56. The Evergreen Audacity of Stephanie J. Block (with Stephanie J. Block)

Our hearts are leaping in the giddiest of whirls, because today on the pod we’re talking to the one and only Cynthia Erivo. Together, we talk through her Wicked origins at drama school, the magic that happened when she sang with Ariana Grande for the first time and why there was no such thing as a small day on set while making the Wicked movies. Plus, her Elphaba audition story is so incredible that you’ll have to hear it to believe it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We were beyond thrillified to sit down with Ariana Grande to talk about her journey with Wicked from early fandom to playing the role of Glinda on screen. Listen in as we obsess over the Wicked OBC, recount her five rounds of auditions for the films and learn of the agreement she made with Cynthia Erivo before filming began. Plus, hear what happened when she told Kristin Chenoweth she was auditioning for the role of Glinda in the movies! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to some amazing folks at NBC Universal, the SentMen had an unbelievable opportunity to see the Wicked movie ahead of tickets going on sale. Naturally, we have a LOT to say. In this episode, you’ll hear us talk about Cynthia Erivo’s striking characterization of Elphaba, Ariana Grande’s unrecognizable portrayal of Galinda. PLUS, we went to see The Big Gay Jamboree! - - - - - Sentimental Men is proud to be a part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Looking for a way to support the pod? Join us in the Green Circle, our paid Patreon subscription. Subscribers get perks like bonus episodes, a spot on our Instagram Close Friends and extended editor’s cut versions of each new episode. Join the Green Circle today! Looking for a no cost way to support the pod? Give us a great rating and review on whatever app you use to listen to podcasts. Your handprint will be on our hearts forever. If you’re looking to get in touch, find us on Instagram, Twitter (or X or whatever), TikTok and Threads at @sentmenpod. Or you can shoot us an email at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The release of Wicked Part One is zooming towards us like a belting witch on an enchanted broomstick and there is a LOT to talk about. Listen in as the Sent Men weigh in on the movie’s ads, the Wicked Barbie dolls, the newly released character posters and more. PLUS, Ariana’s line deliveries and Cynthia’s powerful, powerful “act two” dress. - - - - - Sentimental Men is proud to be a part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Looking for a way to support the pod? Join us in the Green Circle, our paid Patreon subscription. Subscribers get perks like bonus episodes, a spot on our Instagram Close Friends and extended editor’s cut versions of each new episode. Join the Green Circle today! Looking for a no cost way to support the pod? Give us a great rating and review on whatever app you use to listen to podcasts. Your handprint will be on our hearts forever. If you’re looking to get in touch, find us on Instagram, Twitter (or X or whatever), TikTok and Threads at @sentmenpod. Or you can shoot us an email at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the boys are chatting with an Elpha-vita for the AGES: Laurel Harris, who was kind enough to call up the boys between shows at the Gersh'! Together, they talk about Laurel's first time seeing the show from the balcony, bringing more of herself to the role each time she returns, and what keeps people coming back to Wicked. PLUS, SJB singing Cole Porter, Jonathan Bailey in blue pants and the cute little forehead waves that will surely come back to break our hearts in Part Two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When considering the most iconic Elphabas, one name is bound to come up: Saycon Sengbloh, the first Black actress to play the role on Broadway. This episode, Saycon tells the boys all about her unexpected musical theatre career, why a can of Sprite is her secret weapon and knowing exactly what she brings to the table. Plus, why she can’t wait to be “deliciously surprised” by the Wicked movie! - - - - - Sentimental Men is proud to be a part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Looking for a way to support the pod? Join us in the Green Circle, our paid Patreon subscription. Subscribers get perks like bonus episodes, a spot on our Instagram Close Friends and extended editor’s cut versions of each new episode. Join the Green Circle today! Looking for a no cost way to support the pod? Give us a great rating and review on whatever app you use to listen to podcasts. Your handprint will be on our hearts forever. If you’re looking to get in touch, find us on Instagram, Twitter (or X or whatever), TikTok and Threads at @sentmenpod. Or you can shoot us an email at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you believe it's finally here! The official trailer for the Wicked movie has dropped and the boys are over the moon. Listen in as we chat about Cynthia's breathtaking performance, Ariana's comedy chops and the swoon-worthy-ness of Jonathan Bailey. Plus... Chistery is kinda scary, right? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The best way to bring folks together is to give them a REALLY GOOD TEASER TRAILER. We’re back and we couldn’t be happier to have our first look at the Wicked movies. From Cynthia’s green contacts to Ariana arriving at Shiz by ballet slipper… listen in as we get Sentimental about every last wonderful detail. Plus, we keep dreaming up our perfect Dr. Dillamond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, Sentimentals! Don’t forget that Sentimental Men Live is on December 11 at 7PM. We’d love for you to join us in person at The Green Room 42 or by livestream! You can purchase tickets at thegreenroom42.venuetix.com. To celebrate the end of an Oztastic year for the Sentimental Men podcast, Quincy and Kevin are live at Green Room 42 to talk (and maybe scream) with some of their favorite women in musical theatre. The boys will be getting Sentimental with a coven of former witches for an evening of role swapping, Elpha-belt-offs and all around [gay chaos]. All proceeds will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. - - - - - Looking for a way to support the pod? Join us in the Green Circle, our paid Patreon subscription. Subscribers get perks like bonus episodes, a spot on our Instagram Close Friends and extended editor’s cut versions of each new episode. Join the Green Circle today! Looking for a no cost way to support the pod? Give us a great rating and review on whatever app you use to listen to podcasts. Your handprint will be on our hearts forever. If you’re looking to get in touch, find us on Instagram, Twitter (or X or whatever), TikTok and Threads at @sentmenpod. Or you can shoot us an email at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the patron saint of both our friendship and our podcast, SJB has an open invitation to join us on mic at any time. And this week, she’s come hooooooooome at laaaaaaaaaaast! Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block is back on the pod to talk (and maybe scream) with the boys about tackling Norma Desmond and the Baker’s Wife back to back to back. Plus, the boys get Sentimental about Wicked’s 20th Anniversary. - - - - - Looking for a way to support the pod? Join us in the Green Circle, our paid Patreon subscription. Subscribers get perks like bonus episodes, a spot on our Instagram Close Friends and extended editor’s cut versions of each new episode. Join the Green Circle today! Looking for a no cost way to support the pod? Give us a great rating and review on whatever app you use to listen to podcasts. Your handprint will be on our hearts forever. If you’re looking to get in touch, find us on Instagram, Twitter (or X or whatever), TikTok and Threads at @sentmenpod. Or you can shoot us an email at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices