With the premiere of “Wicked: Part One,” Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande join an exclusive club of women who have played two of the most challenging roles in musical theater: Elphaba and Glinda. These iconic roles have been portrayed by dozens of actresses on Broadway, the West End, on tour, and across the world.
For many of the actresses who have played the witches, their experiences with the show have been life-changing. They recall the intense physical and emotional demands of playing the roles, as well as the unique bond they formed with their fellow Elphabas and Glindas.
Former Elphabas and Glindas share with CNN what the witches mean to them and how the show changed their lives. They discuss the challenges of playing the roles, including the physical demands, emotional intensity, and the pressure to deliver vocally demanding performances.
Many of the actresses grew up with the show, idolizing actresses like Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the roles. As they took on the parts themselves, they found a sense of kinship with their characters and a deeper understanding of their own identities.
The show’s alumni agree that playing the principal roles in “Wicked” prepared them for virtually any role that followed. They credit the show with teaching them resilience, authenticity, and the power of friendship.
When asked about the film adaptation, most of the actresses interviewed have already seen the movie and are pleased with how it turned out. They praise the attention to detail, the performances, and the expansion of the story.
As the first part of the film, “Wicked: Part One” is a testament to the enduring power of the musical and its themes of sisterhood, acceptance, and self-discovery. For the women who have played the witches, the show will always hold a special place in their hearts.