Cynthia Erivo Chronicles Her Deeply Personal Journey to Becoming Elphaba
Cynthia Erivo was always meant to embody Elphaba in the musical Wicked.
The acclaimed 38-year-old performer shared insights into her extensive connection to the stage production in her recently launched book, Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much, which hit shelves on Tuesday, November 18.
“My initial experience witnessing Wicked live was on my 25th birthday,” she recounted. “The spectacle of Wicked proved astonishing and awe-inspiring. I had been performing its songs for ages, and suddenly the complete production — comprising illumination, melodies, vocalizations, and visuals — materialized before me, engulfing my whole self.”
Even with her prior exposure to the performance, Erivo didn't envision herself portraying the character of Elphaba.
“I wouldn't allow myself to conceive of it, for a straightforward reason. I had never witnessed an individual resembling myself in that particular part,” she expressed. “My mind failed to grasp the notion that such an occurrence could ever transpire. It presents a challenge to manifest something we haven't observed. Despite Elphaba's green hue making it seem irrelevant, it held significance. At least, within my own thoughts.”
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Ultimately, Erivo did, in fact, portray Elphaba in the cinematic version of Wicked — the initial installment premiered last year, while the follow-up is scheduled for release on Friday, November 21.
Throughout her memoir, Erivo thoroughly explained her transformation into Elphaba and how her bond with fellow actor Ariana Grande developed into an enduring companionship.
Continue reading for Erivo’s most significant insights concerning Wicked, shared within Simply More:
The Genesis
During her time as a student at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Erivo recounted experiencing feelings of being “a misfit.” However, she encountered a friend proficient in piano, and together they would repetitively perform “a single track, from a particular production — a song depicting a young woman and a sorcerer, touching upon themes of aspiration and acceptance.”
Her Affinity for Elphaba
Erivo experienced a “profound bond” with the character upon her initial viewing of Wicked on stage.
“I identified within her the emotions of an individual who stands apart. I had consistently possessed the ability to perceive other nonconformists akin to myself, and I grasped that aspect of her instantaneously,” the vocalist penned. “We held a strong sense of camaraderie. Significantly later, I would discern the commonalities between us, but I failed to establish those links at that juncture.”
The Audition for the ‘Wicked’ Film
Upon learning of rumors regarding a Wicked film adaptation under development, Erivo instructed her representatives “not” to disclose any particulars.
“Refrain from informing me of anything unless it appears to be a potential opportunity for me,” she conveyed. “At heart, I recognized my strong desire to be involved in the movie. Yet, if I disregarded the ongoing developments, perhaps I could safeguard myself from disappointment should the role not materialize for me.”
She encountered Wicked director Jon M. Chu at a gathering, where they conversed about the film devoid of any “stress.” Subsequently, Erivo received an invitation to audition.
“I arrived unadorned, simply myself in a T-shirt and denim trousers, sporting a pair of comfortable athletic shoes — or perhaps it was flats?” she recollected. “I opted for a red knit cardigan for its gentle and comforting feel, wishing to be at ease. When my physical self is relaxed, I find I can perform my craft with greater tranquility.”
Erivo expressed her “bond” with Elphaba to Chu prior to her rendition of “Defying Gravity.” Unsurprisingly, she secured the part.
Forging a Friendship with Ariana Grande
Erivo and Grande (who portrays Glinda in the Wicked cinematic adaptation) established an “agreement” to safeguard one another no matter what.
“It’s frequently observed that female costars — or indeed, any costars — occasionally permit their self-importance to interfere, leading to conflict and disrupting the artistic workflow for all parties,” Erivo stated. “Our resolve was to act contrarily. To embody the antithesis. To cultivate one another’s best qualities, to uplift each other, to ascertain if, much like our vocals, we could transcend our individual contributions.”
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Collaborated on 'Wicked' Salary Negotiations
Erivo observed that she and Grande “collaborated closely” during filming.
“Our collaboration held considerable weight,” she further elaborated. “We exhibited a powerful synchronicity, a dedication to genuineness, and this, coupled with the organic rapport we cultivated both during production and outside of it, enabled us to provide mutual emotional and career assistance.”
Their involvement with Wicked is nearing its conclusion, yet Erivo and Grande continue to “communicate via calls or messages nearly every day.”
The Demanding Physicality of the Part
The act of soaring as Elphaba proved to be the most “exhausting” aspect of the character. Erivo would finish her days “covered in contusions.” She even experienced “a nosebleed at one juncture” and fractured several fingernails.
“Irritation from rubbing: It seems amusing until one undergoes it,” she penned. “The reality was that the harness abraded my skin with such intensity, duration, and repetition that the dermis on my hips began to erode. Skin chafing is utterly unpleasant.”
It proved to be a “profoundly exciting and completely invigorating” encounter, notwithstanding the significant effort involved. The Elphaba attire, coupled with her flying harness, presented “a considerable difficulty to remove,” leading her to frequently endure 12 to 14 hours without a restroom break.
“During the day, individuals would inquire if I required to use the lavatory,” she stated. “I was unwilling to do so. I was not compromising.”
