Ariana Grande’s Journey from Broadway to Pop Stardom
Ariana Grande has often downplayed her roots as a theater enthusiast. It’s easy to forget that she began her artistic journey as a teenager on Broadway in the musical 13, before skyrocketing to fame on Nickelodeon. However, when she first aimed for international pop stardom, she tended to conceal this aspect of her identity. Adopting a disaffected persona, she frequently donned oversized sweatshirts as dresses, complemented by thigh-high boots. This version of Grande portrayed an image of a girl who appeared indifferent to the world around her. (In 2015, her infamous doughnut-licking incident sparked a national uproar.)
Fast forward to today, and it is clear that Grande cares deeply about her artistic expression. As a prominent star of the highly anticipated Wicked alongside Cynthia Erivo, she has fully embraced her Broadway roots. Grande has openly acknowledged her admiration for Kristin Chenoweth’s coloratura, alongside her inspiration from Mariah Carey’s iconic whistle tones. She has gone to great lengths to demonstrate her commitment to Wicked, including changing her hair to blond and announcing on Instagram her decision to “put a temporary pin in all things that are not ‘Wicked’ for now.” Both Grande and Erivo have made appearances at various events donning their characters’ signature pink and green hues, signaling that they are not merely part of Wicked — they are living and breathing embodiments of the musical.
This fall’s cinematic offerings have further vindicated theater kids everywhere. In addition to Grande and Erivo, who is a Tony winner for The Color Purple, Lady Gaga has showcased her theatrical flair in the highly anticipated Joker: Folie à Deux. Moreover, two upcoming art house musicals — Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, and The End, from documentarian Joshua Oppenheimer — capture the essence of the theater kid, even if their spirit leans more towards Off Broadway than mainstream.
Theater Kids Making Waves Beyond Broadway
Furthermore, the theater kid archetype is making significant strides in various entertainment sectors. Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter has embraced a kitschy style in her arena tour, where she seems to be auditioning for the role of Lola in a revival of Damn Yankees. During a Halloween-themed concert in Dallas on October 30, she captivated the audience by performing “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” dressed as Sandy, Olivia Newton-John’s beloved character from Grease.
Carpenter’s brief stint on Broadway as Cady Heron in Mean Girls — just two performances before the pandemic shut down the production — further solidifies her connection to theater. Cady’s antagonist, Regina George, was portrayed by Renée Rapp, who has recently ventured into the world of sexy, radio-ready ballads, all while reminding fans of her past as a winner at the Jimmy Awards, a prestigious high school musical theater competition. Rapp reprised her role as Regina in the film adaptation of the Mean Girls musical earlier this year.
Adding to this vibrant mix is Chappell Roan, an artist who draws inspiration from drag culture, infusing her peppy queer anthems with elaborate costumes that have earned her the label of a theater kid as well.
