A Look Back at Cynthia Erivo’s “Wicked”ly Tough Training in Order to Soar and Sing for the Blockbuster Film

A Look Back at Cynthia Erivo’s Intensive Training for her Role in the Blockbuster Film ‘Wicked’

Cynthia Erivo has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Her role as Elphaba in the hit film ‘Wicked’ required her to go above and beyond in terms of preparation and dedication. The actress and singer, who is now just one award away from achieving an EGOT status, has been nominated for an Oscar this year for her outstanding performance in the film.

Defying gravity both vocally and physically is no small task, and Cynthia Erivo knows this all too well. To deliver the high notes and execute the challenging sequences required for the film, she had to put in a tremendous amount of effort and hard work. Her dedication paid off, as she and her co-star Ariana Grande have both received Oscar nominations for their roles in ‘Wicked’.

Before the nominations were even announced, Erivo had already undergone gruelling training to prepare for her role as Elphaba. She revealed that she had to make significant sacrifices, including getting only “2 to 3 hours” of sleep each night during filming. Despite the challenges, she would still wake up early to work out for two hours before starting her day, especially for scenes that involved her flying while singing.

Erivo shared insights into her intense workout routine during a special screening and Q&A for ‘Wicked’. She spoke about doing late-night runs or bike rides while singing simultaneously to condition her lungs and strengthen her core – essential for performing while suspended in a harness. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of internal strength and how tools like an infrared sauna blanket and therapy helped her cope with the physical demands of the role.

During a recent Variety FYC screening, Erivo emphasised the commitment she and Grande put into their roles because of their deep passion for the characters. She acknowledged the challenges of singing in a harness high up in the air but expressed that both she and Grande were willing to give their all for their roles. The rigorous training on their voices and bodies was a testament to their dedication to delivering exceptional performances.

Reflecting on the physical and mental toll of her training, Erivo admitted that she is still questioning whether pushing herself to such extremes was healthy. She recognised that the choices she made were self-inflicted but emphasised the importance of feeling confident in her body and mind when taking on challenging roles. Despite the difficulties, she remains dedicated to her craft and is committed to delivering performances that feel effortless and natural.

Cynthia Erivo’s journey in preparing for her role in ‘Wicked’ serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication and work ethic as an actress and performer. Her ability to push herself beyond her limits and embody complex characters like Elphaba is a true testament to her talent and commitment to her craft. As she continues to soar to new heights in her career, audiences can expect nothing less than brilliance from this remarkable artist.