Jessica Vosk Shares ‘Proud Auntie’ Moment Visiting Ariana Grande on ‘Wicked’ Set
The transition of the beloved musical Wicked from the Broadway stage to the silver screen has brought together generations of talent. Among the most heartwarming connections is the bond between former Broadway star Jessica Vosk and pop icon Ariana Grande. In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Vosk reflected on her experience visiting Grande on the set of the film adaptation, describing herself as a “little proud auntie.”
A Bond Forged in Musical Theater
Jessica Vosk is no stranger to the challenges of the Land of Oz, having previously portrayed the iconic role of Elphaba on Broadway. Her connection with Ariana Grande, who takes on the role of Glinda in the film, grew significantly during the musical’s 15th anniversary celebrations. According to reports, the two became “very close” during this period, with Vosk expressing immense pride in Grande’s dedication to the role of Glinda.
Vosk’s admiration extends beyond a personal friendship; she has praised the new generation of talent stepping into these demanding roles. Her visit to the set served as a bridge between the show’s storied theatrical history and its new cinematic direction.
From Stage to Cinema: ‘Wicked: Part One’
The film adaptation, titled Wicked: Part One, sees Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo join an exclusive club of women who have tackled two of the most vocally and emotionally challenging roles in musical theater. The story, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire and inspired by L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz, chronicles the unlikely friendship between the stoic, green-skinned Elphaba and the bubbly, popular Glinda.
As noted by CNN, the roles require an immense amount of stamina and skill, as Broadway alumni are accustomed to performing these parts eight times a week. The film allows a wider audience to experience the “witchy friendship” that defines the series—a relationship that evolves from mutual dislike to a deep, heartbreaking bond.
The Legacy of the Witches
For decades, dozens of actresses have played Elphaba and Glinda across Broadway, the West Complete and international tours. The arrival of the film adaptation, 21 years after the musical first premiered on Broadway, marks a significant milestone for the franchise. Former cast members continue to support the new leads, recognizing the weight of the legacy they carry.
- Insider Support: Former Broadway Elphaba Jessica Vosk describes herself as a “proud auntie” regarding Ariana Grande’s performance as Glinda.
- Strong Connections: Vosk and Grande developed a close relationship during the musical’s 15th anniversary.
- Cinematic Debut: Wicked: Part One stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, bringing the stage magic to a global film audience.
- Theatrical Roots: The film is a loose adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s novel, rooted in the world of L. Frank Baum.
As Wicked: Part One introduces a new era of the story, the support from veterans like Jessica Vosk highlights the enduring magic of the production and the tight-knit community of performers who have called Oz home.
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