A Starstruck Moment in the Theater World
Theater has a magical way of bringing people together, and when celebrities collide in the intimate setting of an Off-Broadway production, the results can be electric. In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Milo Manheim, the 24-year-old star of Disney’s Zombies franchise, opened up about a memorable backstage encounter with Wicked co-stars Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater during his run in Little Shop of Horrors. Surprisingly, it wasn’t pop superstar Ariana Grande who left Manheim starstruck—it was Ethan Slater, the Tony-nominated Broadway actor known for his role in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical. Let’s dive into this heartwarming story, explore why Slater stole the spotlight, and uncover the connections that made this moment so special.
The Backstage Encounter at Little Shop of Horrors
Milo Manheim recently wrapped up his acclaimed run as Seymour in the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors alongside co-star Liz Gillies, who played Audrey. The production, known for its campy charm and catchy musical numbers, attracted a slew of celebrity fans, including Ariana Grande and her boyfriend, Ethan Slater. The couple attended the show on April 26, 2025, arriving early to hang out backstage with the cast, according to PEOPLE sources.
Manheim, speaking on PEOPLE in 10, shared his excitement about the visit, revealing that he was more starstruck by Slater than Grande. “Okay, I’m so happy you asked this question because the answer was Ethan,” Manheim confessed with a laugh. He described the moment with humor: “I was like, ‘Hi Ariana, nice to meet you. Ethan, my brotha! What’s up?’” His enthusiastic greeting for Slater stemmed from his admiration for the actor’s performance as SpongeBob in the Broadway musical, a role that earned Slater a Tony nomination. “I saw him as SpongeBob, I love that guy,” Manheim gushed, highlighting his genuine fandom.
Why Ethan Slater Stole the Show
So, why did Ethan Slater, a Broadway veteran, outshine pop icon Ariana Grande in Manheim’s eyes? The answer lies in a mix of professional admiration and personal connection. Slater, 33, has built an impressive career in theater, with standout roles in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical and the recent revival of Spamalot. His portrayal of Boq in the Wicked film adaptation, opposite Grande’s Glinda, has only elevated his profile. Manheim’s excitement likely stems from Slater’s theater credentials, which resonate deeply with Manheim’s own passion for the stage.
Additionally, Manheim’s familiarity with Grande through his co-star Liz Gillies, who has been close friends with Grande since their Victorious days, made meeting her feel like reconnecting with an old friend. “Liz has talked to me about Ari for so long that it was just like I was meeting one of Liz’s old friends,” Manheim explained. In contrast, Slater was a fresh and thrilling encounter, amplified by Manheim’s love for his work.
The Victorious Connection: Liz Gillies and Ariana Grande
The visit wasn’t just about Manheim’s starstruck moment—it was also a heartwarming reunion for Liz Gillies and Ariana Grande. The two actresses, who co-starred on Nickelodeon’s Victorious from 2010 to 2013, have maintained a close friendship over the years. Grande even featured Gillies in her 2019 “Thank U, Next” music video, and in 2023, she posted a heartfelt birthday tribute to Gillies on Instagram Stories, calling her “the most beautiful, brilliant, talented, funniest person I’ve ever met”.
Manheim, who has grown close to Gillies during their time working together, noted how their friendship made perfect sense. “They’re both such sweeties,” he told PEOPLE at the Disney 2025 Upfronts in May. “It makes such sense that they are friends. They’re both such kind souls, both such theater girlies”. Grande’s visit to Little Shop of Horrors was a testament to their bond, as she and Slater arrived to support Gillies, spending time backstage and soaking in the theater atmosphere.
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater: A Wicked Love Story
Grande and Slater’s appearance at Little Shop of Horrors also highlighted their own love story, which began on the set of Wicked in 2022. The couple, who play Glinda and Boq in the film adaptation, sparked romance rumors in July 2023 after both separated from their respective spouses—Grande from Dalton Gomez and Slater from Lilly Jay. Despite public scrutiny and tabloid drama, they’ve remained a supportive unit, attending events like the 2025 Critics Choice Awards and the Wicked premieres together.
Their shared passion for theater likely strengthens their bond, as both are deeply rooted in the Broadway world. Grande, a former Broadway star herself (13: The Musical), and Slater, a seasoned stage actor, connected over their roles in Wicked. Their visit to Little Shop of Horrors was a nod to their love for the stage, as well as their support for friends like Gillies.
The Magic of Theater: Bringing Stars Together
Manheim’s story underscores the unique camaraderie of the theater community, where even A-list celebrities can share genuine, down-to-earth moments. His excitement over meeting Slater reflects the mutual respect that artists have for one another’s craft. Meanwhile, Grande’s presence at the show, cheering on her longtime friend Gillies, highlights the enduring friendships forged in the entertainment industry.
Theater has always been a space where performers can reconnect with their roots, and Little Shop of Horrors provided the perfect backdrop for this star-studded reunion. As Manheim put it, seeing Grande and Gillies together was like watching “little girls again enjoying being in the theater”.
Why This Story Resonates
This heartwarming encounter resonates because it reveals the human side of celebrity interactions. Manheim’s candid admiration for Slater, his bond with Gillies, and the enduring friendship between Grande and Gillies remind us that even in the glitzy world of Hollywood, genuine connections matter. Fans of Zombies, Victorious, Wicked, and Broadway will find this story particularly delightful, as it bridges different corners of the entertainment world.
Moreover, Manheim’s revelation about being starstruck by Slater over Grande adds a relatable twist. It’s a reminder that even celebrities get starstruck, and sometimes, it’s the unexpected encounters that leave the biggest impression.
A Moment to Remember
Milo Manheim’s starstruck reaction to meeting Ethan Slater over Ariana Grande is a charming glimpse into the theater world’s tight-knit community. His enthusiasm for Slater’s work, combined with the heartwarming reunion of Grande and Gillies, paints a picture of authentic connections amid the glamour of celebrity life. As Wicked continues to dominate headlines and Little Shop of Horrors cements its status as a must-see production, this story serves as a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that theater brings to both performers and fans.
Whether you’re a fan of Manheim’s Disney projects, Grande’s pop anthems, or Slater’s Broadway brilliance, this encounter is a celebration of the magic that happens when talented artists come together. So, the next time you’re at an Off-Broadway show, keep an eye out—you never know who might be in the audience, ready to make someone else’s day unforgettable.
