendship blossoms between the two total opposites -- until it's suddenly tested by the lure of the Wizard and his Emerald City. 

"Wicked" was a smash hit, earning over $700 million at the box office and 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Erivo), and Best Supporting Actress (Grande). It ultimately won...

Things get freaky for Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis in Disney‘s teaser trailer for Freakier Friday, the long-anticipated sequel to the acting duo’s 2003 comedy smash. The upcoming cinematic romp brings the bodyswap mechanic back with style as the switcharoo magic extends to other members of the Coleman family. In addition to the Freakier Friday teaser trailer, Disney dropped a new poster for the film featuring Lohan and Curtis in panic as chaos returns to haunt their best-laid plans.

In Freakier Friday, Lohan’s Anna has a daughter and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. They, too, get caught up in the switcharoo shenanigans, doubling the confusion and consequences of tampering with unknown forces.

The film also stars Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Rosalind Chao, Chad Michael Murray, Vanessa Bayer, and Mark Harmon.

Nisha Ganatra directs Freakier Friday, based on the book Freaky Friday by Mary Rodgers. Freakier Friday...

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Russian Doll is a mystery comedy-drama series created by Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland, and Amy Poehler. The Netflix series follows Nadia Vulvokov, a young woman who finds herself stuck in a time loop where she dies and relives the same night. She soon finds someone stuck in the same situation as her and teams up with them to solve this mystery and get out of the time loop. Russian Doll stars Natasha Lyonne, Greta Lee, Yul Vazquez, Elizabeth Ashley, Charlie Bartlett, and Chloë Sevigny. So, if you loved the mind-bending storyline, hilarious dark comedy, and compelling characters in Russian Doll, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Undone (Prime Video) Credit – Prime Video

Undone is an adult animated sci-fi fantasy psychological mystery comedy-drama series created by Kate Purdy and Raphael Bob-Waksberg. The Prime Video series follows Alma Winograd-Diaz,...

The Songwriters Hall of Fame will recognize Stephen Schwartz — the arranger and composer behind the music from “Wicked,” “Godspell” and “Pippin” — as the recipient of the 2025 Johnny Mercer Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala, slated for June 12 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

The Johnny Mercer Award is the most prestigious honor bestowed by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, is exclusively reserved for a songwriter or songwriting team who has already been inducted in a prior year and whose body of work is of “such high quality and impact that it upholds the gold standard set by the legendary Johnny Mercer,” per the Shof. Schwartz was first inducted into the Hall in 2009.

“With every lyric and melody, Stephen invites us on an unforgettable journey,” said Shof Chairman Nile Rodgers. “From his iconic list of award-winning musicals, including ‘Godspell’, ‘Wicked’ and ‘Pippin,’ Stephen...

Emmy and Tony Award-winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth has signed with UTA for representation in all areas, the agency announced on Tuesday.

Chenoweth is a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry whose career has spanned across film, television, voice-over, music, and theatre. Widely known for her Tony-nominated performance as the original Glinda the Good Witch in “Wicked,” Chenoweth has earned numerous awards for her work in the theatre, including a Tony Award for her role in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” and earning both an Outer Critics Choice Award and Drama Desk Award for her starring role in “On the Twentieth Century.”

Set to make its Broadway debut in the 2025-2026 season, “The Queen of Versailles” is the musical based on the award-winning 2012 documentary ”The Queen of Versailles” based on the life of beauty queen, socialite, and TV personality Jacqueline “Jackie” Siegel. Chenoweth is starring in and producing...

Kristin Chenoweth is officially returning to Broadway this year!

The Tony-winning actress will be teaming up with Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz again to star in his new musical The Queen of Versailles, which will open in Fall 2025 at the St. James Theatre in New York City.

Kristin previously led a record-breaking world premiere production of the musical in summer 2024 at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre.

“I’m beyond excited to return to Broadway and also make my Broadway producing debut with this incredible company,” Kristin said in a statement. “Stephen is a once in a generation songwriter and I’m so lucky we are able to reunite for this original musical, under the direction of the iconic Michael Arden to bring Lindsey Ferrentino’s captivating story to life.”

Keep reading to find out more…

The musical will begin performances on October 8, 2025 ahead of a red carpet celebration on Sunday, November...

Update, with venue, dates: Producers Bill Damaschke, Seaview, Sonia Friedman, and Kristin Chenoweth announced that The Queen of Versailles will play this fall at the St. James Theatre, beginning performances on October 8, with an official press opening on Monday, November 10.

This project reunites Chenoweth with songwriter Stephen Schwartz on Broadway for the first time since Wicked premiered in 2003. Prior to arriving on Broadway, The Queen of Versailles had a box office record-breaking world premiere at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre in the summer of 2024.

“I’m beyond excited to return to Broadway and also make my Broadway producing debut with this incredible company,” said Kristin Chenoweth. “Stephen is a once in a generation songwriter and I’m so lucky we are able to reunite for this original musical, under the direction of the iconic Michael Arden to bring Lindsey Ferrentino’s captivating story to life.”

July 29, 2024: The Queen of...

The Queen of Versailles musical, starring Kristin Chenoweth, will play the St. James Theatre this fall.

The show, based on TV personality Jacqueline “Jackie” Siegel, also stars F. Murray Abraham and features a score by Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz. The musical will start performances at the St. James on Oct. 8, with a red carpet event Nov. 9 and a press opening Nov. 10.

The book for the musical is written by Lindsey Ferrentino (Amy and the Orphans). Michael Arden (Parade) directs and Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant (Parade) are the choreographers.

The Queen of Versailles is produced by Bill Damaschke, Seaview, Sonia Friedman and Chenoweth. The show comes to Broadway after a run at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre

“I’m beyond excited to return to Broadway and also make my Broadway producing debut with this incredible company,” Chenoweth said. “Stephen is a once-in-a-generation songwriter and I’m so lucky we...

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Picture This is a British romantic comedy film directed by Prarthana Mohan from a screenplay by Nikita Lalwani. Based on the 2024 Australian film Five Blind Dates by Shawn Seet, the Prime Video film follows Pia, a young woman attending her sister’s engagement party, where she is told by a spiritual guru that she will find true love in the next five dates she goes on and during this time she will also find success in her photography career. Picture This stars Simone Ashley, Anoushka Chadha, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Luke Fetherston, Sindhu Vee, and Phil Dunster. So, if you loved the swoon-worthy love story, hilarious comedy, and memorable characters in Picture This, here are some similar movies you should check out next.

Five Blind Dates (Prime Video) Credit – Amazon Studios

Five Blind Dates is an Australian romantic comedy film directed by Shawn Seet,...

Kristin Chenoweth revealed what she is expecting to see from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo when they take the stage at the 2025 Oscars on Sunday (March 2).

The Wicked costars were announced as surprise performers this week, and details about what they have planned are shrouded in secrecy.

However, on Saturday (March 1), Kristin hopped online to joke about what was to come.

Keep reading to find out more…

On X (formerly Twitter), Kristin shared a video of herself lip syncing to Ariana and Cynthia‘s playful song about Wicked from an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2024.

“I’m a witch,” Cynthia sings, with Ariana adding, “And I’m a witch.”

“But which is which / Here’s the sitch / We were roommates back at school / Elfie’s awkward / Glinda’s cool,” they sang, trading off lines.

Kristin commented, “This is what I imagine Ari & Cynthia opening @TheAcademy...

Michelle Trachtenberg previously responded to concerns and critics regarding her health and appearance.

The Gossip Girl actress sadly passed away on Wednesday (February 26) at the age of 39, and new details are slowly becoming available, including a possible early cause involving her liver.

“Michelle u look sick. R u ok?” one user wrote in the comments section of a photo in January of 2024.

Keep reading to find out more…

“Explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment,” she responded.

The fan added they meant “no disrespect” and was just concerned.

“It has nothing to do with ur age,” the initial user replied, saying: “I just find that u look pale and sick. Sorry if I offended u it was not my [intention] ❤️.”

Another user asked her to “please get checked out...

Point Foundation (Point) is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students of merit. Point provides financial support, leadership training, mentoring and hope to LGBT individuals who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Point provides its scholars with the financial ability to attend the nation’s foremost higher educational institutions and its donors and mentors with the rare satisfaction of directly investing their resources and time in future generations of leaders.

How you can help

For more information about Point Foundation, please visit PointFoundation.org. Point Foundation is a 501 ©(3) organization.

Celebrity supporters

Point Foundation has 47 known supporters, including David Foster, Kristin Chenoweth, and Alan Cumming

Areas of work Civil RightsLGBT Support Read more about Point Foundation's work and celebrity supporters. Related articles Cherry Jones To Be Honored At AwardsJane Krakowski To Be Honored By Point FoundationBrittany Snow To...

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The Good Place is still one of the most captivating and brilliant comedy-drama series of recent times. Created by Michael Schur, the fantasy comedy series follows Eleanor Shellstrop, a recently deceased saleswoman who didn’t lead a good life when she was alive, but because of mistaken identity, she finds herself in a heaven-like afterlife and to stay there, she has to do everything and anything to hide her past from everyone. The Good Place stars Kristen Bell, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, D’Arcy Carden, Manny Jacinto, and Ted Danson. So, if you loved the hilarious comedy, relatable storylines, and compelling characters in The Good Place, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Upload (Prime Video) Credit – Prime Video

Upload is a sci-fi comedy-drama series created by Greg Daniels. The Prime Video series is set...

A potential Dolly Parton biopic has found its perfect lead. That is if the fans have anything to say about it. Dolly has been waiting on pins and needles for her Broadway show to debut but that has faced some hiccups. Now, Dolly could be played by a young talent in a future film but who is the main choice? Keep reading for more details.

Dolly Parton Biopic Has Found Perfect Lead

Country superstar, Dolly Parton has had a very colorful life and fans appreciate that about her. She came from very humble beginnings and has never forgotten that. No matter how much money or success she has, Dolly remains close to her roots and her family. She is also extremely philanthropic as well which has helped millions of children learn to love reading. Furthermore, Dolly has one of the most successful Hollywood marriages of all time. She and Carl Dean...

Kristin Chenoweth is opening up about a hotel room meeting that she had with a “very, very famous producer” in 1999 and how she saved herself from being harassed.

The beloved Wicked actress talked about the encounter during the latest episode of SiriusXM’s “Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa.”

Kristin says the moment happened right before she won the Tony Award for her performance in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown back in 1999. That award win helped launch her career, leading to her starring role in Broadway’s Wicked just a few years later.

“I went to meet with a very, very famous producer. I was on a movie right before I won the Tony for Charlie Brown. And I went to a very famous hotel room, you probably know where I’m going with this,” Kristin began.

Keep reading to find out more…

“So I show up,...

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Upload is a satirical sci-fi comedy-drama series created by Greg Daniels. The Prime Video series follows an app programmer named Nathan Brown, who dies under mysterious circumstances, and after his death, his consciousness is uploaded to a virtual reality world specially created for dead people. Upload delves deeply into the topic of death, but it never loses its touch of humor. Upload stars Robbie Amell, Andy Allo, Allegra Edwards, Zainab Johnson, Kevin Bigley, Andrea Rosen, Owen Daniels, and Josh Banday. So, if you loved the interesting concept, hilarious comedy, and compelling characters in Upload, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The Good Place Credit – NBC

The Good Place is a fantasy comedy series created by Michael Schur. The NBC series follows Eleanor, a recently deceased saleswoman who finds herself in a heaven-like afterlife, even...

Lin-Manuel Miranda is opening up about why he was ultimately not cast in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked.

Jon M. Chu directed the movie musical, the filmmaker Miranda had worked with on the film version of In The Heights in 2021.

“This has gotten blown away out of proportion,” Miranda told Stephen Colbert on The Late Show.

The CBS late-night talk show host joked, “And we’re going to continue to do that right now.”

Miranda explained, “In the opening number of the show, this one munchkin runs out and goes, ‘Is it true you were her friend?’ Because, man, I don’t know if you’ve seen a live production of Wicked, but sometimes they really put some sauce on the ball when they deliver that line.”

“It’s where the story starts,” Miranda continued. “So I was like, ‘I really wanted to do that line, Jon.

Jon M. Chu's musical "Wizard of Oz" riff "Wicked," based on the pop-u-lar Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, wasn't terribly well-reviewed in the pages of /Film, cited by this author as being a mushy mess, led by two weirdly dispassionate lead performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The review pondered why Chu, who ordinarily can make exciting, energetic musicals like "Step Up 3D" and "In the Heights," decided to let himself be upstaged by busy production design and dull, eternally retreaded fantasy mythology.

My review, however, is certainly the outlier on "Wicked." On January 23, Chu's film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress (for Erivo), Best Supporting Actress (for Grande), and Best Production Design. The film was also generally well-reviewed, earning an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 380 reviews). Most importantly, the massive cult of Broadway devotees flocked to see Chu's film version,...

What's your favorite season? Why, Awards, of course! Yes, the time has come yet again for everyone to treat movies like sports. Who will win? Who will lose? We'll find out when the 97th Academy Awards are held on March 2, 2025! For now, though, we have the full list of Best Picture nominees to grapple with. As always, there are snubs and surprises, and I'm sure everyone has an opinion about what landed a nom and what got overlooked. For the purposes of this post, though, we're only looking at what we've been given: ten films from the year 2024. In the spirit of the season, we're ranking all ten Best Picture nominees from worst to best.

Read more: The 19 Greatest Movie Couples Of All Time Ranked

10. Emilia Pérez

If you've seen the viral clip of the song "La Vaginoplastia" making the rounds on social media, you already know that no other...

Despite having the second-best showing for a film overall, Wicked director Jon M. Chu was shut out of the best director category for the 2025 Oscars.

The beloved stage musical turned beloved box office hit managed to snag 10 nominations at Thursday’s announcement ceremony, hosted by Wicked’s own Bowen Yang and comedian Rachel Sennott. Wicked has been nominated for best picture, actress in a leading role and actress in a supporting role for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, respectively.

The film also raked in a slew of crafts nominations including production design, sound, visual effects, costume design, editing and hair and makeup styling. However, Chu was not the film’s only snub. The film’s writers, stage musical book writer Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, were also shut out of the adapted screenplay category. Chu, Holzman and Fox did not receive any Golden Globes nominations for their respective categories.

Chu,...

If you care to find Wicked, look to the 2025 Oscars. The NBCUniversal critical and box office smash scored 10 nominations, the second most of the year alongside The Brutalist.

Wicked’s witches of Oz both earned acting nods. Cynthia Erivo was nominated for lead actress in a leading role for Elphaba, meanwhile Ariana Grande was nominated in the supporting actress category for Glinda/Galinda. The film also slid into one of the 10 best picture spots. As expected, the film had a massive showing in the crafts categories. Wicked earned nominations in production design, sound, visual effects, costume design, editing and hair and makeup styling.

Similar to the Golden Globes, despite an overall strong showing for the film, helmer John M. Chu and the film’s writers were shut out from the directing and writing categories. Wicked, whose soundtrack managed to debut No. 2 on the Billboard 200 last year, was not eligible for...

Ten top actors are vying for SAG Awards in the lead performance categories.

The nominees for best performance by a male actor in a leading role are Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, Daniel Craig, Colman Domingo and Ralph Fiennes.

Vying for best female actor in a leading role are Pamela Anderson, Cynthia Erivo, Karla Sofía Gascón, Mikey Madison and Demi Moore.

The winners will be announced at the 31st annual SAG Awards ceremony, which is set for Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall. The event will be streamed live on Netflix at 8 p.m. Et/5 p.m. Pt.

Read below to see what The Hollywood Reporter’s critics say about their performances.

Pamela Anderson, The Last Showgirl

If the breathy Marilyn voice and constant, nervous verbal diarrhea wear thin at times, Anderson’s transformative performance is undeniably affecting, offering illuminating insights into both the character and the actress playing her,...

The 2024 adaptation of Wicked presented something odd: characters pronounce Glinda's name as "Galinda." Wicked was one of the year's top critically acclaimed movies, bringing with it a built-in fanbase of those who already know and love the Broadway musical. That musical, and the original book it's based on by Gregory Maguire, is beloved for many reasons, but none more than the sister-like bond between protagonist Elphaba and the deuteragonist Glinda.

The story explores their paths: how Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo in the movie) becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, while her best friend, Glinda (Ariana Grande), becomes Glinda the Good. In reality, it's just as much Glinda's story as it is Elphaba's. While the green-skinned witch undergoes a huge transformation as a freedom fighter in Wicked's narrative, Glinda also undergoes a profound evolution. That evolution is underscored by one big decision Glinda makes for herself partway through the...

Since her dazzling introduction to audiences all across the world in the 1953 animated classic Peter Pan, the feisty and hot-headed fairy Tinker Bell has become the unofficial mascot of Disney and is one of the studio's most instantly recognizable characters, even being warmly regarded as "a symbol of 'the magic of Disney.'" In 2008, the lovable Hollywood legend was given her very own film franchise with the Disney Fairies series, with each of the six installments being produced by DisneyToon Studios between 2008 and 2015.

The enchanting franchise serves as both a prequel and spin-off to Peter Pan and throughout its impressive run went on to gross $493 million worldwide against a $120-$140 million budget, with four of its six entries receiving a theatrical release. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast led by Mae Whitman, Lucy Liu, Angelica Huston, and Raven-Symoné, the series charmed and entertained audiences with its spunky heroine and immersive storylines...

While Ariana Grande has iconically made Wicked’s Glinda her own, she went through a long audition process and had to compete against many other seasoned performers to get the role. Stephen Schwartz’s affecting music and lyrics have made the story the second-highest-grossing musical of all time and turned the Wicked characters of Glinda and Elphaba into beloved pop culture icons. Naturally, the Good Witch of the South represented a dream career challenge for many actresses, having been set as one of those impossible-to-repeat roles in Kristin Chenoweth’s immortal 2003 performance.

Reviews for Wicked have shown no shortage of praise for Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s fantastic characterization — especially in Wicked’s powerful ending — making it feel like they were born to bring these characters to the big screen. Clearly, the talented artists weren’t the only ones considered for a part in Wicked, as the movie’s...

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Wicked, the 2024 movie and the Broadway musical.Wicked is a story about corrupt governments, discrimination, and propaganda, but it is also largely the story of the friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, beginning long before Dorothy arrives in Oz. The narrative started out as Gregory Maguire's novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which positions Elphaba Thropp as the main character and Galinda Upland as her unlikely and ironic friend. The Wicked book was greatly changed when it was adapted for Broadway, including the friendship being brought to the forefront.

In 2024, Wicked was revitalized with a movie adaptation, based on the show rather than the book. The Wicked cast is stunningly led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera as Elphaba and Galinda/Glinda, respectively. With amazing individual performances and larger-than-life chemistry,...

Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, but the musical features several characters who don’t appear in the original story such as Fiyero. The narrative takes place several years before The Wizard of Oz, following Elphaba during her time at Shiz University, where she’s invited to the Emerald City for an audience with the infamous Wizard. Although it’s unclear exactly where the Wicked movies will split up the Broadway story, the first part will surely focus closely on Elphaba’s time at the university - and Fiyero is a key player in this segment of the narrative.

Fiyero is among several characters who are never mentioned by name in The Wizard of Oz, but he plays an enormous role in the story nevertheless. Like many of the characters in Wicked, Fiyero’s fate ties neatly into the original text and adds a whole new dimension...

Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth's surprise appearances in Wicked were a delight, especially since their roles were the perfect way to honor their legacies. These stars originated the roles of Elphaba and Galinda on Broadway, so it was only fitting that they made an appearance in the 2024 movie adaptation. Of course, director Jon M. Chu could have approached this in any number of ways. Menzel and Chenoweth could simply have appeared in the background of a scene or served as educators at Shiz. However, such options wouldn't have done their legacies with Wicked justice.

The Wicked musical debuted on Broadway in 2003 and is now the longest-running show on this iconic New York street. In the last two decades, Elphaba and Galinda's story has made it all around the world, with dozens of talented performers bringing their own twist to the beloved roles. Now, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have...

Ariana Grande has shared information about a new, important song that was made for her Glinda character in the upcoming movie Wicked: For Good. Grande recently spoke with Variety’s Awards Circuit show about how composer Stephen Schwartz has written a new piece for the sequel, which is scheduled to release on November 21. This song will bring to light an important moment in Glinda’s character growth.

Grande said, “It’s a turning point in Glinda’s journey.” “This change takes place offstage in the stage show.” But in the movie, we see her make the choice that makes her who she is. Grande was thrilled to be the first person to play this new song.

Grande put in a lot of work to prepare for her role as Glinda. She went through a lot of vocal training to learn how to sing the soprano parts of the character. “Musical...

Ariana Grande is stepping into a role that’s been a lifelong dream for her: Glinda the Good Witch in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked. In a conversation during the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, the pop star turned actress shared her journey of preparation, the emotional weight of the role, and her future plans in both music and acting.

Grande’s connection to Wicked runs deep. She first fell in love with the musical as a child after seeing the original Broadway production, where Kristin Chenoweth’s portrayal of Glinda left a lasting impression. “It’s surreal to think I’m stepping into these shoes—ones I’ve idolized since I was a kid,” Grande said, calling the role “the honor of my life.”

But playing Glinda isn’t just about sparkling gowns and high notes. Grande described the process as deeply emotional and transformative. “I started acting lessons...

It’s the end of an era at Today. The Jan. 10 broadcast marked the last for co-anchor Hoda Kotb, who Is departing NBC’s flagship morning news program after more than 17 years.

The celebration — or rather, “Hoda-bration” — began during Today’s 8 am hour, when Kotb was joined by Al Roker, Carson Daly, Craig Melvin and longtime co-anchor, Savannah Guthrie.

More from TVLineEvery New Scripted Show Confirmed to Premiere in 2025 — Save the Dates!Daytime TV’s Big Moves: What’s New, What’s Changing and What’s CancelledLeslie Charleson, General Hospital's Dr. Monica Quartermaine, Dead at 79

“When we thought about how best to celebrate you,...

The Wicked phenomenon continues to touch hearts in extraordinary ways, even after the film garnered an abundance of critical and audience acclaim. During a Q&a session at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in Wicked, shared a deeply thoughtful response to what it feels like to be part of a cultural phenomenon. She also revealed the touching ways original Broadway stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel have shown their support. When asked about the enduring resonance of Wicked, Erivo reflected on the musical's timeless themes.

Wicked surpassed all expectations with its record-breaking commercial success and astounding critical acclaim but also surprised with the quality of singular moments within its nearly three-hour runtime. When the focus of the story is the friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Galinda (Ariana Grande-Butera), the moment where they become friends needs to be executed perfectly — but arguably hasn't before now. The dynamic between the future Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good is initially hostile, as their polar-opposite personalities and worldviews clash when they are forced to room together at Oz's Shiz University.

Wicked has gone from a book to a stage musical to a movie, the narrative shifting with each iteration. Jon M. Chu's Wicked is primarily based on the Broadway musical rather than Gregory Maguire's Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West; therefore, Wicked makes many changes to the book.

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The West Wing was quietly removed from Max during the final days of 2024, meaning bingers were left scrambling for how to finish watching the series online in the new year.

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Ariana Grande has been in the game of superstardom since she was a child. The multifaceted performer has gained numerous fandoms thanks to her talents for both singing and acting. Most recently, she blended both for her role in Jon M. Chu’s box-office-smashing adaptation of the musical Wicked. A fan from the start, Grande’s journey to play the character who would become known as Glinda the Good started early. Like many of us theater nerds, she memorized all the lines, lyrics, and choreography and was even lucky enough to snap a photo with Og cast member Kristin Chenoweth when hanging out at the stage door.

Exclusive: Bond Group Entertainment, Linden Productions, 51 Entertainment and Seaview have acquired rights to Eliza Kennedy’s Lucky Night ahead of its anticipated March 25, 2025 sale date from Crown Publishing Group. Kennedy will adopt the novel as an original play.

Lucky Night is centered on Nick Holloway and Jenny Parrish, who will finally spend their first night together after maintaining an ongoing six-year affair. Expectations are running high for this brief reprieve from ordinary life, where they both need a good bout of ravishing sex and witty conversation. But of course, that’s not what they get. As they barely get settled in a new luxury Manhattan hotel, a smoke alarm goes off. The reality of their situation becomes apparent, and all their secrets, evasions and regrets come spilling out. Stripped of their defenses, Nick and Jenny are forced to be honest — with each other and themselves— about what they want,...

With the start of a new year comes new episodes of your favorite TV shows. Today, HGTV has announced the impending Season 9 arrival of its fan-favorite series, Celebrity Iou, along with a shot of one of this season’s notable guests in action with hosts Drew and Jonathan Scott. Over eight installments, the twin brothers have paired with names like Kristin Chenoweth, Emma Roberts, Danny Trejo, and more to aid the A-list stars in repaying their debts of gratitude to those who have always supported their dreams. This year, the lineup of familiar faces will be bigger than ever with Courteney Cox (the Scream franchise), Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks), Rob Lowe (The Outsiders), Andy Garcia (Father of the Bride), Goldie Hawn (Death Becomes Her) and Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program) prepared to swing a hammer and get to work alongside the Scott brothers. Eager fans will want to mark...

2024 was a huge year for Ariana Grande due to her role in the Wicked movie, but unfortunately, her musical endeavors were not as appreciated. Since seeing Wicked on Broadway when she was only 10-years-old and meeting Kristin Chenoweth backstage, Grande dreamed of playing Glinda Upland. She'd spoken about it in past interviews, but her successful music career seemed to be her top priority at the time. However, when it was time to cast the Wicked movie, Grande didn't hesitate to put her pop star persona on hold to achieve her childhood dream.

However, the "7 Rings" singer wasn't ready to abandon her pop music career entirely. On March 8th, 2024, nearly four years after "Positions," Grande released her follow-up album, Eternal Sunshine. Despite music not being her main focus this time around, the album debuted at #1 on Billboard 200, and two of its three singles, "Yes and?" and "We Can't Be Friends (Wait...

“Follow the Yellow Brick Road” isn’t stopping anytime soon.

That’s because at the Golden Globe Awards Red Carpet Pre-Show at the Beverly Hilton, Ariana Grande donned an unworn vintage 1966 Givenchy Haute Couture dress. Grande told Marc Malkin, Variety‘s Senior Culture & Events Editor, that the dress’ color is inspired by the iconic song from “The Wizard of Oz,” the 1939 musical for which “Wicked” serves as a prequel.

“It’s yellow because of ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road,'” Grande explains. “It’s one of Glinda’s favorite colors and here we are.”

The pale yellow silk dress with a hand-beaded bodice was purchased from Rita Watnick-lily et Cie and came from the collection of an “old school studio head’s wife,” according to Watnick.

Original sketch for the Givenchy gown

“Wicked” is nominated for four Golden Globes, including Grande for Best Supporting Actress, Cynthia Erivo for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy,...

While the Wicked movie is an overall faith adaptation of the Broadway musical, the movie does make several effective changes. This faithfulness is one of the prominent reasons for Wicked's positive reviews, with director Jon M. Chu, stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera, and the entire cast and crew demonstrating significant respect and enthusiasm for the stage musical in their adaptation. This includes every Wicked song from the first act of the musical being featured in the movie.

Nevertheless, some changes were inevitable given the intrinsic differences in the artistic mediums of a stage musical and a feature-length movie. One of the most noticeable changes is the pacing of the songs, with "Defying Gravity" and other songs becoming much longer. Other changes were creative choices, nearly all of which enhanced the narrative, and helped set up Wicked: For Good's story ahead of its highly anticipated 2025 release.

Elphaba Is...

Kristin Chenoweth has gone viral for a hilarious gaffe that was made in her New Year’s resolution video.

The Tony and Emmy-winning actress was part of a montage of celebrities revealing their resolutions on CNN’s New Year’s Eve special. Her clip is the one going viral!

Keep reading to find out more…

“My New Year’s resolution is to not have any more coke,” she said. Kristin realized what she said just seconds later and added, “Coca-cola!!!”

Kristin shared the video on Instagram and said, “Had to embarrass myself on television one last time in 2024… Happy New Year!

Exclusive: Jon M. Chu learned to use his power in the right way — just as Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba does in Wicked.

Chu says that after 15 years working with studios he knew “how the machine works” because otherwise, he says, it’s very easy to get “overwhelmed by the pressures of fans, by the pressure of the studio, by spending money, by pressures of people who originated the parts …so I already have a sort of resilience to that.”

He says that he knew with Wicked that he “had to follow my instincts, and I knew how to manipulate the studio to get the right money, to get the right resources.”

After all, he asserts, “I’m protecting them in my mind. You have gold in your hands. This is an IP that’s never been out onto the screen…”

Chu claps his hands and reveals the pitch he made to top executives at Universal.

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager ‘s 2025 New Year’s Eve special, A Toast to 2024!, is airing in just a few hours, and we have the full celebrity guest lineup here for you to see!

Lots of stars will be stopping by including The Voice‘s Reba McEntire and Snoop Dogg, and Lopez vs. Lopez‘s George Lopez.

The special kicks off on NBC at 9pm Et and runs for 2 hours!

Keep reading to find out more…

A Toast to 2024! Celebrity Guests:

Reba McEntire

Snoop Dogg

James Acaster

Andrea Canning

Kristin Chenoweth

Dylan Dreyer

Tokala Black Elk & Rex Linn

Belissa Escobedo & Pablo Castelblanco

Fortune Feimster

Willie Geist

David Alan Grier

Lester Holt

Stephanie Hsu

Matt Iseman

Kenny Jary

Carson Kressley

Adam Lambert

Preacher Lawson

Tom Llamas

George Lopez

Mayan Lopez

Loni Love

Howie Mandel

Chris Mann

Melissa Peterman

Joel McHale

Wendi McLendon-Covey

Craig Melvin

Keith Morrison & Josh Mankiewicz

Al Roker...

Stephen Schwartz will see you now. The worthier wizard of “Wicked” is the one who wrote one of Broadway’s all-time top song scores and now, a little over two decades later, has overseen the transition of that music into a film that is almost certainly on the fast track for Best Picture contention. He is not the only veteran of the seminal Broadway team on board for the music, either, as the soundtrack finds him rejoined by the stage production’s original arranger and music supervisor, Stephen Oremus.

It’s a world-class Team of Stephens. Beyond having been the primary instigator behind turning “Wicked” into a stage musical (drawn from Gregory Maguire’s book), Schwartz is renowned for winning six Tonys and three Oscars as the composer and/or lyricist of the shows “Pippin” and “Godspell” and films like “Enchanted.” Oremus, meanwhile, is a Tony winner for his orchestrations...

For as long as we can remember, people have been gathering on Dec. 31 to say out with the old and in with the new, toasting in the start of another year with friends and loved ones. Of course, while many people like to go out and party, others like to stay home and watch the festivities from the comfort and safety of their living rooms. This year, there's no shortage of specials you can stream and watch while dining on wine and cheese, and we've compiled a list of some of the best the networks have to offer, which are also being streamed on the likes of Max, Paramount+, and Hulu.

Kicking things off is Dick Clark's New Year’s Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest. Coverage for the annual celebration begins at 8 p.m. Et on ABC, and – in addition to Seacrest – also features Rita Ora, Dayanara Torres co-hosting from Puerto Rico,...

Just like Galinda dropping the precious "a" from her name, Stephen Schwartz knows that sometimes, things need to be cut for the greater good. In the case of musical writing, that meant that certain ideas he really loved never found their way into the original production of Wicked. Now, he has a second chance.

Norbert Leo Butz is paying it back to Jonathan Bailey thanks to a Christmas gift!

The 57-year-old actor took to Instagram to show off a new t-shirt he received as a present from a family member, featuring the Wicked movie star’s face.

If you didn’t know, Norbert originated the role of Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway, while Jonathan, of course, brought the character to life in the new movie musical adaptation!

“Hey @jbayleaf look what my amazing niece got me for Christmas! Thanks @_btru656_ Ya’ll I’m wearing Fiyero for the Holidays! @wickedmovie @wicked_musical,” he captioned the post.

Keep reading to find out more…

Norbert‘s Wicked co-star Kristin Chenoweth commented a heart on the post, while Stephanie J Block, who played Elphaba in the first National Broadway Tour and on Broadway, wrote, “Amazing gift!!!”

Norbert‘s new shirt comes over a month after Jonathan wore...

Matthew Morrison is best known for his role as Will Schuester on Glee.

Charities & foundations supported

Matthew Morrison has supported the following charities:

American Foundation for Equal RightsCity of HopeEducation Through Music, New YorkElton John AIDS FoundationGLSENHole in the Wall GangIt Gets Better ProjectMotion Picture and Television Fund FoundationSave The Music FoundationSoles4SoulsSt. Francis Food Pantries and SheltersThe Art of ElysiumThe Trevor ProjectUNICEF Read more about Matthew Morrison's charity work and events. Related articles Kristin Chenoweth Brings Broadway To The Boathouse For CharityCelebrities Help The Environment At The Tony AwardsCelebrity Guests Pay Tribute To Rocky Horror For CharityJustin Bieber Releases Charity Album And Makes Anti-Bullying VideoDarren Criss Busy With Charity Shows

Find out more about contacting a celebrity →

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Kristin Chenoweth wrapped up her Christmas celebration by sitting in front of the fireplace with husband Josh Bryant and singing an emotional tune for her followers.

The Tony and Emmy-winning actress wrote on Twitter, “A Christmas Lullaby to end the day ❄️❤️ Hope you all had a lovely holiday with your families! Love, Kc, Josh, & Thunder.”

“Christmas Lullaby” is a song featured on Kristin‘s holiday album Happiness is… Christmas! and it has previously been covered by Barbra Streisand.

Kristin just wrapped up a busy holiday season that began with the release of her movies Wicked and Our Little Secret, followed by a holiday concert tour.

In Los Angeles, Kristin performed a show at the LA Opera’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, where the Wicked movie actually had its U.S. premiere back in November. She performed a bunch of holiday hits like “O Holy Night” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?...

If two hours and 40 minutes of musical fun weren’t enough to satisfy your “Wicked” cravings, you’re not alone. Jon M. Chu’s blockbuster adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical has become a cultural phenomenon this holiday season, sparking repeat viewings from many former theatre kids and newcomers alike. The saga will conclude with “Wicked: For Good,” which is set to open in theaters on November 21, 2025. But if that’s too long to wait to see more of Ariana Grande’s Glinda and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba in action, IndieWire can exclusively debut a deleted scene from the first film.

Before they meet the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) or find themselves receiving a musical history lesson from Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel (who the characters would have no way of knowing once played them in a Broadway production), the two Shiz students spend a day exploring the famed Emerald City.