Cynthia Erivo, a name synonymous with excellence in the entertainment industry, is set to captivate audiences once again with her portrayal of Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked. This iconic musical, which has been a Broadway favorite for over two decades, is now ready to sweep the big screen with its timeless tale of friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery. In this article, we delve into Cynthia Erivo's journey to becoming Elphaba, her experiences, and her impact on the world of entertainment.
1. The Audition Process
Cynthia Erivo's journey to becoming Elphaba began with an audition process that was both grueling and transformative. In an interview with BuzzFeed, Erivo shared her experience of spending three hours in the audition room, performing four songs alongside two potential Glindas in four different scenes. This rigorous audition process was not just about showcasing her singing skills but also about connecting with the music on a deeper level. Erivo revealed that she had been singing songs from Wicked since she was 20 years old, making her quite familiar with the musical's content during her audition.
Erivo's connection to the music was deeply personal. She reminisced about a friend, Michael Peavoy, who would bring her into a room where they would sit at the piano and sing through the entire score of Wicked. 'It was just the two of us in a room with a piano,' she said, highlighting the intimate nature of her musical journey. This personal connection undoubtedly played a significant role in her ability to embody Elphaba, a character often misunderstood due to her green skin.
After her audition, Erivo reassured herself that she 'did alright' and tried to put it out of her mind. However, nearly a month later, she received the long-awaited call from director Jon M. Chu, known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians. The email from her agent was frantic, and Erivo recalled thinking, 'Sure, it's 1 a.m., but let's go for it'. When she joined the Zoom call, Jon Chus name appeared, but it didn't immediately register. As the faces of the participants came into view, he introduced the project, saying, 'There's this book, it's a fascinating story about how this woman becomes a green witch,' and that was the moment she broke down in tears.
Erivo's reaction was understandable. The excitement and anticipation of potentially playing such an iconic role were overwhelming. She recalled thinking, 'This cannot be real,' as she buried her face in her hands and her glasses flew up over her head. This moment encapsulated the emotional depth and complexity that Erivo would bring to the role of Elphaba.
2. Claiming Her Queerness
Cynthia Erivo has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used her platform to bring visibility to the intersection of black and queer identity. At the Los Angeles LGBT Center Gala, she accepted the Rand Schrader award for her achievements in entertainment and activism. In her speech, Erivo expressed her feelings of being 'extremely loved and held' and opened up about her personal journey of embracing her identity.
Erivo shared that she had long admired those who could fully embody their true selves. 'It is a privilege to be on this stage tonight because for so long I lived in deep admiration of anyone who could fully embody their true authentic self, wear their queerness like a feather boa and proudly state This is a beautiful part of who I am,' Erivo expressed. This moment highlighted her courage in claiming her queerness publicly and the freedom it brought her.
Erivo acknowledged the L.A. LGBT Center's efforts in the community and its fight against anti-LGBTQ+ extremism. She expressed her belief that the universe had orchestrated her involvement in the Wicked musical adaptation and her portrayal of Elphaba, the green witch. 'As I stand here in front of you: Black, bald-headed, pierced and queer, I can say I know a thing or two about being the other,' she said. This statement underscored her connection to Elphaba's story, which is a cautionary tale of what it can sometimes mean to have to stand in your individuality, your otherness, even when systems of oppression are set against you.
Erivo concluded her speech by encouraging the crowd to keep rebelling, be themselves, and show up for others. 'I encourage you to keep rebelling, keep being yourselves, keep showing up, keep encouraging others to show up as themselves too because sometimes people need a little encouragement,' she urged. This message resonated deeply with the audience and highlighted Erivo's commitment to promoting inclusivity and acceptance.
3. The Film Adaptation
The film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, is set to release on November 22, 2024, with the second part following on November 21, 2025. This two-part film will feature new songs by Stephen Schwartz and a screenplay penned by Winnie Holzman, the book writer of the original musical. The costumes are designed by Tony winner Paul Tazewell, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the film.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will star as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. The cast also includes West End Company Olivier winner Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, SpongeBob SquarePants star Ethan Slater as Boq, Emmy winner Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond, 2023 Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, and newcomer Marissa Bode as Nessarose. This diverse cast brings together a talented ensemble that will bring the world of Oz to life in a new and exciting way.
To avoid a repeat of the musical's original Tony Awards strategy, Universal has requested that the leading ladies be eligible in different categories. Erivo will be in the Leading Actress category for her performance as Elphaba, while Grande will be in the Supporting Actress category for her role as Glinda. This strategic move ensures that both actresses have a fair chance at recognition during the awards season.
4. Impact on Representation
Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba is significant not only because of her acting prowess but also because of the impact it has on representation. As a Black woman playing a character often misunderstood due to her green skin, Erivo brings a unique perspective to the role. In an event at Cal State Fullerton, Erivo spoke about portraying Elphaba and the importance of representation in media.
Erivo emphasized that she understood Elphaba deeply because she recognized herself in the character. 'When you play characters, you become one in the same even if you have nothing in common with the characters. Somehow, you find that wonderful kismet connection,' she said. This connection is crucial for creating a character that viewers can see themselves in.
Erivo's dedication to storytelling and representation has remained a staple throughout her career. She has played iconic roles such as American abolitionist Harriet Tubman in the 2019 film Harriet and Celie in the 2015-17 Broadway revival of The Color Purple. Her commitment to portraying characters that reflect diversity and inclusivity has made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
For students aspiring to careers in entertainment, Erivo advised them to build a strong support network of family and friends, prioritize their mental health, and trust that their path will take them where theyre meant to go. 'If you get a no in an audition, it just means that one wasnt for you,' she said. 'The nos that you get are making room for the opportunities that are meant for you'. This message of resilience and perseverance resonates deeply with aspiring artists.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, Cynthia Erivo's journey to becoming Elphaba in Wicked is a testament to her talent, dedication, and commitment to representation. From her rigorous audition process to her impactful portrayal of Elphaba, Erivo has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. As we eagerly await the release of Wicked, we are reminded of the power of storytelling and the importance of inclusivity in media.
