Cynthia Erivo Shares Her Experience with 'Wicked', Embracing a New Elphaba and Her Terrifying Encounter with 'Dracula' Production

At the newly renovated Town Hall near Kings Cross, Cynthia Erivo captivated the audience while discussing her memoir Simply More alongside actor Ncuti Gatwa. The energy in the room was palpable, with some attendees leaning forward in anticipation and others leaping from their seats, concerned for the stars safety. But the excitement came from a young fan trying to grab Erivos attention. She recalls, She just shot up, waving her hands It didnt feel like she was moving on her own. After a brief moment, Erivo reassured the girl, who gifted her a small, personalized doll, a touching gesture that left a lasting impression.

Erivo reflects on these human connections: People now feel comfortable sharing their feelings, experiences, and what work means to them. After the event, hundreds of fans eagerly collected pre-ordered copies of Simply More and flocked to the stage door to greet her, creating a joyful chaos.

On the creative side, Wicked: For Good director Jon M. Chu aimed to portray Elphaba as all-powerful. Erivo explains how they defined the characters abilities: Her power is dominion over gravity. She can take it away or give it, making things land or fly. Beyond that, she has visions we explore in the second film. The broom, Erivo notes, is simply a tool for speed, akin to a motorbike for someone who can already fly.

Erivo describes Elphaba as a badass and a superhero: Shes fierce, in her own power, and has a particular strength. She also shares insights into the characters physicality: her wild hair and expressive hands became essential parts of Elphabas identity, used to cast spells and communicate personality.

The story resonates with contemporary themes, according to Erivo: The underpinning story is a woman against Fascism. She reflects on scenes depicting oppression and compares them to real-world events, emphasizing the relevance and depth of the narrative. Erivo wanted Elphaba to be multidimensional, a character whose decisions matter and who leaves an impact.

Beyond Wicked, Erivo is expanding her range. She discusses her upcoming projects, including playing a Samurai-CEO hybrid in a new film and starring in the screen adaptation of Prima Facie, where she portrays a determined attorney confronting a traumatic case. She emphasizes the importance of exploring diverse roles and not repeating herself: Once this story has been told there are other women to meet, other characters to meet, other stories to tell.

Recently, Erivo returned to the London stage for the first time in over a decade to star in Bram Stokers Dracula, directed by Kip Williams. She will perform all 23 roles in the production, with rehearsals beginning in Los Angeles before moving to London for the premiere at the Noel Coward Theatre on February 4. She admits, It scared the sh*t out of me I was terrified. The challenge of taking on multiple roles and pushing her limits drew her to the project.

Looking back, Erivo recalls the hurdles of her early career: even after her Broadway success in The Color Purple, opportunities in London were limited. Now, seeing her name in bold letters above a West End stage, she describes the moment as crazy, really wonderful and a full-circle experience. She also notes that the Royal National Theatre has approached her for future projects, keeping her options open for more stage work in the U.K.

Author: Sophia Brooks