by: Dayna Devon , Christine Samra Posted: Jun 11, 2024 / 12:28 PM PDT Updated: Jun 11, 2024 / 12:41 PM PDT Before Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took on the roles of Glinda and Elphaba in the film “Wicked,” there was Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel. The two Broadway legends were the Broadway musical’s original stars when it debuted a little over 20 years ago. Now that the production’s theatrical release is due out in theaters later this year, will it feature the original leading ladies? “If I tell you I have to kill you,” she said with a straight face to KTLA 5’s Dayna Devon.
When it comes to the movie, Menzel is happy to see Erivo take on the role as the misunderstood witch. “Nothing makes me happier to be able to pass the baton to her because she’s going to do such special things with it and really find new, amazing heights and enrich the character in ways that I wouldn’t have been able to do because I’m not her,” she explained. She revealed that both she and Chenoweth have “a real sense of pride” over their former roles.
“It’s lasted so long and has really touched people for all of these years. So it’s actually a really beautiful thing.” While she has nostalgia for the production, Menzel is booked and busy.
She is hitting the road this summer for a brand new tour called “Take Me or Leave Me” where she’ll perform her own songs as well as fan favorites from ‘Wicked” and “Frozen.” Believe it or not, Menzel doesn’t get ti.
