Sentimental Men Podcast – Episode Summary: “This Story Deserves the Best of Us” (with Cynthia Erivo)
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Host/Author: Broadway Podcast Network
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

1. Introduction and Opening Banter (00:24 - 01:10)

The episode kicks off with Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi engaging in light-hearted conversation about their recent theater experiences. Quincy shares his excitement about watching "Death Becomes Her," mentioning the swift pacing and his first-time viewing of Megan Hilty live on stage. Kevin echoes his enthusiasm, describing the movie as one of his favorites and appreciating its contemporary humor.

Notable Quote:
Quincy (00:24): "They cheered for my resistance. Oh, I saw Death Becomes Her."
Kevin (00:33): "Do you want to talk about it?"

2. Theater Experiences and Encounters (01:10 - 03:43)

The hosts delve deeper into their theater experiences, highlighting memorable performances and notable personalities they encountered. Quincy recounts seeing Stephanie J. Block and Betty Buckley, adding excitement to his theater night. Kevin expresses his admiration for "Death Becomes Her," appreciating its cast, including Jane Krakowski, Debra Messing, Neil Patrick Harris, Michael Oberholtzer, and Constance Wu.

Notable Quote:
Quincy (02:01): "Stephanie and Leslie Margarita."
Kevin (02:26): "Leslie Kritzer would be fabulous."

3. Listener Reactions and Feedback (04:44 - 10:31)

The podcast transitions to sharing a listener's movie reaction. Kristin Chenoweth submits her thoughts on seeing "Wicked" in an Amazon Prime advanced screening. She describes her emotional response to the film, particularly the ASDA scene, and praises Michelle Yeoh's performance. The discussion includes highlights of the film's visual and emotional impact, with Quincy and Kevin adding their observations and excitement for the movie's success and soundtrack.

Notable Quote:
Kristin Chenoweth (06:18): "I couldn't even connect those dots."
Quincy (10:31): "Speaking of soundtrack, they released the Defying Gravity and popular edit versions because they're climbing up the Billboard charts, which I love."

4. Extended Interview with Cynthia Erivo (12:07 - 88:44)

a. Cynthia's Journey with "Wicked" (12:07 - 21:30)

Cynthia Erivo shares her personal connection to "Wicked," recounting how she first encountered the musical during drama school. She describes practicing the entire libretto with a friend and later attending a solo viewing in London at age 25. Cynthia explains how the character Elphaba resonated with her feelings of being different and not fitting in.

Notable Quote:
Cynthia Erivo (16:54): "I immediately took to Elphaba because I understood what it was like to just sort of, like, be, like different or not fitting in."

b. Audition Process and Casting (21:30 - 30:07)

Cynthia details her audition experience for the film adaptation, highlighting the respectful and thorough process led by director Jon M. Chu. She describes the three-hour audition, which included music and scene work, and her emotional reaction upon receiving the casting call. Cynthia emphasizes the supportive environment provided by Chu, allowing her to perform authentically.

Notable Quote:
Cynthia Erivo (27:01): "I had the chance to lose it. It was mine to lose."
Kevin (25:36): "You are on a for you page."

c. Filming and Technical Challenges (50:34 - 68:10)

Cynthia dives into the technical aspects of portraying Elphaba on screen, discussing the "greenifying" process—airbrushing green makeup tailored to her skin tone, prosthetics for freckles, and the detailed costume design. She explains the rigorous daily preparation, including early mornings, extensive makeup sessions, and harness work for flying scenes. Cynthia also shares insights into the choreography of iconic moments like "Defying Gravity," emphasizing the physical and emotional demands of the role.

Notable Quote:
Cynthia Erivo (53:29): "Freckles were a choice. Immediately I was like, I think she should have freckles."
Quincy (56:35): "You're going to be stunning in the second movie."

d. Emotional and Creative Collaboration (30:38 - 45:40)

Cynthia discusses her collaborative relationship with co-star Ariana Grande and the supportive dynamics on set with veterans like Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. She reflects on the emotional depth required for the role, particularly in scenes like the ASDA moment, and the significance of having Menzel fix her hat—a symbolic passing of the torch.

Notable Quote:
Cynthia Erivo (34:32): "We just like were, we got to know each other and then we went to John's house and just..."
Quincy (78:35): "It's beautiful."

e. Character Insights and Themes (72:01 - 75:20)

Cynthia offers a deep analysis of Elphaba's character, highlighting her journey from feeling out of place to embracing her unique identity. She explains that Elphaba's lack of anger towards the world allows her to connect and effect change, differentiating her portrayal from previous interpretations. Cynthia emphasizes the balance between hope and vulnerability in her performance.

Notable Quote:
Cynthia Erivo (75:17): "I need to have all of those within me. I'm not ashamed of hurt and anger and pain."

f. Rapid Fire Segment and Personal Reflections (85:29 - 88:44)

In a light-hearted rapid-fire segment, Cynthia, Quincy, and Kevin answer quick questions about set habits and personal quirks. They share humorous anecdotes about crying on set, staying in character, and the emotional intensity during scenes. Cynthia concludes by expressing her gratitude for the support from her peers and the meaningful connections formed during production.

Notable Quote:
Cynthia Erivo (87:52): "Defying Gravity. The last moment before I fly up in the air. That was her last shot in the film."

5. Closing Remarks and Additional Promotions (88:44 - 89:39)

As the interview wraps up, Quincy and Kevin thank Cynthia for her inspiring insights and heartfelt participation. They briefly promote related podcasts, encouraging listeners to explore more content that celebrates kindness and the arts.

Notable Quote:
Kevin (88:26): "I personally feel like the world could use a lot more kindness right now."
Cynthia Erivo (89:38): "Aww."

Key Takeaways:

• Cynthia Erivo's Deep Connection: Cynthia's portrayal of Elphaba is rooted in her personal experiences of feeling different and excluded, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to the character.

• Rigorous Filming Process: The role required extensive physical preparation, green makeup application, and harness work, showcasing Cynthia's dedication and resilience.

• Collaborative Spirit: The supportive environment with co-stars and the passing of the torch from established actresses like Idina Menzel enriched the filming experience.

• Character Evolution: Cynthia emphasizes Elphaba's journey towards self-acceptance and her capacity to effect change without harboring anger, highlighting a nuanced character study.

• Emotional Investment: The intense emotional moments, particularly during pivotal scenes, underscore the profound impact of storytelling in musical theatre adaptations.

Conclusion:

This episode of "Sentimental Men" offers an intimate glimpse into Cynthia Erivo's transformative journey in bringing Elphaba to life on screen. Through candid conversations, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and heartfelt reflections, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the dedication, challenges, and emotional resonance involved in adapting a beloved musical for film. Cynthia's insights not only celebrate her artistry but also illuminate the collaborative and heartfelt nature of theatrical productions.