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Cynthia Erivo Reveals Why She Won't Play Elphaba on Broadway

Cynthia Erivo has decided she will not take on the role of Elphaba in a potential Broadway adaptation of 'Wicked'. She explained on 'The View' that she feels it would be selfish after the film's success. Erivo believes the movie's popularity will open doors for other actresses to play the iconic part on stage. The hosts commended her for this generous and thoughtful perspective.

Key Points: Cynthia Erivo Declines Broadway Wicked Role After Film

  • Cynthia Erivo declines the Broadway role to avoid a selfish decision and share the opportunity
  • She believes the film's success will inspire more actresses to play Elphaba
  • 'The View' hosts praised her generous perspective on letting others shine
  • Erivo is a Tony Award winner for her Broadway debut in 'The Color Purple'
2 min read

Cynthia Erivo reveals if she would take up broadway adaptation of 'Wicked: For Good'

Cynthia Erivo explains her generous decision to not reprise Elphaba in 'Wicked' on Broadway, wanting to give other actresses the opportunity instead.

Cynthia Erivo reveals if she would take up broadway adaptation of 'Wicked: For Good'
"I feel like it would be a little selfish. We've been given such a gift with this (film) version... - Cynthia Erivo"

Los Angeles, Jan 4

After a barrage of memes and pop-culture dialogues around her behaviour on 'Wicked: For Good' press tour, Hollywood actress Cynthia Erivo has revealed if she will take up the broadway adaptation of 'Wicked: For Good'.

The actress has shared that she won't be taking up the part as she does not want to make a selfish decision, reports 'People' magazine.

The actress graced the recent episode of 'The View', and shared why she would not take up the part. She said, "I feel like it would be a little selfish. We've been given such a gift with this (film) version, and everyone is seeing it. It's in everybody's houses right now, and people can go to the cinema and see it".

She then elaborated on her reason for not playing Elphaba on Broadway, saying, "What's wonderful about this particular film now is that I think it provides more room for other women to go do (the role on Broadway)".

As per 'People', her explanation that Wicked's popularity in the movie theaters will lead to more actresses and singers wanting and getting to play Elphaba in theater productions received a warm response from the hosts.

Show host Joy Behar said, "(It gives) someone else the opportunity". Sunny Hostin said, "That is so generous, so generous". Behar added, "You're not only wonderful, you're a terrific person".

Idina Menzel originated the role of Elphaba on Broadway in 2003. Since then, many actresses have played the iconic character, including Stephanie J. Block, Shoshana Bean, Lindsay Mendez and Jessica Vosk. The current Elphaba is Lencia Kebede, who is the first Black actress to play the role full-time on Broadway. Kebede made her debut in March.

For her Broadway debut as Celie in a revival of 'The Color Purple' in 2015, Erivo won Best Actress in a Musical at the 2016 Tony Awards.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Respect for her decision. It shows maturity. But honestly, as a fan, I would have loved to see her live on Broadway. The film was magical, and her stage presence must be something else.
S
Sarah B
It's a very generous thought, but isn't this also a bit of a missed chance? She's at the peak of her popularity from the film. Broadway could have been a triumphant return. The logic is kind but maybe not the best career move?
A
Anjali F
This is such a "passing the torch" moment. Lencia Kebede is making history as the first Black full-time Elphaba on Broadway, and Cynthia's decision ensures the spotlight isn't taken away. Beautiful solidarity between artists. ❤️
K
Karthik V
As someone who follows theatre, this is a smart long-term view. The film has created a whole new generation of Wicked fans. More actresses getting the role means the show stays fresh and relevant for years. Win-win for everyone.
M
Michael C
Class act. Simple as that. Not many would turn down a surefire hit role on Broadway. Her Tony for 'The Color Purple' proves she doesn't need to prove anything to anyone anymore.

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