Al Roker reveals ‘Wicked’ spoilers in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade coverage

On By Littum

Al Roker did something bad.

On Thursday morning, the “Today” show co-host accidentally revealed a major spoiler for the “Wicked” movie, which stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

Roker was hosting an early morning segment of the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Idina Menzel, 53, when he let her secret slip.

Al Roker was hosting an early morning segment of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Idina Menzel, 53, when he let her secret slip.

NBC

“You had a cameo in ‘Wicked’ in the movie,” Roker said.

Menzel admitted that she is indeed appearing in “Wicked: Part One,” the film version of the musical, but teased Roker that it should be a surprise.

“Don’t tell anyone about the cameo! The cat’s out of the bag,” Menzel chided.

“The cat’s out of the bag!” Roker repeated before defending himself because “everyone has shared everything online.”

The actress herself has shared several photos on social media showing her on set in costume, but few knew what to expect before entering the theater – but we’re doing something evil and give it away.

“You had a cameo in Wicked in the movie,” Roker said.

NBC

In the film, Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, 56, portray members of an Emerald City theater group performing “One Short Day,” which tells the story of the Wizard of Oz’s mythical arrival.

The dynamic duo put on a spectacular performance as Erivo’s Elphaba and Grande’s Glinda arrive in the magical city for a deal with the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).

Menzel admitted that she is indeed appearing in “Wicked: Part One,” the film version of the musical, but teased Roker that it should be a surprise.

Reuters

“It is a source of great pride to be part of the genesis and legacy that has become ‘Wicked’. I will hold dear forever,” Menzel gushed.

She famously originated the role of Elphaba on Broadway alongside Chenoweth as Glinda in 2003, when the book-turned-musical film first hit the stage.

“Don’t tell anyone about the cameo! Cat out of the bag,” Menzel chided.

NBC

“And the movie has been very loving and respectful of our show while taking it to new heights,” Menzel told Roker.

“Wicked: Part One” earned a whopping $114 million at the domestic box office during its opening weekend a week ago.

Menzel noted that appearing on the “Today” show with Roker — her sixth time at the parade — was a “full circle” moment because she appeared in the parade as Elphaba when the show first hit the stage nearly 20 years ago.

Now a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade veteran, the actress is scheduled to perform a song from the show she currently stars in, “Redwood,” titled “Great Escape.”