Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth had every reason to bring smiles this morning (October 24) for their segment on “Today.” Besides complementing each other vocally on countless occasions, and providing beautiful contrast in being lovely in blonde and brunette, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth share fond memories of sharing the Broadway stage in “Wicked." “Wicked” has been performed in 15 countries, before a global audience of 55 million, even with the sweeping success of “Frozen.” The musical that pushes for the good, more than it pits good against evil, still leaves people of all ages singing its unforgettable songs.

Broadway director Michael Arden is paying it forward as well.

NBC is creating its own celebration of “Wicked,” as a perfect Halloween treat, and for the special, set to air Monday, October 29, these starring ladies aren't set to carry the whole show. There is an all-star lineup of musical heavy hitters who will join them in singing, and sharing their own personal memories of how “Wicked” cast its spell on their lives. The wonderful success of “Wicked” brought light to Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth and made the show a classic Broadway mainstay. The two massive talents traded their favorite memories and had some trivia fun while the production went on with its preparation.

Green and showering good words

Idina Menzel looked more marvelous in green than any performer ever to take the stage when she stole hearts as Elphaba, the wicked witch of the West. The performance garnered Menzel a Tony award, but the standout star could not say enough good things about seeing her co-star, Chenoweth. Idina was captivated by the way that Kristin “sort of sculpted the whole thing” within her wildly ambitious character.

“It was seeing a comic genius, not afraid to take any risks,” praises Menzel.

Kristin Chenoweth credits Idina Menzel's levitating delivery of “Defying Gravity” in “Wicked” as “one of the top five moments in all of the American musical theatre.” “Come on, now!” the Oklahoma native encouraged as Idina Menzel described the feeling of rising above her audience and cast.

“It doesn't matter what the critics say,” stressed Chenoweth, “Nobody forgets that moment,” and millions of children, and those much older than children, certainly agree.

Idina Menzel became the voice of Elsa in “Frozen,” and surely will savor some green, of the monetary form, when she joins Josh Groban on tour in Atlanta on Thursday (October 25). Kristin Chenoweth is the founder of the non-profit Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Boot Camp, which reaches out to disadvantaged youth with real, professional-grade training to allow their dreams to blossom. The actress earned an Emmy for “Pushing Daisies,” and recently completed “Trial and Error” Season 2 on NBC. She is as comfortable on the stage as she is with a TV script, and has recorded several albums that echo with her love of music.

A keepsake here and there

Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel believe in the power of a hot, steaming shower to warm up the vocal cords before a show. Chenoweth's mantle of recognition in her industry doesn't keep this believer from always being grateful, but that doesn't mean she can't sneak a special keepsake from “Wicked” for her very own. “I cannot confirm or deny that there might be a version of a wand somewhere,” divulged Chenoweth playfully, before relating that the wand used by Menzel is already at the Smithsonian, and hers is just “in a box.”

Ariana Grande, Pentatonix, which kicked off a 2016 world tour, and Adam Lambert, will be among those who sing with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in honor of “Wicked." These incredible talents have each forged a trail of success since “Wicked,” and seem destined only to leave a legacy of good.
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