Cynthia Erivo feels like an outsider because she doesn’t “fit in”. The Tony Award-winning performer’s candid admission comes as she prepares for one of the most anticipated musical adaptations of the year.
The ‘Wicked’ star, 38, admits her vulnerable side helped her connect with her character Elphaba in the big screen movie-musical as she understands what it means to feel alone and be set apart from others. The role of Elphaba has been portrayed by numerous acclaimed actresses on Broadway since its debut in 2003.
“I think I was surprised by how connected I felt to Elphaba,” she told the Guardian newspaper. “Surface, we’re different: I walk into the room, I’m bald-headed, I’ve got no eyebrows, I’ve got nails, I’ve got piercings, I’ve got tattoos, for me that’s my everyday normal but a passerby might think: ‘What is happening here?'”
“But as you peel away those layers, yes, I understand what it feels like to be set apart from everybody else, and not fit in; yes, I understand what it feels like to be a kid whose father doesn’t care; yes, I understand what it’s like to feel alone when you’re in a room full of people who don’t know where you’re coming from or why you’re so tired, or why you do things your way,” she continued. Her raw honesty reflects the emotional depth she brings to the role of the misunderstood green witch.
“Me and Elphaba had that same journey, trying to fit, and it doesn’t work. Your only choice is to be who you are.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the story of ‘Wicked’, which has touched millions of theater-goers worldwide since its premiere.
Erivo‘s journey to this iconic role has been marked by numerous achievements, including a Tony Award for her breakthrough performance in ‘The Color Purple’ on Broadway. Her versatility as a performer has earned her recognition across multiple entertainment platforms, making her one of the few artists to be just one award away from the prestigious EGOT status.
The upcoming film adaptation of ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu, pairs Erivo with pop sensation Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda. The casting announcement generated significant buzz among fans of both the musical theater and pop music communities, with early production photos suggesting a fresh take on the beloved story.
Throughout her career, Erivo has been vocal about representation in the entertainment industry and the importance of staying true to oneself. Her casting as Elphaba marks a significant moment in musical theater history, bringing new dimensions to a character traditionally portrayed through a different lens.
The actress’s commitment to authenticity extends beyond her professional work. Her distinctive appearance, which she discusses candidly in the interview, has become part of her identity as an artist and has inspired fans to embrace their own unique qualities.
‘Wicked‘ tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, exploring themes of friendship, prejudice, and the nature of good and evil. The musical, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, has become a cultural phenomenon, breaking box office records and challenging audiences’ preconceptions about classic fairy tales.
For Erivo, the role of Elphaba represents more than just another character in her impressive repertoire. It’s a chance to bring her personal experiences of feeling different and finding strength in that difference to a character who has resonated with audiences for similar reasons.
The film adaptation of ‘Wicked’ is set to be released in two parts, with the first installment scheduled to hit theaters in late 2024. This innovative approach to the beloved musical promises to delve deeper into the rich storyline and complex characters that have captivated audiences for decades.
