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Cynthia Erivo on Passing Elphaba's Broom: "It Would Be Selfish" to Return

Cynthia Erivo has stated she is unlikely to return to Broadway as Elphaba, feeling it would be "a little selfish" after the global reach of the film adaptation. She believes the movie's success will create more opportunities for other actresses to take on the iconic stage role. Erivo, a Tony winner, is instead focusing on new challenges like a one-woman production of 'Dracula' in London's West End. Her generous perspective on succession was praised by hosts on 'The View'.

Key Points: Cynthia Erivo Won't Return to Broadway as Elphaba

  • Erivo calls a Broadway return "selfish"
  • Says film opens role for others
  • Current Broadway Elphaba is first Black full-time actress
  • Erivo's next challenge is a one-woman 'Dracula'
2 min read

Cynthia Erivo shares if she would play Elphaba in 'Wicked' on Broadway

Cynthia Erivo says she won't reprise Elphaba on Broadway, calling it "selfish," and hopes the 'Wicked' film opens the role for more actresses.

"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. - Cynthia Erivo"

Washington DC, January 4

Actor and singer Cynthia Erivo has suggested that she is unlikely to reprise the role of Elphaba in the Broadway stage production of 'Wicked', stating that the success of the film adaptation should allow space for other performers to take on the iconic character, according to People.

Speaking on a recent episode of The View, the 38-year-old actor was asked whether she would ever return to Broadway as Elphaba after starring in Wicked: For Good. Erivo said she felt doing so might be "a little selfish," given the wide reach of the film adaptation. "We've been given such a gift with this version, and everyone is seeing it," she said, adding that the movie's accessibility allows audiences around the world to experience the story.

Erivo explained that the film's popularity could open doors for more actresses to step into the role on stage. "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," she said. Her comments drew praise from the show's hosts: Joy Behar called the sentiment generous, and Sunny Hostin applauded her outlook, according to People.

The role of Elphaba was first played on Broadway by Idina Menzel in 2003 and has since been portrayed by several notable performers, including Stephanie J. Block, Shoshana Bean, Lindsay Mendez and Jessica Vosk. The current Broadway Elphaba is Lencia Kebede, who made her debut in March and is the first Black actress to play the role full-time.

Erivo herself has a strong theatre background. She won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Celie in The Colour Purple. Up next, she is set to take on 23 characters in a one-woman production of Dracula in London's West End. Speaking about the project, Erivo admitted she is nervous but excited about the challenge, according to People.

In addition to Dracula, Erivo's upcoming projects include the stage-to-screen adaptation Prima Facie and the film Children of Blood and Bone, scheduled for release in 2027.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As an theatre enthusiast from Mumbai, I appreciate this. The stage is a different beast than film. Let new actors make the role their own. Lencia Kebede's casting is historic and deserves its own spotlight, not to be overshadowed by a film star's return.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, while her sentiment is nice, I disagree a bit. If she's the best for the role and audiences want to see her, why not? In India, when a star performer returns to a stage role, it's a huge event. It doesn't necessarily block others forever.
S
Shreya B
Her focus on the West End 'Dracula' project sounds incredible! 23 characters in one show? That's the kind of artistic challenge we need to celebrate more. Wishing her all the best. From one performer to another, break a leg! 💚
D
David E
Interesting to see the global impact of a film adaptation. She's right—the movie will create a whole new generation of fans who might then seek out the stage version. It's smart long-term thinking for the health of the theatre ecosystem.
N
Nisha Z
It shows great maturity. In our culture, we talk about "vasiyat" (legacy) - what you leave behind. By stepping aside, she's ensuring the role has a future with many artists. Also, thrilled to see more diversity on Broadway with actresses like Lencia!

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