“I always joke that if I wrote the story of my life, it would almost be like a fairy tale”. This statement, made by the British actress, singer and author, Cynthia Erivoin 2018 to The Hollywood Reporter, may sound like a flashback from the past, but it feels almost prophetic. At the time, Erivo was still an up-and-coming talent. Yes, she made a splash on Broadway as Celie in “The Color Purple,” but she had yet to set foot on a film set and had just signed her first two film contracts.

Fast forward six years, and her face and name are now gracing movie theaters around the world as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, opposite Ariana Grande’s pink and vivacious Glinda. They star in the highly anticipated film adaptation of ‘Wicked’, one of the most successful and beloved musicals of the 21st century. With 65 million viewers and 6 billion dollars in receipts, the musical has long held a special place in theater history. Now, the movie has finally hit theaters and the fairy tale, or rather the witches’ tale, is just beginning. But the story had been in the making for years.

Erivo always knew her place was on stage, long before she ever considered acting in front of the camera. In fact, he made the decision to drop out of studying psychology at the University of East London and pursue a career at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he is now vice-president. Before graduating in 2010, she often found quiet corners with her classmates to sing and rehearse. He even memorized the script for “Wicked,” even though he’d never seen the show. Fascinated by it, she promised to go to the show herself to celebrate her 25th birthday. She went on her own and connected strongly with the story.

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But long before Erivo became Elphaba, many things had to happen: small roles, musicals, plays and, above all, the role of Celie in ‘The Color Purple’ – first in London’s Off West End and then in New York. That performance earned her a Tony Award, then came a Grammy and an Emmy. From there, he built a solid foundation for the global fame he enjoys today.

Ariana Grande saw the show on Broadway when she was a child, and Kristin Chenoweth, the original Glinda, was one of her mentors. Grande was in and most fans saw her as the perfect choice. Erivo, however, was not such an obvious choice. Although she had already played iconic figures such as singer Aretha Franklin and activist Harriet Tubman (with two Oscar nominations, including Best Actress and Best Song), this role was something completely different. There were many candidates, including Grande herself, who was trained to sing and perform the role of Elphaba.

Casting Cynthia Erivo for the role of Elphaba in ‘Wicked’ was a conscious and bold choice by the director, Jon M. Chu, who wanted to give a new perspective to the beloved musical. Erivo, a black, bisexual and shaven-headed woman, embodies a young witch who is marginalized for her green skin and powerful abilities. This casting decision was deliberate, breaking away from a musical that can be seen as cheap. As Erivo herself has shared while promoting the film, her role is more than just portraying a character. It is a statement about identity and empowerment. “Wicked” is her response to all the “labels” and labels she’s heard over the years. It is the declaration of her right to exist with all her might.

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