Cynthia Erivo, from Wicked, discusses the musical transformation of her character Elphaba into the infamous Wicked Witch of the West
This year, the Oscar nominations have embraced genre storytelling, and Cynthia Erivo from "Wicked" is up for a leading actress award. Recently, she stopped by Jimmy Kimmel's show and shared that she was in mid-flight when the nominations were announced, fittingly defying gravity. Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba in "Wicked" has struck a chord with fans, inspiring countless TikTok recreations of Ariana Grande's "What Is This Feeling?" choreography.
Erivo has captured the essence of Elphaba, standing out amidst the shadow of the original Elphaba, Idina Menzel, and the iconic Wicked Witch of the West, Margaret Hamilton. The challenge of making the role her own while honoring its past was essential to her performance. "I wanted to use the music as the emotional heartbeat throughout Elphaba's story," Erivo explained. "She has to grow within the songs."
Erivo's "Wicked" work has received recognition in the awards season, with her clawed nails and hints of the classic cackle reminding us of the original character. In reply to Kimmel's reminiscing of his fear of the original Wicked Witch, Erivo flipped the script, acknowledging her admiration and respect for Margaret Hamilton's groundbreaking depiction.
The new adaptation of "Wicked" has paid homage to its predecessor with details such as Erivo's claws and signature cackle. However, her unique interpretation prevails, turning Elphaba's vulnerability and empowerment into captivating choreography. Watch the full interview with Cynthia Erivo on Jimmy Kimmel here. "Wicked" is now in theaters and digitally, with "Wicked: For Good" opening this Thanksgiving.
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Enrichment Data:
- Erivo's performance in "Wicked" includes several homages to the original Wicked Witch of the West, Margaret Hamilton.
- Detailed costume design: Erivo studied Hamilton's appearance and incorporated her iconic nails into her outfit, paying tribute to the original character.
- Recreated gestures: Erivo referenced a famous picture of Hamilton during the magic lessons scene, contorting her hand into a claw-like shape, as a tribute.
- Empowerment themes: The ballroom sequence in the new adaptation showcases Elphaba reclaiming her space, which reflects the original character's sense of empowerment and vulnerability.
- Body Language: Erivo's physicality and body language are reminiscent of the dramatic and imposing presence of the original Wicked Witch of the West, with Elphaba's guarded attitude and need for space also reflected in her movements.
Erivo's heartfelt appreciation for Margaret Hamilton's iconic portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West was evident during her interview on Jimmy Kimmel's show. She even mentioned looking up to Io9 for its insights on the future of movies and technology, drawing parallels between the transformative nature of the Wicked character and advancements in the film industry.
