This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies
This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies Move over gingerbread and sugar cookies — sesame balls are quietly making their way onto holiday dessert tables this year.  Traditionally found in Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian cuisines, these golden, chewy orbs are earning a buzzworthy reputation as a standout complement to classic Christmas sweets. Known as Jian Dui in Chinese cuisine and Bánh Cam in Vietnamese culture, sesame balls are made from glutinous rice flour, stuffed with sweet fillings like red bean or lotus paste, and fried to perfection.  The result? A crispy exterior coated in toasted sesame seeds, with a sa…
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 21 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $92M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 21 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $92M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 21 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $92M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Saturday, Dec. 21 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $92 million with a $42.1 million cash option after there was no winner in the past week. If no Lottery player claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23 with a $103 million jackpot at stake. The winning numbers for Saturday's drawing were 01-12-17-21-58 with a Powerball of 01 and the Power Play was 3X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching al…
Think You Have What It Takes To Win ‘Survivor’? Online Casting Now Open For 2025 Season Think You Have What It Takes To Win ‘Survivor’? Online Casting Now Open For 2025 Season
Think You Have What It Takes To Win ‘Survivor’? Online Casting Now Open For 2025 Season "Survivor," the long-running CBS reality competition series, is now casting for its 49th season, set to film in spring 2025.  Contestants will compete for the title of Sole Survivor and a $1 million prize. Since its debut, "Survivor" has challenged contestants to navigate alliances, endure physical and mental trials, and develop strategies to outlast their competitors. Participants are divided into tribes and placed in remote locations where they must adapt to their surroundings and build relationships to advance in the game. Here's what to know: Filming dates: Mid-April to mid-May …
Blake Lively Sues 'It Ends With Us' Co-Star Justin Baldoni For Sexual Harassment Blake Lively Sues 'It Ends With Us' Co-Star Justin Baldoni For Sexual Harassment
Blake Lively Sues 'It Ends With Us' Co-Star Justin Baldoni For Sexual Harassment Blake Lively is suing "It Ends with Us" co-star and director Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and "severe emotional distress," according to multiple reports. The lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, follows months of reports about behind-the-scenes tension during the production of the film, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, which was spotted filming in Hoboken, NJ. Lively, age 37, claims the 40-year-old Baldoni created an inappropriate work environment, including discussing cast members' genitalia, past sexual behavior, and making comments about her weight and late father,…
Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $862M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $862M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $862M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Dec. 20 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $862 million with a $392.1 million cash option. The winning numbers were 02-20-51-56-67 with a Mega Ball of 19 and a Megaplier of 2X. If won at that level, the jackpot would be the largest Mega Millions prize ever won in December and the seventh largest in Mega Millions history, according to the Lottery officials MegaMillions If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23. L…
CEO Murder: ABC To Air New 20/20 Special On Case - Here's When CEO Murder: ABC To Air New 20/20 Special On Case - Here's When
CEO Murder: ABC To Air New 20/20 Special On Case - Here's When A shocking crime that has captivated the nation is the focus of a new TV special. ABC News Studios primetime one-hour program, "Manhunt: Luigi Mangione and the CEO Murder – A Special Edition of 20/20" premieres Thursday, Dec. 19, from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST on ABC, with streaming available the following day on Hulu. The program examines the case of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder on Wednesday, Dec. 4 in Manhattan, a story that sparked national attention and a surprising social media movement hailing suspect Luigi Mangione as a folk hero for some. Featuring a detailed breakdown…
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 18 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $71M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 18 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $71M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 18 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $71M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Wednesday, Dec. 18 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $71 million with a $33 million cash option. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 06-15-18-33-49 with a Powerball of 07 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, according to officials. Prizes then range from $1 millio…
Coastal New England Gem Named Best Small Town To Visit In U.S. News Rankings Coastal New England Gem Named Best Small Town To Visit In U.S. News Rankings
Coastal New England Gem Named Best Small Town To Visit In U.S. News Rankings A charming coastal location has been crowned the best small town to visit in the United States, earning the top spot in U.S. News & World Report’s newly released rankings. The annual list highlights destinations that capture the essence of small-town America with their scenic beauty, cultural offerings, and laid-back atmosphere. T his year, Bar Harbor, Maine, claimed the No. 1 position, praised for its idyllic setting, stunning coastal views, and gateway to Acadia National Park. Nestled along Maine’s rugged coastline, Bar Harbor attracts visitors year-round with its fresh seafood, bout…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 17 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $760M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 17 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $760M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 17 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $760M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Dec. 17 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $760 million with a $352.1 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 56-66-67-68-69 with a Mega Ball of 18 and a Megaplier of 4X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20.  MegaMillions Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to…
Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 16 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $58M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 16 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $58M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 16 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $58M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Monday, Dec. 16 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $58 million with a $27.1 million cash option after a player in New York recently won the jackpot and reset the prize pool.  If no winner claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The winning numbers for Monday's drawing were 09-30-33-57-61 with a Powerball of  17 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matchi…
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 14 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $45M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 14 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $45M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 14 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $45M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Saturday, Dec. 14 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $45 million with a $21 million cash option after there was no winner in the past week. If no Lottery player claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16. The winning numbers for Saturday's drawing were 12-17-23-52-67 with a Powerball of 01 and the Power Play was 2X. Powerball39 Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus t…
Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 13 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $695M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 13 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $695M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 13 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $695M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Dec. 13 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $695 million with a $322 million cash option. The winning numbers were 36-43-52-58-65 with a Mega Ball of 16 and a Megaplier of 3X. MegaMillions If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. Prizes then range…
Cold Moon Will Light Up Night Sky: Here's When Cold Moon Will Light Up Night Sky: Here's When
Cold Moon Will Light Up Night Sky: Here's When Skywatchers are in for a treat as the Cold Moon, December’s full moon, illuminates the night sky.  Known as the Cold Moon for its association with the chilly winter season, this celestial event will be visible at its peak Sunday morning, Dec. 15, passing opposite the sun at 4:02 a.m. Eastern time, according to NASA. But that's not the only time to keep an eye on the sky. The moon will appear full for about three days from Friday evening, Dec. 13 through Monday morning, Dec. 16, NASA says, calling it "a full moon weekend." The Cold Moon rises just after sunset and will remain vis…
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $30M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $30M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $30M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $30 million with a $14.7 million cash option. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 with a $45 million jackpot. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 13-44-50-52-54 with a Powerball of 20 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, according to officials. Pri…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 10 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $619M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 10 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $619M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 10 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $619M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Dec. 10 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $619 million with a $293.6 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 12-14-26-48-52 with a Mega Ball of 21 and a Megaplier of 5X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13.  MegaMillions Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to…
Murder Charges Rock Mangione Dynasty: Inside Accused CEO Killer's Elite Bloodline Murder Charges Rock Mangione Dynasty: Inside Accused CEO Killer's Elite Bloodline
Murder Charges Rock Mangione Dynasty: Inside Accused CEO Killer's Elite Bloodline Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old former Ivy Leaguer accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, hails from one of Maryland’s most prominent and influential families, known for their vast business holdings and political connections. ALSO SEE: Ivy-Educated Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery Mangione, a Towson native, graduated as valedictorian from the prestigious Gilman School in Baltimore.  His grandfather, Nicholas Mangione, was a powerful real estate developer and co-founder of Lorien Health Services, a company operating nearly a dozen assisted-li…
Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 9 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $20M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 9 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $20M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 9 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $20M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Monday, Dec. 9 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $20 million with a $9.7 million cash option after a player in New York recently won the jackpot and reset the prize pool.  If no winner claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The winning numbers for Monday's drawing were 35-37-40-45-61 with a Powerball of 24 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five b…
NY 'Star Trek' Fan Beams Up Legal Help In Battle Over Vanity Plate Snafu NY 'Star Trek' Fan Beams Up Legal Help In Battle Over Vanity Plate Snafu
NY 'Star Trek' Fan Beams Up Legal Help In Battle Over Vanity Plate Snafu A Long Island woman is contesting tickets issued from all over the nation tied to her distinctive "Star Trek" vanity license plates despite not having driven her car in four years, according to a new report. Beda Koorey, a 76-year-old resident of Huntington and a devoted "Star Trek" fan, believes her license plates were cloned, resulting in tickets for violations in locations she never visited, according to CBS News. She says she's even being billed for E-ZPass tolls. The plates bore the same number as the Starship Enterprise: NCC-1701.  Click here to read the complete CBS News repor…
This Is Lone US Locale To Make Top 10 Of World's Best Cities In New Rankings This Is Lone US Locale To Make Top 10 Of World's Best Cities In New Rankings
This Is Lone US Locale To Make Top 10 Of World's Best Cities In New Rankings Moving On Up: Here's Where NYC Ranks Among World's Best Cities New York City has made significant progress in a new list of the world's best cities.  The 2024 Top 100 City Destinations Index, published by Euromonitor International, ranks global cities based on tourism performance, sustainability, and economic strength. While Paris retained its crown as the top city, New York City climbed higher on the list, continuing to cement its place as a top global destination. It was ranked 10th last year, and is now at No. 6. The Top 10 cities in the rankings include: No. 1: Paris. No. 2: Ma…
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 7 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $260M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 7 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $260M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 7 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $260M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Saturday, Dec. 7 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $260 million with a $125.5 million cash option after there was no winner in the past week. If no Lottery player claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9. The winning numbers for Saturday's drawing were 01-31-43-55-57 with a Powerball of 22 and the Power Play was 2X. Powerball39 Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus…
Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 6 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $579M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 6 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $579M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 6 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $579M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Dec. 6 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $579 million with a $278/4 million cash option. The winning numbers were 16-21-33-39-45 with a Mega Ball of 24 and a Megaplier of 2X. MegaMillions If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. Prizes then range fro…
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 4 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $240M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 4 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $240M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 4 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $240M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Wednesday, Dec. 4 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $240 million with a $113.6 million cash option. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 01-23-25-28-61 with a Powerball of 13 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, according to officials. Prizes then range from $1 mill…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 3 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $541M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 3 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $541M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 3 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $541M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Dec. 3 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $541 million with a $258.4 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 52-60-61-66-67 with a Mega Ball of 23 and a Megaplier of 4X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6.  MegaMillions Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to o…
Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 2 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $224M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 2 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $224M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 2 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $224M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Monday, Dec. 2 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $224 million with a $106 million cash option after a player in Georgia recently won the jackpot and reset the prize pool.  If no winner claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The winning numbers for Monday's drawing were 03--09-26-61-67 with a Powerball of 13 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus …
Big Change Set For Christmas TV Classic 'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' This Week Big Change Set For Christmas TV Classic 'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' This Week
Big Change Set For Christmas TV Classic 'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' This Week The iconic Christmas TV classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" will return to its originating network for the first time in a half-century after its debut 60 years ago. On Dec. 6, 1964, the Rankin-Bass Animated Entertainment hour-long claymation special debuted on NBC. But after a 10-year run, CBS acquired rights. Now, NBC has reacquired the rights, and will broadcast the nostalgic show exactly 60 years after its initial airing -- at 8 p.m. Eastern time this Friday, Dec. 6. The show is narrated by Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman. The storyline begins when Donner, the lead reindeer fo…
Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 29 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $514M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 29 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $514M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 29 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $514M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Nov. 29 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $514 million with a $244.7 million cash option. The winning numbers were 03-29-34-37-38 with a Mega Ball of 17 and a Megaplier of 2X. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. Prizes then range from $1 million to $2.&n…
Lindsay Lohan Reacts To Vikings Players Doing Her Iconic 'Parent Trap' Handshake Lindsay Lohan Reacts To Vikings Players Doing Her Iconic 'Parent Trap' Handshake
Lindsay Lohan Reacts To Vikings Players Doing Her Iconic 'Parent Trap' Handshake Lindsay Lohan has officially weighed in on a viral NFL moment that paid homage to one of her most popular movies. Appearing on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” the 38-year-old actress reacted to Minnesota Vikings players Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus performing the iconic handshake from her 1998 hit, “The Parent Trap.” The footballers acted out the intricate moves – a secret handshake between Lohan’s character Annie and her butler – after intercepting a pass from Aaron Rodgers against the New York Jets on Sunday, Oct. 6. “They did your handshake from ‘The Parent Trap,’” Fa…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Nov. 26 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $489 million with a $229.3 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 05-22-24-39-42 with a Mega Ball of 03 and a Megaplier of 3X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29.  Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. There ar…
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In Mass., Report Says This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In Mass., Report Says
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In Mass., Report Says Move over, stuffing and cranberry sauce – this Thanksgiving side reigns supreme in Massachusetts. Of all the delectable dishes to play second fiddle to the turkey, green bean casserole is the most popular in the Bay State, according to AllRecipes. The website analyzed its data from Turkey Days past to come up with its list of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes in every state, based on recipe search volumes. A holiday staple for many, green bean casserole typically has just four ingredients: green beans, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and French-fried onions. Home chefs loo…
Ex-New England Resident Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Ex-New England Resident Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How
Ex-New England Resident Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Iconic homemaker Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving plans this year may come as a bit of a shock — they won't involve her hosting at home and turkey will not be an option at her table.  The 83-year-old Stewart, a longtime New York and former Connecticut resident, will be spending Turkey Day abroad in Rome instead of celebrating at her Katonah residence, according to the homemaker's website.  Stewart will be traveling with her daughter, Alexis, and two grandchildren, Jude and Truman, she said in an interview with People: "We decided the kids wanted to go away, the grandchildren, and so…
Idina Menzel Had One Stipulation Before Agreeing To Showstopping 'Wicked' Cameo Idina Menzel Had One Stipulation Before Agreeing To Showstopping 'Wicked' Cameo
Idina Menzel Had One Stipulation Before Agreeing To Showstopping 'Wicked' Cameo Thank goodness it all worked out. While it may be true that no one mourns the wicked, fans certainly would have mourned the absence of New York native Idina Menzel had she not made her scene-stealing cameo in the spellbinding new “Wicked” movie. The musical fantasy film – a two-part adaptation of the Broadway stage musical that was loosely based on the 1995 novel – tells the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West from L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Menzel, who grew on Long Island in Syosset, was the first actress to portray its protagonist, Elphaba, a role for which sh…