Cynthia Erivo Made a Promise to See Her Characters Through

Though Elphaba may have been hesitant about attending Shiz University, Cynthia Erivo, the actress portraying the character in Wicked, is determined to pursue a Ph.D.https://wordpress.com/

Erivo, who stars as Elphaba in the Wicked movie adaptation, is fascinated by how everyday life shapes people’s voices—not only in conversation but also when they sing. Her interest in this field grew after she was selected as a fellow at Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study in 2021, though she had to decline the opportunity due to her packed schedule.

Despite having finished filming Wicked and completing a major press tour for Part 1, Erivo is still in the midst of a whirlwind campaign for various awards (including a recent SAG Award nomination) and preparing for another round of media attention when Wicked Part 2 debuts later this year. Additionally, she is starring in, producing, and adapting a film version of the Tony Award-winning Broadway play Prima Facie.

However, Erivo’s role as an educator at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, her alma mater, remains a priority. “Every time I can tell,” she reflected in a recent interview, “when someone has been told they’re too much, that they should quiet down or not speak too loudly, it carries over into how they use their voices when they sing.”

In late November, just a week after Wicked made a remarkable $114 million at the domestic box office, Erivo sat down to discuss her passion for vocal psychology. Despite her newfound global fame, she remained just as eager to share her ideas as she was at ease with her celebrity. Even without Elphaba’s iconic green makeup and costume, Erivo was immediately recognized by fans at Sardi’s in Manhattan, where we spoke. Dressed in a two-tone Rejina Pyo skirt and an olive Sies Marjan feathered sweater, Erivo exuded her signature glam with long, jeweled nails, sparkling piercings, and a closely shaved hairstyle. Her caricature adorns the restaurant’s wall after winning the 2016 Tony Award for her portrayal of Celie in The Color Purple—a role that also earned her an Emmy and a Grammy.

Erivo’s success in roles like Celie, Elphaba, and her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in the 2017 mini-series Genius: Aretha is rooted in her ability to balance a character’s composed exterior with their deeply passionate inner life. In person, she displays the same blend of intellect and curiosity that makes her performances so compelling. “I don’t choose roles lightly,” she said. Her approach allows her to delve deep into the characters’ psyches, with the hope that the audience will continue thinking about them long after the performance ends. “I want them to stay with you, maybe even challenge you or inspire change,” she explained.

Her commitment to her craft was evident during her Wicked audition, which left a lasting impact on the creative team. Director Jon M. Chu, who first saw Erivo on Broadway, initially questioned whether the 35-year-old actress would be willing to play a younger, more innocent character. But Erivo’s approach to the role completely changed his perspective. “She came in wearing jeans and a T-shirt and looked like a little girl,” Chu recalled. “When she sang ‘Wizard and I,’ she made me believe in Elphaba’s hope for a better place and optimism.”

Erivo’s performances are also making an impact in the awards world. Though she was nominated for a Golden Globe (but lost to Demi Moore), she has now earned a SAG Award nomination and is a strong contender for an Oscar nomination in January. Her influence extends beyond acting, as her Wicked interview with co-star Ariana Grande went viral and inspired numerous memes.

Erivo has always defied expectations, from her debut role as Celie in The Color Purple to her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in Harriet—a casting decision that sparked some backlash due to her Nigerian-British background. Yet, she received Academy Award nominations for both Best Actress and Best Original Song for the film.

In Wicked, while Erivo dons extensive green makeup, her physical transformations are typically less radical. Standing at 5-foot-1, she often commands the screen with her larger-than-life presence, the result of her meticulous preparation and research. Director Kasi Lemmons praised Erivo’s attention to detail in portraying Harriet Tubman, recalling a scene where Erivo’s portrayal of Harriet’s run across a field revealed a mix of femininity and grace, a quality Lemmons hadn’t anticipated but soon realized was essential to the character.

In Wicked, Erivo delivers an unforgettable performance during “The Wizard and I,” revealing Elphaba’s longing, isolation, and self-awareness. A pivotal moment occurs when Elphaba looks into a mirror and watches her skin shift from green to brown and back—an acknowledgment of Erivo’s groundbreaking casting as the rare Black actress in this iconic role.

Leslie Odom Jr., who starred with Erivo in Harriet, had the opportunity to watch her film this scene. “It was a joy to see someone who has mastered so many different aspects of their craft,” he remarked. “But what struck me was her tenderness and acceptance of herself. She wasn’t forcing anything; she was simply allowing herself to be enough.”

Erivo’s performance in the Wicked finale, “Defying Gravity,” is a testament to her virtuosic ability, blending vulnerability and charisma. Director Jon M. Chu observed that her dedication to mastering every scene raised the bar for the entire cast. “Watching her work was a reminder of the level of commitment required,” he said. “It pushed everyone to give their best.”