"The Universe Needs To Relax" (w/ Cynthia Erivo)
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Key Insights
Why did Cynthia Erivo choose to audition for the role of Elphaba in 'Wicked'?
Cynthia Erivo auditioned for Elphaba because she felt a deep connection to the character and believed it was her role to play, regardless of the stage size.
How did Cynthia Erivo's approach to Elphaba differ from previous portrayals?
Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba is self-assured and uses humor as a defense mechanism, getting to the joke before others can call her weird, which is a new and special take on the character.
What was the most challenging scene for Cynthia Erivo in 'Wicked'?
The most challenging scene for Cynthia Erivo was 'Dancing Through Life,' where she had to process Elphaba's ownership of loneliness and the desire to be accepted, despite feeling different.
How did Cynthia Erivo prepare for the vocal performance in 'Defying Gravity'?
Cynthia Erivo prepared for 'Defying Gravity' by understanding it as the beginning of Elphaba's journey and the release of everything she had been holding back, aiming for a guttural, rage-filled roar.
What was Cynthia Erivo's experience like filming 'Wicked' during the writers' strike?
During the writers' strike, Cynthia Erivo felt ready to film 'Defying Gravity' but had to wait, keeping the character alive within her while staying physically and vocally prepared, which she felt the universe was making her earn.
How does Cynthia Erivo unwind and relax after a long day?
Cynthia Erivo unwinds with a nighttime routine including sleepy time tea, dressing in comfortable PJs, skincare, watching light dramas or comedies, journaling, and then sleeping.
What is Cynthia Erivo's favorite color and why is it significant?
Cynthia Erivo's favorite color is green, which is significant because it's her favorite color before playing Elphaba, and she already had a lot of green in her closet, making it an easy choice for the role.
How did Cynthia Erivo's collaboration with Ariana Grande influence her upcoming album?
Cynthia Erivo's collaboration with Ariana Grande helped her find the right team and label, leading to an album where her voice is the primary instrument, inspired by vocal-forward artists like Enya and Lauryn Hill.
What does Cynthia Erivo find most challenging about cooking with certain ingredients?
Cynthia Erivo finds it challenging that many recipes rely heavily on onion and garlic, which she is allergic to, and advocates for using a variety of herbs and spices to achieve flavorful dishes without these ingredients.
Chapters
- Broadway friends and family screening included original cast members and their children.
- The screening was a warm and emotional experience for Cynthia.
- The generational impact of 'Wicked' was evident during the screening.
Shownotes Transcript
