Cynthia Erivo’s Raw Performance in ‘Wicked’s’ Most Isolating and Painful Scene Brought Her to Tears

Wicked has become a cultural phenomenon. The film adaptation of the Broadway play tells the story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy Gale arrived. Viewers have resonated with Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of outsider Elphaba Thropp. However, filming one of the film’s most raw, isolating, and painful scenes brought Erivo to tears.

Cynthia Erivo wept as Elphaba was singled out as an outsider

Elphaba Thropp is different than other Shiz University students. Her skin is green due to an elixir her mother drank while pregnant.

Elphaba’s differences are highlighted early in the film, beginning in her childhood. Her isolation escalates when she arrives at Shiz and is singled out by Glinda Arduenna, a popular girl.

The women’s loathing of one another comes to a head before a dance at the Ozdust Ballroom. Glinda gives Elphaba a black witch hat to wear, ridiculing her looks.

Cynthia Erivo was brought to tears filming this Wicked scene. She told Today why the scene where Elphaba and Glinda perform an emotionally charged dance sequence was important to show why standing up for one’s differences is so important. 

“I’m so grateful to have been able to do that and walk through any of the little wounds that I have, and the little wounds that Elphaba has, and to sort of put everything on display,” Erivo said. Her raw emotions were brought to the surface, tears rolling down her face as Glinda (Ariana Grande) pushed them away.

“All of (Elphaba’s) vulnerabilities kind of needed to be on the outside — it’s what she leads with,” Erivo said. “Even though there’s sort of a thin veneer holding it together and assurance, there’s still this feeling of not being sure, not really knowing herself.”

Each emotionally charged Ozdust Ballroom take was 10 minutes long

The Ozdust Ballroom scene was a turning point in the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. The women realized they were more alike than different. A deep love between them subsequently emerges.

Erivo noted filming the vulnerable scene was emotionally charged. She shared that the cast enveloped her during the 12-hour day when the moment was performed in full, over and over.

“It was a really big day,” Erivo said to Today. “Sometimes painful. Sometimes joyous. It took a lot of heart because everything is out there for everyone to see. It’s a very vulnerable space to walk into.”

“I’m so grateful to have been able to do that and walk through any of the little wounds that I have, and the little wounds that Elphaba has, and to sort of put everything on display,” Erivo concluded.

Cynthia Erivo understands standing up for one’s differences

Cynthia Erivo felt a kinship to the role of Wicked‘s Elphaba. She felt something in the character, being an outsider, different, and not fitting in.

She told The View there was something about Elphaba that felt “familiar. Because I understood it. I think I’ve always felt like I was different. I think I’m a bit of an odd one out, often.”

Erivo’s bald head immediately sets her apart, looks-wise, from other actors of her generation. But it’s her strength, tenacity, and talents which have have led her to almost EGOT status.

Thus far, Erivo has won a Tony Award for her portrayal of The Color Purple‘s Celie in 2016, a Grammy (The Color Purple, 2017), and a Daytime Emmy (Today Show, 2017).

Wicked is currently in theaters. Wicked Part 2 will be released in November 2025.