The Unscripted Brilliance of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in Wicked

When one reflects on the Wicked, the image that will come to mind is the choreographed numbers in the musical, the soaring vocals, and the visual marvel of the production. However, weaving throughout some of the most heart-rending scenes between Elphaba and Glinda, there is an honesty which, although not even written on the page, was created in the moment. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were more than their acting prowess in the two-part film Wicked; they were a soul connecting in the most natural, immediate way that would make their relationship onscreen appear lived in.

A Bond Beyond the Script

Erivo as Elphaba and Grande as Glinda did not read off the sheet. They created a bond of trust – a bond that enabled them to react to each other on the fly. Their interaction was synergetic, as they understood one another, realized that they needed one another, and felt one another. This relationship existed on several levels: during the work on the set, they helped one another to work through the day-long shooting; off the screen, they became real friends, and it was their friendship that made their film friendship real.

Also fuelled by vulnerability improvisation.

The scene in which one of the most discussed improvisations is displayed is the scene in the Ozdust Ballroom dance. In doing rehearsal, the actresses connected with each other, and the tears that Erivo shed were unscripted and out of such a natural and pure response, one cannot help but cry. Ariana, too, did not strictly rehearse the dances. She did not want to learn the choreography more than necessary, and instead, she wanted to stay in the moment and let Elphaba guide her a little so they would have their interactions feel freer and emotionally true.

The effect is a delicate and powerful scene, Glinda attempting to keep up with Elphaba, and the music blasts in the background, and then the audience is given a tear, an act of weakness, something that was not intended, but is by all appearances absolutely necessary to their narrative.

Best Small Things That Said A Lot.

There are some quieter improvisations, which have been enjoyed by fans other than the big ballroom moment. As an example, during their song, Grande and Erivo seemingly exchange a reassuring wink (a small movement), and the meaning behind it is significant. The wink was not in a script; it was an instinct, a message that Erivo gave back, that she was being observed. I’ve got you.”

Ariana Grande also added her ad-lib creativity to scenes on the comedic side. In the popular sequence, she experimented with various options using her wand and contributed to the humorous and charming effects in a natural manner and not imposing. Her impeccable timing and readiness to experiment with alternative versions on the spot gave Glinda some degree of sarcasm, which helps to take the character out of the slightly one-dimensional trope of a bubbly character.

Risk-Taking in Music: Singing on the Spur of the Moment, Midair.

Among the more peculiar features of this production is that Erivo and Grande sang most of their numbers on stage, even when hanging in rigs. Erivo has discussed how tricky it was to find her vocal ground when there was no ground underneath her; she and her vocal coach worked together to find support in her body – in her core rather than some sort of bracing to get control over her breath and projection.

It is not merely a technical display. It enhances the emotional reality of the situation: the fact is that Elphaba is flying, literally not keeping up, and the vulnerability of being in the air reflects the emotional vulnerability of the step she is taking. Live singing highlights the stakes and makes their performance seem like it is a living thing.

The Core of their Partnership: Reliance, Listening, and Vulnerability.

The most important aspect of their spectacular relationship is a profound trust. As Cynthia Erivo has highlighted the importance of the fact that Grande understands how such a way of getting things was essential to her, she could stare into her eyes and read her and what she needed without uttering a word. They heard one another not only in the harmonies of music, but in the same space of their emotions. When they united in voice, they were actually hearing each other.

This degree of listening, of connection, enabled them to make unscripted risks: shedding tears, improvising physical gestures, and letting the moment lead them. Two actors rarely have the ability to switch between vulnerability and power so naturally, and Erivo and Grande do it without breaking a sweat, since they did not allow the script to put their performance in strict frames.

The importance of These Improvised Moments.

1. Emotional Authenticity: These spontaneous seconds enhance the emotional response of the movie. It does not seem to be acting when Elphaba sheds tears, or when Glinda is replying with a sympathetic gesture; it is the experience of shared pain and concern.
2. Character Activation: With improvisation, the roles can be more nuanced. Glinda is not merely an airhead, but sensitive. Elphaba is more than defiant; she is hurt. These dimensions are made more evident when the actors are given a chance to respond in real time.
3. Risk and Reward: The decision to sing live on a plane, to avoid over-rehearsing, to lean into uncertainty, all these decisions are risky. But they are made good in acting that is alive, vulnerable, and all too human.
4. Connection: The fact that they have an off-screen friendship enhances their on-screen relationship. Such trust gives them the liberty to improvise without having to be judged, and the audience is the beneficiary of the resulting honesty.

FAQs

Q: Were those emotional moments (like Elphaba’s tears) really unscripted?
A: Yes. Some of the most emotional beats, like the tear in the ballroom scene, were not in the original script. They came out of the rehearsal, born from genuine connection.

Q: Did Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo actually sing live during filming?
A: They did for many of their scenes. Erivo had to support her voice while suspended on harnesses and rely on her core for breath and projection.

Q: Why did they choose to improvise rather than stick strictly to the script?
A: Their strong bond and mutual trust made improvisation feel safe and natural. They listened deeply to each other and made space for moments that felt emotionally honest, allowing gestures and lines to emerge organically.

Q: What are some specific improvised moments fans have noticed?
A: Some highlights include:

• Erivo gives Grande a comforting wink during Defying Gravity.

• Grande ad-libbing comedic takes with her wand in “Popular.”

• Glinda’s surprise reaction lines like “A man?!” and “Give me my leg!” which Ariana reportedly came up with on the spot.

Q: How does their improvisation enhance the film?
A: These spontaneous moments add emotional depth, authenticity, and texture to their characters. Rather than feeling day‑player reactions, their gestures and lines feel like lived-in responses, making the connection between Elphaba and Glinda more real and profoundly touching.