Ariana Grande recently shared a touching moment filled with familial love as she introduced her beloved grandmother, Marjorie “Nonna” Grande, to the enchanting world of “Wicked.” The singer and actress, known for her role as Glinda the Good in the film adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical, made a special trip to her hometown of Boca Raton, Florida. This heartfelt decision wasn’t just an ordinary family outing; it was also a celebratory event as Nonna turned 99 years old in October.
On Monday, Ariana took to her Instagram Stories to document this precious experience. She posted a photograph showing herself snuggled up next to her Nonna and her brother Frankie inside a dimly lit movie theater. “Flew to Boca for a day to watch with Nonna,” she lovingly captioned the image. This was not just any cinema; Grande shared that it was “the movie theater I grew up going to every weekend,” making the trip even more sentimental.
Within her Instagram updates, Grande expressed her enthusiasm for celebrating this memorable occasion with her family, while also acknowledging her boyfriend, Ethan Slater, who plays the character Boq in “Wicked.” She gave him a shoutout for clicking the photo that captured this moment in their lives. The film viewing turned out to be more than just a simple screening, as Ariana also shared a delightful video of Nonna watching one of her musical performances, specifically the “Popular” number, on the big screen. The joy radiating from her grandmother was palpable, showcasing the special bond they share over art and family.
Significantly, Grande recounted a particularly charming moment from the film when a sugar glider performed a drum solo. She wrote, “Thrilled to report when the sugar glider had her drum solo, Nonna exclaimed loudly ‘oh I LOVE that,’” indicating the sheer delight Nonna derived from the film. This heartfelt interaction showed how the magic of cinema can create memorable moments between generations.
Earlier this year, Nonna Grande made headlines of her own by becoming the oldest artist ever to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at the age of 98. Her featured contribution to Grande’s song “Ordinary Things” marked a significant achievement as the track debuted at No. 55, showcasing not only Ariana’s talent but also the unique bond she shares with her grandmother in the realm of music.
In “Wicked,” Ariana Grande stars alongside Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba. The cinematic adaptation provides an intriguing backstory to the events that unfold in Oz before the arrival of Dorothy, offering fans a deeper understanding of the beloved characters. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie has already made a remarkable impact at the box office, grossing an estimated $162 million globally during its opening weekend. This impressive debut positions “Wicked” as the third highest-grossing opening weekend film of 2024, following other notable titles such as “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Inside Out 2.”
In conclusion, Ariana Grande’s trip to Boca Raton highlights not just the bond between her and her Nonna, but also celebrates the intersection of music, film, and family. These moments serve as a beautiful reminder of how art can connect generations and create memories that last a lifetime. From dazzling performances on stage to heartfelt family gatherings in favorite hometown spots, “Wicked” symbolizes more than just a film; it encapsulates love, legacy, and the joy of shared experiences. The unique connection that Ariana and her grandmother share will undoubtedly resonate with fans around the world, showcasing the universal appeal of storytelling, be it through music, theater, or film.