SEATTLE — If you haven't heard, the Broadway sensation "Wicked" is currently enchanting audiences at Seattle's Paramount Theatre. With the highly anticipated movie adaptation starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo hitting theaters soon, there's no better time to experience the magic live on stage.
The portrayals of Lauren Samuels as Elphaba and Austen Daniel Bohmer as Glinda bring depth and nuance to these beloved and iconic characters. The two actors stopped by New Day Northwest to chat about the show and its impact on their lives.
"I remember first seeing this show when Idina Menzel actually opened it in London, in the West End after she'd done her Broadway run," Samuels said. "I remember turning to my friend and saying, 'One day, please let me be green. Please, let me be green!'"
Bohmer, who brings the bubbly Glinda to life, talked about the surprise and joy of stepping into such an iconic role.
"I never imagined I would play Glinda. It's not something that I had in my mind," Bohmer said. "But as a little girl, I did see the show, and I was so captivated by it. When the opportunity came across my path, I was like, 'My god, I never imagined I would get to do this.'"
"Wicked" has been captivating audiences for 21 years, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful story and stunning production. The show's themes of friendship, acceptance, and the complexity of good and evil resonate just as strongly today as they did when it first premiered.
"There's a lot going on in the story that is still relevant today, that it was 21 years ago," Samuels said. "There are a lot of deeper, sort of moral, political, human things that you can engage with if you so choose, but you don't have to. There's also plenty on the surface to really fill you up."
Ever wondered how Elphaba gets her iconic green look? Samuels revealed that it takes 30 minutes of meticulous painting with actual paint brushes to transform into the Wicked Witch.
"People think it's going to be a lot more glamorous than it is, but it is just paint," she said. "I am just painted green with actual paint brushes that you would paint a canvas with."
Both Samuels and Bohmer also shared how they protect their voices, emphasizing the importance of rest, meditation, and staying quiet offstage.
"We spend a lot of time meditating and doing yoga and reading and being quiet," Bohmer said. "In Seattle, we're living together, and we just walk around the house and sort of mime to each other."
With the movie adaptation of "Wicked" on the horizon, the excitement is palpable. The cast is eagerly anticipating seeing the film together in Seattle, making it a special moment for everyone involved.
"It feels like a really special time to be playing this role," Samuels said. "I'm really excited to see the movie."
"Our company is going to get to see it for the first time, altogether in Seattle," Bohmer said. "Seattle will always be the place where we as a company got to see the 'Wicked' movie for the first time."
Don't Miss Out "Wicked" is playing at the Paramount Theatre until December 1. For those who need a more accessible experience, there will be a special sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, November 16, at 2 p.m. For ticket information, visit the Paramount Theatre's website.
Segment Producer Rebecca Perry. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.