Role and casting context
In 2013, Ariana Grande joined the Broadway company of Wicked as Glinda, the Good Witch, after originating the role of Charlotte in the musical adaptation of Legally Blonde on Broadway. Her casting was part of a planned rotation that included shows at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco as developmental previews before a move to Broadway. This profile explains what she performed, how her version of Glinda was staged, and where to find authoritative show records.
Notable performances and repertoire
Act I highlights
Grande's Glinda in Act I included "Popular," delivered as a signature crowd-pleaser, and the trio "One Short Day" with Elphaba and Nessarose. She also performed "What Is This Feeling?" and contributed to Act I's closing ensemble "Thank Goodness." These numbers are core to the show's book and remain central in standard Wicked productions.
Act II and major show moments
In Act II, Grande's Glinda performed "For Good," the pivotal duet with Elphaba, as well as "I'm Not That Girl" and the Act II closer "As Long As You're Mine," a signature ballad for the Fiyero–Glinda relationship. She also participated in Act II's large-scale scenes, including the Emerald City procession and the farewell sequence.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Glinda (replacement and rotation, 2013–2014) | Playbill, IBDB |
| Theater(s) | Gershwin Theatre, Broadway (also Curran Theatre for previews) | IBDB, official producers' announcements |
| Notable songs | Popular, For Good, As Long As You're Mine, One Short Day, Thank Goodness | Show script, official cast recordings |
| Recorded performance | Wicked: 10th Anniversary Special Edition (alternate track with Kendra Kassebaum as Glinda) | Official cast recording notes |
| Run and dates | Previews and limited rotation in 2013–2014; exact dates vary by source | Playbill archives, IBDB |
Context within Wicked's casting structure
Wicked operates with an ensemble and understudy system that allows multiple performers to share roles across shows and runs. Grande joined a planned rotation that included other actresses in the Glinda role, with limited-run previews preceding the Broadway opening. Her involvement was announced as part of a developmental preview series rather than an immediate Broadway launch, and her performances were recorded as part of the official cast documentation.
Where to find official performance records
For authoritative details on casts, dates, and recordings, consult the following reliable sources: the official Wicked website, the Broadway League’s IBDB page for Wicked, program notes from the Gershwin Theatre, and the liner notes of the Wicked 10th Anniversary Special Edition cast recording. These sources provide verifiable information on performers, track listings, and production timelines.
Audience reception and legacy context
Grande's Glinda was well-received for vocal clarity, pitch control, and presence in numbers like "Popular" and "For Good." Reviews from the preview and Broadway period note her solid musical theatre technique and strong stage picture. While her time in the role was limited to the preview and early rotation window, this period is documented in cast recordings and playgoing accounts that remain accessible for fans exploring the show's history.
Frequently asked questions
- Which character did Ariana Grande play in Wicked? She played Glinda, the Good Witch, in the Broadway production as part of a rotation and replacement pattern in 2013–2014.
- Did Ariana Grande record songs from Wicked? She recorded tracks such as "Popular," "For Good," and "As Long As You're Mine" for the official cast recordings; select alternate recordings appear on the 10th Anniversary Special Edition.
- When did Ariana Grande perform in Wicked on Broadway? Her performances occurred primarily during 2013 in previews and early rotation shows; exact performance dates are documented in IBDB and Playbill archives.
- Where can I verify her role and shows? Check the Broadway League’s IBDB page for Wicked, the official show website, and the Gershwin Theatre program archives.