Lindsay Mendez Shares Her Thoughts on Cynthia Erivo’s Performance in Wicked: For Good
Lindsay Mendez as Elphaba on Broadway, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in ‘Wicked.’
Credit :
Walter McBride/Corbis via Getty; Universal Pictures
Lindsay Mendez Celebrates Cynthia Erivo’s Portrayal of Elphaba
Cynthia Erivo’s recently acclaimed portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked: For Good has garnered significant praise, notably from Lindsay Mendez, who previously played the witch on Broadway. In an exclusive interview, Mendez emphasized her admiration for Erivo’s performance, expressing how it resonated deeply with her own experiences.
“I loved it,” Mendez shared during a New York City screening of Merrily We Roll Along. "I think Cynthia is a goddess, and she’s incredible. Ariana [Grande] is incredible too." Mendez, a Tony Award-winning actress, reflected on how the film captured the essence of Wicked. “It hit all my Wicked notes,” she noted, adding that the excitement around movie musicals was fulfilling to witness.
The connection between both actresses runs deep, as they have both embraced the role of Elphaba, a character that resonates with themes of identity and empowerment. Mendez praised the impact of Wicked: For Good, stating, “It was phenomenal, and the fact that people are going to movies and seeing movie musicals is everything I could wish for.”
Mendez, who played Elphaba from 2013 to 2014, lauded Erivo’s performance in the sequel, expressing her excitement for its release in 2024. Wicked is based on the Broadway musical inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, which itself draws from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its sequels.
In an interesting anecdote, during her audition for the role, Erivo overcame a fever of 103 degrees, demonstrating her dedication. The film’s casting directors noted her exceptional talent, stating, “She just nailed it…she did it, and she defied gravity.”
Erivo’s interpretation, along with Grande’s role as Glinda, ushers in a new chapter for Wicked, which continues to captivate audiences. As Mendez’s reflections illustrate, the legacy of Elphaba remains powerful in both theater and film, resonating with a wide audience passionate about the journey of these beloved characters.
Wicked: For Good is currently in theaters, continuing the story that has enchanted fans for years.
