Wicked’s original Glinda, Kristin Chenoweth, responds to Ariana Grande saying character is ‘in the closet’
As a long-time fan of the original “Wicked” tale and having grown up with the beloved story, I must say that I am thrilled to see this iconic narrative being brought to life in a way that truly embraces its inherent queerness. The fact that the film’s stars, led by the talented duo of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, are openly acknowledging and celebrating the LGBTQ community within the story is not only refreshing but also a testament to the power of representation in media.
Kristin Chenoweth, who starred as Glinda in the initial Broadway performance of Wicked, has expressed her thoughts following Ariana Grande’s comment about Glinda being in the closet.
56-year-old actress from Pushing Daisies, who graced the red carpet at the LA premiere of a musical fantasy adaption, expressed her opinions following the recommendation by the 31-year-old pop star in an interview with Gay Times.
In the movie, which premiered in cinemas on Friday, Grande assumed the part of Glinda, a role previously held by Idina Menzel, while Cynthia Erivo interpreted Elphaba, a character she had earlier portrayed.
Initially, Ariana hinted to the media that Glinda could possibly identify as LGBTQ+, however, this suggestion sparked criticism due to accusations of intentionally creating ambiguity about a character’s sexuality for the sake of attracting queer audiences. (Queerbaiting is a term used when creators suggest or hint at LGBTQ+ characters without fully committing to it, often to attract queer fans but not fully represent them.)
As a seasoned lifestyle expert reflecting upon my past experiences, I must admit that when I stepped into the role of Glinda on Broadway back in 2003, I, too, shared that sentiment.
Grandes reflections on the sexuality of her Wicked character during an interview with the U.K. publication Gay Times, alongside Erivo, also included a discussion about fans who fantasize about their characters in a romantic relationship.
In the interview, she mentioned, ‘There’s a possibility Glinda could be somewhat private about her feelings. Time will tell.’
Grande also said Oz is a ‘celebration of uniqueness’ adding, ‘everyone is just so beautifully queer and that roots all the way back to the L. Frank Baum books, where, like, literally the most commonly used word in the books is “queer.”‘
In my expert opinion, I’d put it this way: “In the vibrant heart of Oz’s Emerald City, every day feels like a celebration of diversity, just as our feathered friends here seem to embrace their rainbow identities.
Elsewhere in the interview she called Doctor Dillamond, played by Peter Dinklage, a ‘gay icon.’
Meanwhile, Erivo said of her green witch, ‘I think Elphie, she goes wherever the wind blows.’
I believe she is deeply fond of Glinda. I sense a strong affection towards love itself in her. Furthermore, I don’t see any problem in acknowledging and cherishing the profound bond they share.
Erivo stated, “They indeed share a connection. It’s a deep, genuine affection that seems to be the reason behind the fan speculations. What they have created together is a bond so strong it appears indestructible, and that’s love.
Later on, Grande referred to her Good Witch character, saying, “Trust and honesty are key. They created a secure environment for each other, which is what every relationship – be it romantic or platonic – ought to embody.
Grande expressed, “It’s simply a genuine love, one that surpasses sexual orientation.” She further explained, “It’s more like a profound sense of security and comfort we find in each other. That could be the reason people associate them as a couple.
In simpler terms, the interviewer questioned whether everyone in Oz identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Cynthia replied, “I believe so, somewhat,” while Ariana agreed, saying “Yes.
In Wicked, Glinda and Elphaba start as enemies but grow into friends while they are in school.
In the movie, there are love stories unfolding as Glinda pursues Prince Fiyero, who harbors feelings for Elphaba, and Boq (played by Grande’s real-life boyfriend Ethan Slater) longs for Glinda, but she doesn’t reciprocate his feelings.
After the interview, fans were swiftly discussing it online, with one commenting: ‘The hints towards LGBTQ+ representation are becoming excessive.’
In layman’s terms, Queerbaiting refers to a strategy used by content creators who subtly suggest the presence of same-sex relationships or LGBTQ+ themes within their work, but fail to deliver on those promises in the actual storyline.
Another asked: ‘Why can’t they just be platonic?’ while one simply said, ‘OH????’
One fan added: ‘ariana reposting gelphie memes onto her story, liking a post abt the flower fields being lesbian colored, saying the boy is mine is about elphaba, and then saying glinda is in the closet…’
Ariana seems quite determined with this ship! She first implied that Glinda might be secretive, and now she’s donning Elphie’s hat? That’s quite an assertion!
Some fans held a different perspective, with one remarking about X: ‘Ariana hinted that Glinda might be slightly gay! We’ve won!’
In another chat with GLAAD, the principal actresses shared their expectations for what viewers identifying as part of the LGBTQ community might take away from Wicked.
‘You truly deserve every wonderful thing that comes your way, for it’s your unique qualities that set you apart. Your individuality, particularly your queerness, adds a breathtaking beauty to the world. I cherish and adore you.’
Erivo explained that Elphaba shares similar experiences of loneliness and feeling unique, much like you. However, these feelings don’t diminish the extraordinary nature with which you were born.
In reference to the fantastical realm of The Wizard of Oz, Grande commented: “Oz is an incredibly unusual world, and it has retained this peculiarity since the original L. Frank Baum stories. It has always been strange.
As a devoted fan, I eagerly looked forward to the much-hyped adaptation that Jon M. Chu masterfully directed, featuring the talented actors Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh.
Over its initial weekend, the movie brought in a significant amount – an impressive $19.2 million within its very first week.
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2024-11-23 03:34