Whatever. Hi. I don’t have my questions. Where are my questions? Oh, wait. Do you want me to find your We just walked suddenly into this room. We had We didn’t know. We had no idea you were right here. We just suddenly were in this room and I have no none of my questions that I prepared.
If someone could get my questions. Do you want me to find them for you? Hold on. Um, where are they? Is the No. All right. Hi. What’s up, guys? You just watched my favorite. I can’t leave you alone. It’s okay. Here we go. Okay, here we go. You guys just watched my favorite movie. Thank you, Dean.
Ladies and gentlemen, Billy Isish, thank you for doing this. It means so much to me. Thank you. I love you so much. I love you so much. My team was like, “Who would be a cool person to do this? Who’s your dream person?” I was like, “Billy.” She’s not going to say yes. She’s too busy.
She’s too fabulous. It’s too much. But she said yes. And I was like, “Oh [ __ ] now I’m so nervous.” I was like, “This is so exciting. Thank you for doing this. I appreciate you so much.” No, this is crazy. It’s I’m I I love this girl so much and I love this movie so much. And I I love you. I love you.
And I still use the um my like YouTube channel that I have all my like music videos on and stuff. Like the Billy Eyish Yeah. YouTube channel has been my channel, my personal channel since I was about like 11. And I was just in the car telling my mom that you can find, you know, there’s like old interviews of you from like 2014. Oh god.
And I Billy Isish comments like I’m I’m team Ari. There’s like many that people have found. I didn’t realize that they were still up, but there’s many things where I commented like, “God, I just love Ariana so much.” And I used to call you Ari to my brother and he’d be like, “Don’t call her Ari. You’re you don’t know her.” So sweet.
So anyway, that makes me so I’m really excited. And isn’t this movie so amazing? So anyway, I’m going to ask a few questions, which is not normal for me. I’m not usually on this side of it. Um, it’s so exciting that you said yes to this. I still can’t believe she said yes to doing this. I’m so excited. Oh my god.
Okay, let me shut up. Okay, where do I start? Okay, well, first of all, this movie is amazing. You’re so amazing. I’ve seen it like three times. Um, I listened to it before my shows and it is awesome and I love it so much. My first question would be you’re like a diehard Wicked fan and I’ve known this about you as a fan for like years and you’ve been talking about this for years. Sorry.
Like I know too much about you. Um, but and that’s my dad by the way. Oh my god. Hi. Hi. Um, I heard you were seeing the movie and I got so emotional. Sorry, I’m so excited. Um, I’m nervous. Okay. Um, but my question is like you’re such a diehard and I feel like you know the play so well and you know the music so well and I feel like I just wanted to know like going into it, what were things for you that were like totally non-negotiable that you know you were like I’m not I’m not going to do it unless it’s exactly
like the play in this way. Like what were things that just you were very particular about? Was there anything? Well, I do feel like in a way like the nerdy Oz historian that worked on the movie. Like I felt like a protective nerd, like the gatekeeping fan girl in the room.
Um, and I’m somewhat of a purist when it comes to making uh musical changes especially, you know, it has to have an emotional attachment or some sort of, you know, believable intention behind it. So there was a um this is just one example you know I wanted to protect it as much as possible and protect Glenda as much as possible. It felt like my job um and in the very beginning and he told the story first so I feel like it’s okay to share it but Stephen Steven Schwarz shared that um there was a version of popular in the very beginning that had hip-hop drums in
- hip hop drums. And oh my god, I was like, how do I have this conversation in the most loving, respectful way? I was like, this cannot happen. How different would life be today if Popular had trap drums in it, everyone? It’s just there’s a time and place and it’s not with Glenda because she claps on one and three.
And that’s okay. And that’s okay. But but we have to be in character and she doesn’t have that kind of rhythm and you know I just kind of mustered up the courage to say you know respectfully I think maybe she doesn’t have that in her you know and we have to lead with through the honesty of the story and you know little things like that cuz we had this uh incredible responsibility of honoring this source material that has been so loved and iconic for 22 years now and also breathing our new truth into it and finding new meaning for these lines that
we’ve sung in the shower for this whole time and actually getting into in between the lines and getting to know these women and who they are to us so that that version can live perfectly and be what it is forever and we can also create ours just through honesty. But yeah, the trap drums are just an example of the of the finding that balance.
Yeah, it didn’t happen. Obviously, I’m so glad you pushed for that. Oh, me too. Really? Life would be so different, I think. It would have really ruined everything. Yeah. What? So, you’re welcome. I’m just kidding. I’m kidding. I’m kidding. I’m kidding. Um, I know that you did a lot of training for this, like vocally.
I mean, I’m sure in every way, but I feel like you’ve I’ve always thought of you as I’m sure everyone agrees, one of the greatest singers of our generation. And thank you from you, Ken. This is not about me, ma’am. But it’s funny like I know that you you did all this training and it’s funny because I feel like you it’s it feels like you’ve been training for this your whole life.
like you wouldn’t think you would do need to do any of that and I really appreciated that you did and like as a singer also and I think that you know you had to sing all these oporadic beautiful like iconic songs and like do them in the way that you felt paid tribute to them and also was your own and like what how many singing lessons like what how many how long were they how much times a week like and what were you even how was that process.
Well, thank you first of all. Um, you know, I started training my voice uh three months before my first audition just because I wanted to um have my the muscles in my voice get used to singing in a very different way. I’ve always had a high voice, but it’s very different than the register that I used to sing pop music, which is what I was mainly doing.
And just like any other muscles in your body, your vocal cords, just get used to what they’re trained slowly and surely and taught to do. And um you know, when I’m singing pop, I’m I’m usually using my mix and my belt and or whistles, but like a little bit of falsetto in between, but Glenda lives in that falsetto. So, it’s just kind of spending a lot more time there and then training your vowels and your consonants and your vibr to act differently.
And you know that’s such a pivotal piece of the puzzle when it comes to Glenda is that like colorra authentic oporadic soprano style of singing. So it was uh very important to to have it be healthy and warm and it took a lot of work. It’s really interesting. I was on a long flight the other day and I was my vocal coach Eric Vitro who’s amazing.
Yes, Eric Vitro. He texted me and we were reminiscing together and I went all the way back in my voice notes to our early lessons in like 2021 or whatever. And um you can hear like week by week sort of the aireriness become fuller like it it goes away and it sounds fuller and fuller as the weeks go by.
So just repetition and muscle training and um yeah being careful and cautious and then by the time you get to set you don’t have to think about that anymore because the muscles have developed a new thing, a new memory. So sick. Thank you. Mhm. What was that audition process like? Oh my god, the hell was that? It was crazy. It was very long.
It was it was a three-month process and I just was so excited that they were going to take a chance to see me because I didn’t know if they would be able to trust that I, you know, should even be in the room for something like that because I knew it was required of Glenda. So, um, I was excited to have the chance to audition.
So, like I said, I was working towards my first audition. For three months, I was training with Eric Vitro and Nancy Banks, my acting coach, every day. And um she’s amazing. I love her so much. Um but you know, I went in for my first audition and I think at the time they weren’t sure what, you know, part I would sing or be right for.
So they did have me sing four songs. They have me sing No One Mourns the Wicked, Popular, The Wizard and I, and Defying Gravity. And but I was like I was in all pink. It was obvious. It was No one was hiding anything. I just think that, you know, they were very thorough, so they had me do all of those multiple times.
And then, um, I had my call back, which had scenes and we did dialogue and more Glenda songs that was just for Glenda at that point. It was clear, it was obvious at that point. So, we did uh, No One Morns the Wicked Again and Popular and Thank Goodness and the scenes that uh, lead up to Thank Goodness and that, you know, are after.
Um, and it was really exciting cuz you know I remember Tiffany from uh Bernie Telsey casting had her yay Bernie um had her little co mask on but I could tell when we were doing the scene before popular um and she was my elfie in the audition. She was in the chair and um that just her eyes were smiling.
I could tell under her mask and it just made me feel that feeling like just I had such butterflies in that moment. And then um a few more weeks went by and then I had my final screen test, my chemistry test with two different alphabas. Miraculously, neither of them were Cynthia. We never screen tested together. Crazy. Thank goodness, you know, we got, you know, can you imagine if we met and it just went horribly wrong.
No, but um and my final chemistry test was three hours and I was a basket case by the end and I remember I was like, I’ve left everything else in this room. You know what? I’m going to stick my lashes on the mirror and I just left I left them because they were poking up because I’d been crying so much and um Yeah.
Yeah. So, I just left them there and I said, “Well, it’s awesome. That’s it.” So yeah, it was long and thorough as it should have been because these roles, you know, they have to be earned and um we worked really hard and it was the most gratifying work ever. And um yeah, it’s like the right thing won’t pass you by, you know.
Yeah, you earned it, dude. Thank you. Seriously, sorry that was so long. We won it. I I was like went all the way back to my date of birth just like from Sorry. So sorry. Um I was wondering about like continuity because I know you sang live which by the way is [ __ ] crazy and I actually I didn’t know that and I got into an argument before I’d seen the movie before anything cuz I saw the trailer and I was like h I was like how can they somebody said like they’re singing live and I was like what are you talking about? There’s just
absolutely no way that they’re singing live. And I I I got scolded and and it was like my friend was like, “No, no, dude. They are singing live and it’s amazing.” And then you talked about it and I was blown away and so just impressed and it’s just the most amazing thing. And I know that, you know, it took like what, a year and a half to shoot everything.
And I’m sure many days to shoot one scene. And I’m wondering about like the continuity of it all and how you manage to keep that up in terms of like singing but also just being Glenda and keeping her exact state of mind for the same scene for multiple days or whatever, you know. Yeah. I think well, you know, when it comes to the singing side, I mean, you know what it’s like to do a tour.
We’re doing so many shows in a row and you know, Cynthia and I are both Broadway girls. We know what it’s like to do eight shows a week. So, it’s um it’s imperative, I think, for the for the like emotional integrity of what happens in the scenes and also for Glenda, particularly the ability to improv. Like, you can’t be married to a track.
You can’t be sort of like married to certain choices. You have to be able to have the freedom to surprise each other and play and make things up on the spot. Or if it’s an emotional scene, you’re not going to sound perfect. You’re going to your voice is going to crack. And that’s really special to preserve that and to have that option available.
So I think it’s just sort of um we what we love to do. We love to sing and we’re Broadway girls and also there are so many amazing Glendas and Alphabas who do it eight shows a week. So if we have to do it 27 takes in a row, we’re going to do it in solidarity with our sister witches. You know, we have to. Yeah.
Yeah. But we enjoyed it. And also, Simon Hayes, our incredible sound team, they turned the whole set into a recording studio. So, it’s like no matter what happened, if a gust of wind came and hit this mic, there was a mic in Elfie’s hat, so we’re covered. And then there was a boom over us and then there were two on each one of my things here.
And um Yeah. And it was very um it was we were It was beautiful. They turned everything into a recording studio. It was cool. Insane. Yeah. I was wondering about that. That’s so cool. Yeah. God, you guys worked so hard on this. I mean, I feel like you need so much. I need you just to know how hard I mean, you obviously know, but I don’t know.
I mean, this is a lot of work and like a long period of time and they’re doing so much. I mean, I’ve never seen anything. I don’t know. It’s just so beautiful. And you’re so amazing. Thank you. I love So are you. Um, how did you prepare for Glenda’s like emotional transformation of being this version of herself and then changing? And was there anything that you kind of know? I don’t know.
Yeah, I guess I just said it. Okay, there’s the question. I think, you know, Glenda uh seems seems one way on the surface, but the only way any of that, you know, fluffy comedy or like frivolousness can actually work and land as if it’s um based on something real and honest and painful and truthful underneath, you know? So, it’s get about just getting to know her through and through.
Why is she this person who depends so much on external validation and and she it means so much to her to be liked and like why is she so afraid of being in the middle of that circle in the Odess ballroom the way Alphaba is in that moment. It’s like that’s her biggest fear until it isn’t and she’s challenged and invited by Alphaba to change to become better.
um just sort of getting to know her through and through so that it’s we’re not playing jokes or just hitting our marks and saying what’s there. It’s like it can feel so real and it can feel lived in when you get to know her like a friend and then all of a sudden you’re like where the hell does she end and I begin and um it just gets you know the more you dig in in that way and do your homework it gets to feel that real you know it’s amazing.
Yeah. Um, John Mchu, John Mchu, John Mchu, how was he to collaborate with and like you know like what was it like working with him and did you feel like a freedom to explore different things and how was that process? He is the most extraordinary human being in the entire world.
Like obviously he’s the most brilliant visionary director, leader. All of this starts with him. You know, he’s the one who picks up the phone and says, “We have to plant 9 million tulips because we’re going to be able to feel the difference.” It’s true. We’re going to build these practical sets. We have to do it because it’s going to make a difference.
And he is responsible for building this world and making it what it is. Of course, everyone is an extension of him. Paul Tazwell, our incredible costume designer, Nathan Crowley, our set designer. Pablo, our effects team. Every single person is um it’s it starts with John, you know, he’s the leader and he fights those fights so that we can create, you know, and um aside from that, he’s just the most incredible human being in the entire world.
This man is kind and thoughtful in a way that is just so incredible. He treats every single person, every essay, every dancer, every what like their number one on the call sheet, he’ll if if anyone has an injury, if anyone is sore, if anyone’s hungry, if anyone’s feeling anything, we’re going to wait. We’re going to figure it out.
And he’s just such a caretaker. And I think the way he sets the tone and leads a set and creates this environment allows for people to perform their best and their most vulnerable and feel playful and feel free to take risks and do crazy [ __ ] from the chandelier. No, it’s um it’s really palpable the way that he cares and um it it’s woven throughout every single piece of this film and every second of the experience.
And um he’s also so funny because he’s so meticulous. He’ll plan like he’ll have a whole second by second storyboarded thing of what exactly the scene’s going to be and we’ll film that version. and we’ll get that version, but then he’ll also completely throw it away and be like, “Great, what would Glenda do? Just do whatever.
” So, it’s that that um that kindness and that curiosity and that um eagerness like he’s still a student, you know? Um that I think makes him so special. But like mostly just his warmth and his heart. It’s incredible. It was a 160 plus day shoot, not even including rehearsals. And I never saw this man phased by any issue that came up. So cool.
It’s true. John is amazing. He also made it such an amazing film. And I think it’s so hard to a it’s hard to make something good. And it’s also hard to make something that was that that wasn’t even yours good. Do you know what I’m saying? Like something that was so is so amazing and it’s this franchise that everybody loves and you know to to make a I feel like movies that were something else it’s so hard to make them good and I it he absolutely terrifying.
Yeah. Killed it. He completely he murdered it. Yes, he did. John, ladies and gentlemen, he really did. Um, but also you and Cynthia murdered it, too. And it wouldn’t be anything without you guys. Well, okay, that’s mean. But, but you guys really It’s It’s so special. And you both are just perfect. Just completely perfect.
Thank you so much. Um, again, for years I’ve like known I feel like the world has known about you that you love Wicked so much and that you love Galinda and you it’s like been your dream from what I’ve heard. And I remember like my mom is laughing at me because I such a fan, but I remember like like finding out that you got the job through the internet and like I was like, “Fuck yeah.
” I was like, “That’s so sick.” She’s wanted that for you. I didn’t even know you then at all. I was so excited. Oh my god. Oh my god. That makes me so happy, too. Oh my god, that makes sense. And then I saw like all the like the paparazzi photos of you doing it and I was like, “Oh my god, so sick. I’m so happy.” Thank you so much, man.
I can’t believe that. I’ve been rooting for you. I can’t believe that. Okay, a few questions and we’re done. I love you so much. I really do. This is so much fun. I’m very content. I love her. Okay. Um, a few more songs and then we go because we’re only allowed a few more songs. Songs? Did I say songs? No.
Oh my god. I had questions. Oh my god. I’m on tour, you guys. I’m used to saying that. Sorry. Whoa. Okay. Okay. Okay. Two questions. A We do need to do that though. We do need to do that. We do need to do that. Yes. But she has shows. She’s saving. We’re good. We’re vocal resting for now. That’s true. Um Oh, god.
I would love to do that. Um me too. Anyway, do it now. Do it now. Um guys, okay. Sing. No, no, no. Um, but in terms of songs or in in in addition, I don’t know. So flustered. This is crazy. Okay. Sorry. I’m not I’m not supposed to be doing this kind of thing, but this is my favorite. What? This is my favorite version of it.
I’m crying. What was the hardest song to sing for you? The hardest. And also my favorite. That’s was that was my other question. Oh, what were you most looking forward to singing? I would say No One Mourns the Wicked. Yeah, I would say. Yeah, it was the one I It was the one I I trained the hardest for that I was most excited for.
And also, it like just carries so much and I think it’s such an important song for just as it represents who she is. You know, she’s singing. She’s grieving her best friend in real time, but also she’s trying in that song to gracefully and gently walk the munchkins towards the idea that like no wickedness was. Yeah, good question.
It was thrust upon her and she’s trying to spoon feed them the the humanness of Alphaba through what she’s singing to them. And it’s just so hard because she knows they’re never going to get it. Um, but she loves her and she’s feeling a lot of things and I love it for all of those reasons. And yeah, thank you for doing this.
Yeah, you are so amazing. You are so amazing. And I feel so lucky to be in this room and everyone in here is so lucky to be in this room. Billy, thank you so much. Ladies and gentlemen, Billy Irish, I love you. Ariana Wicked. Thank you guys so much.
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