A wave of Broadway nostalgia swept through New York City as pop superstar Ariana Grande reunited with her former ’13’ musical costars, Allie Trimm and Aaron Simon Gross, at an exclusive screening of ‘Wicked: For Good’. This poignant gathering, nearly two decades after their teenage debut, beautifully underscored the enduring bonds forged on stage and the cyclical nature of theatrical dreams, as Grande prepares to dazzle audiences as Glinda in the highly anticipated film adaptation.
The worlds of Broadway past and present converged in a heartwarming display of camaraderie on Monday, October 28, 2025. Ariana Grande, now a global music icon and poised to enchant audiences as Glinda in the upcoming ‘Wicked’ film, shared an emotional reunion with her original Broadway castmates from the 2008 musical ’13’. The special occasion took place at a New York City screening of ‘Wicked: For Good,’ attended by the current Broadway and touring casts of the beloved musical.
A Full-Circle Moment: From ’13’ Teen to ‘Wicked’ Star
Nearly 17 years after leading Jason Robert Brown’s ’13’ as teenagers, Ariana Grande, Allie Trimm, and Aaron Simon Gross embraced, reminisced, and posed for photographs. For Grande, who stars as Glinda in the upcoming ‘Wicked: For Good’ film, the reunion was particularly meaningful. She shared hugs and smiles with Trimm and Gross, highlighting the lasting friendships formed during their formative years on Broadway, as reported by People.
The poignant gathering showcased more than just personal connections. Allie Trimm, who wore Elphaba green to the event, currently stars as Glinda in ‘Wicked’s’ Broadway production—the very role Grande portrays on screen. After posing with Lencia Kebede, Broadway’s current Elphaba, Grande and Trimm caught up before inviting Gross to join them, the actor beaming with happiness.
The bond between Grande and Gross runs even deeper than their ’13’ days; the two have been friends since childhood, growing up together in Boca Raton, Florida. Grande brought Gross as her personal guest to the screening, underscoring their enduring friendship.
The Legacy of ’13’: An All-Teen Broadway Phenomenon
Though ’13’ had a relatively short run on Broadway, opening on October 5, 2008, and closing on January 4, 2009, after 22 preview and 105 regular performances, its impact was profound. The musical, with a book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn, made history as the first—and still only—Broadway musical to feature an all-teen cast and an all-teen band.
Beyond Grande, the original cast included notable talents such as Graham Phillips (The Good Wife), Brynn Williams (SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical), and Grande’s future Victorious costar, Liz Gillies. Despite its brief Broadway tenure, ’13’ cultivated a devoted fanbase, with its original cast recording propelling songs like “The Lamest Place in the World” and “Brand New You” into showtune staples. The musical remains a popular choice for high school productions nationwide, continuing its legacy with new generations of performers.
In 2022, Netflix released a film adaptation of ’13,’ starring Eli Golden, Josh Peck, Debra Messing, Peter Hermann, and Rhea Perlman. The film was warmly received online by many members of the original Broadway cast, demonstrating the lasting bonds and shared appreciation for the musical’s enduring story.
‘Wicked: For Good’ Screening: A Tribute to Broadway’s Past and Present
The sentiment of camaraderie and respect between stage and screen actors was palpable at the ‘Wicked: For Good’ screening. Director Jon M. Chu opened the event by acknowledging and thanking the original creative team in attendance, including book writer Winnie Holzman, composer Stephen Schwartz, musical director Stephen Oremus, producers Marc Platt and David Stone, and author Gregory Maguire, whose novel inspired ‘Wicked.’
Ariana Grande joined Chu on stage, expressing deep gratitude and humility. “This was done with so much love and respect for all of you who have done, and still do, eight shows a week of this,” she shared, emphasizing the film’s dedication to the stage community. “We love you, we share this with you. You’re a part of this. It’s an honor to be here and share it with you first. I’m so excited and grateful.”
Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba in the film, echoed this sentiment in a video message, stating, “It is as much an offering as the last one is to you, to this legacy, to this show and to all of your performances over the years. I hope you will be as proud of it as I am.”
Original Ozian Witches and Creative Masterminds Gather
The star-studded event also saw the attendance of other significant figures from ‘Wicked’s’ storied history. Original stage Glinda, Kristin Chenoweth, was present and shared her immediate reactions after the screening. Addressing Grande, she said, “Ariana, since you were 10, I knew this was what you want to do. I’m so glad it happened this way. I’m glad I’m alive to see it. I’m proud of both of you.” Grande, in turn, declared the film “a love letter to you, to Idina, to every Glinda and Elphaba in this room,” as reported by Playbill.
While original stage Elphaba, Idina Menzel, couldn’t attend, she sent a video message expressing her enthusiasm for the film, which she had already seen. The screening was a true celebration, bringing together past and present Broadway talent, including former Glindas like Brittney Johnson and former Elphabas like Mary Kate Morrissey, along with other alumni such as Talia Suskauer, McKenzie Kurtz, Katie Rose Clarke, Caroline Bowman, and Dee Roscioli.
The Road to Oz: What to Expect from ‘Wicked: For Good’
The first part of the two-part film adaptation of ‘Wicked,’ titled ‘Wicked: Part One,’ is set to hit theaters on November 22, 2024, with ‘Wicked: For Good’ (or ‘Act Two’) scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his work on In the Heights, the film promises a fresh take on the beloved story.
The stellar cast includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, Ethan Slater as Boq, and newcomer Marissa Bode as Nessarose, marking the first wheelchair-using actor in the role. The screenplay was penned by original book writer Winnie Holzman, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. This highly anticipated cinematic event aims to honor the musical’s enduring legacy while introducing it to a new generation of fans.
Since its Broadway debut in 2003, ‘Wicked’ has become a cultural phenomenon, injecting a new backstory into The Wizard of Oz. It continues to be an audience favorite at the Gershwin Theatre and stands as the fourth longest-running production in Broadway history.
