As a longtime admirer of Cynthia Erivo‘s captivating performances and enchanting voice, witnessing her journey through the magical realm of Oz in Wicked has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Her ability to breathe life into Elphaba, the Wicked Witch, is truly remarkable, as she humanizes this complex character with an authenticity that resonates deeply. The camaraderie between Erivo and Ariana Grande, built on mutual respect and understanding, shines through in their harmonious duets, creating a musical bond that transcends the screen.
Cynthia Erivo has a lot to rejoice about, such as the impressive box office numbers and critical acclaim of “Wicked,” but she also shed light on her work process, including her collaboration with co-star Ariana Grande. During a discussion at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s old town Al-Balad, Erivo described the response to the film as “a truly wonderful experience to witness.” She admitted that despite everyone knowing it was something truly special, even they couldn’t have foreseen such massive success.
As a passionate gamer, I dived headfirst into this project. “I was well-versed in its unique charm from the get-go and had been a devoted fan since day one. Watching this magical world unfold on screen is an incredibly rewarding journey for me. It’s not always easy to transfer stage magic to the big screen, but watching the connection grow between the audience and this project is truly remarkable.
Regarding Grande, she disclosed: “We didn’t try out for the roles together. We crossed paths after the casting, and we spent some time socializing before rehearsals began. In this period, we informally agreed to look out for each other, to treat one another with kindness, and to collaborate honestly. Our aim was to foster a relationship based on these principles.
This implies that “we felt completely secure to perform our parts as required,” Erivo clarified. “We offered each other the room, compassion, and generosity essential for playing such roles. What’s remarkable is the understanding that our voices complemented each other exceptionally well.
The star likewise delved into the closeness of harmonizing in song. “Performing such an act implies a genuine grasp of the other’s methods, and singing alongside someone is an incredibly intimate experience,” she expressed.
Erivo stated, “Cyberbullying can be quite harmful.” She explained how Grande endured social media harassment, saying, “It’s simple to post hurtful comments about someone you don’t personally know.” Her advice for dealing with such behavior is: “We should strive to shield ourselves as much as possible… If someone is experiencing this, it’s crucial to counteract the negativity. Be the one who speaks positivity into their life.
In an interview about playing the Wicked Witch, Erivo mentioned she found it intriguing to make the character more relatable, saying “I have a unique task of making her feel human.” Interestingly, Erivo herself prefers the color green, which just so happens to be the same as the color of Saudi Arabia, a fact her interviewer pointed out to the delight of viewers.
In the movie, green symbolizes something that resonates deeply with her, being a Black woman. “I believe it represents anyone who has ever felt marginalized or misunderstood,” is an alternative way to express this idea.
In November 2025, the highly-anticipated sequel to “Wicked: Part One” is scheduled to premiere in cinemas. This new installment promises to pick up from where we left off in the original movie, as we follow the witches of Oz, including Ariana Grande’s character Galinda (Glinda the Good Witch) and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West), as they carry on their story.
One thing she’ll forever be grateful for are the friendships formed during the production of Wicked, she shared when discussing her main and enduring impression. She described the creative team as a true-blue family who continue to stay in touch.
The star also discussed her singing abilities and her thoughts on her voice. “I’ve always been intrigued by what my voice is capable of,” she stated, going on to describe her studies in music psychology and its impact on her artistry. “My own emotions serve as a key” to others, helping her convey stories and forge connections, she explained.
Erivo appreciates several aspects of film work because it provides ample opportunities to narrate stories, offers more time, and enables her to work closely with the director on a daily basis. In contrast, stage work allows for temporary absences from directors, which can result in distinct relationships when there’s mutual understanding between the actor and director.
Discussing her role as abolitionist Harriet Tubman in the film “Harriet”, Erivo expressed that many may not have understood “the extent of what she sacrificed at a young age.” She further mentioned that one of the captivating aspects of the character was to depict “someone who bore heartache yet persisted in rescuing others.
Enrivo mentioned the difficulty in portraying real-life individuals authentically, stating, “You strive to give them their due respect.” He further explained, “I aim for clarity and truthfulness,” adding that he feels a strong need to protect these characters. He also shared that he becomes quite meticulous about the details. Lastly, he expressed his desire to go beyond just presenting symbols of these people, wanting to explore their likes, such as favorite foods, to give audiences a deeper understanding.
How does she manage to keep her voice in top shape amidst a hectic schedule like a film festival in a warm climate? “Plenty of fluids and as much quiet time as possible,” Erivo revealed, acknowledging that it can be tough for everyone to find this quiet.
In my gaming world, do characters ever feel jealous in their real lives? Well, let me tell you, Erivo shared that in reality, she doesn’t. “We all receive what we are destined to receive,” she said. But I can’t stand rudeness, and I made sure to voice that opinion to the crowd in Jeddah.
Renowned actress, vocalist, writer, and producer Erivo is a twice-nominated candidate for the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award. She initially gained significant recognition through her performances in “The Color Purple” on London’s West End and on Broadway.
On Thursday night, Erivo was among a star-studded group that included Emily Blunt, Michelle Yeoh, Will Smith, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Eva Longoria, Squid Game’s breakout star Hoyeon, Michelle Rodriguez, and Spike Lee (the president of the competition jury), who were all in attendance at the opening ceremony for the fourth installment of the Red Sea International Film Festival. This event brought together a global gathering of famous figures.
At the start of the RSIFF 2024, the opening film was Karim Shenawi’s “The Tale of Daye’s Family,” a captivating tale about an 11-year-old albino boy who secures an opportunity to try out for “The Voice.
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2024-12-06 13:55