Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club - Interview with Lencia Cabetta

Episode: INTERVIEW: Lencia Kebede On Embodying Elphaba, Black Representation On Broadway, Celebrating Her Growth + More
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious
Guest: Lencia Cabetta
Description: In this episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Jess Hilarious sit down with Lencia Cabetta, the groundbreaking actress who became the first black woman to play Elphaba in Broadway's Wicked. They delve into her journey, the significance of her role, the challenges she faces, and her vision for the future of representation in the arts.

1. Introduction to Lencia Cabetta

The episode begins with an enthusiastic introduction of Lencia Cabetta, highlighting her historic achievement as the first black actress to portray Elphaba full-time on Broadway's Wicked.

Charlamagne Tha God [02:44]: "She's an actress and the first black actress to play Elphaba full time on Broadway's Wicked."

Lencia expresses her humility and excitement:

Lencia Cabetta [03:05]: "Thank you so much. It's a dream come true. It's surreal sometimes."

2. Breaking Barriers: First Black Elphaba

Lencia discusses the significance of her casting and its impact on the community and the entertainment industry.

Lencia Cabetta [03:27]: "It was an opportunity to tell the story of my community, our struggles, our strengths, our power."

Hosts delve into the societal implications:

Jess Hilarious [07:28]: "It's crazy that this generation gets to live in this climate and see it as normal."

Lencia affirms the readiness of the world for this representation.

Lencia Cabetta [07:46]: "I do think the world was ready. I do think the world was ready."

3. Personal Journey into the Arts

Lencia shares her path into acting and music, rooted in her Ethiopian heritage and early experiences in church music.

Lencia Cabetta [04:01]: "I started at church and I hated singing. My parents saw something special in me and kind of like thrust me into music."

She reflects on her academic pursuits before fully embracing her passion for the arts.

Lencia Cabetta [04:11]: "I studied diplomacy and world affairs in undergrad and politics—different angles to make positive change."

4. The Audition Process and Securing the Role

Lencia recounts the intense audition process for Elphaba and the emotional rollercoaster of securing the role.

Lencia Cabetta [05:21]: "Auditions were like six rounds across maybe four months of me flying to New York from LA on Zoom."

Upon receiving the offer, she grapples with disbelief and eventual acceptance.

Lencia Cabetta [06:22]: "I was in shock. I couldn't believe it."

5. Challenges of the Role

The conversation shifts to the demanding nature of playing Elphaba, both mentally and emotionally.

Lencia Cabetta [10:16]: "The show is very emotionally taxing. I am constantly faced with the most complicated inner feelings that specifically a black woman can experience."

Jess Hilarious emphasizes the demanding aspects:

Jess Hilarious [11:00]: "Elphaba is one of the most demanding roles in, if not the most."

Lencia outlines her pre-show rituals to maintain her mental and emotional balance.

Lencia Cabetta [11:10]: "I usually do like a 30-minute warmup. Half of it physical, half of it vocal."

6. The Weight of Representation

Lencia addresses the pressures associated with being a trailblazer and the responsibility of representing her community.

Lencia Cabetta [12:50]: "Representation means so much to so many people. I put a lot of pressure on myself to make every interaction meaningful."

She differentiates between external pressures and her self-imposed responsibilities.

Lencia Cabetta [13:50]: "I feel like it's more self-induced just because I care so much about positively impacting the world around me."

7. Building Community and Seeking Support

The discussion highlights the supportive network among actresses who have played Elphaba, fostering a sense of sisterhood.

Lencia Cabetta [14:54]: "They call it kind of like a sisterhood. Like, the people who have played Elphaba, they all sort of say, nobody can know what it's like until you've done it."

8. Memorable Moments and Experiences

Lencia shares anecdotes from her time on stage, including performing alongside prominent figures and the emotional highs of the role.

Lencia Cabetta [19:35]: "Sometimes I stumble words and say crazy things and I just have to find a way to get around it."

Reflecting on her first audition and overcoming fears:

Lencia Cabetta [21:40]: "I was so nervous. It was probably one of the hardest things I overcame in my career so far."

9. Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

Lencia discusses how the role has shaped her personally and professionally, emphasizing self-acceptance and empowerment.

Lencia Cabetta [28:04]: "She's teaching me to be unapologetic in who I am."

She aspires to continue inspiring others and fostering positive change through her art.

Lencia Cabetta [30:14]: "I want this moment to be remembered as a turning point. I took a chance on myself, and that's what I want this moment to be remembered as."

10. Closing Thoughts and Support

In the concluding moments, hosts and Lencia express mutual support and encouragement.

Charlamagne Tha God [32:28]: "You got to go check it out."
Lencia Cabetta [32:36]: "I appreciate it. Thank you."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Lencia Cabetta [03:05]: "Thank you so much. It's a dream come true. It's surreal sometimes."

• Lencia Cabetta [05:21]: "Auditions were like six rounds across maybe four months of me flying to New York from LA on Zoom."

• Lencia Cabetta [10:16]: "The show is very emotionally taxing. I am constantly faced with the most complicated inner feelings that specifically a black woman can experience."

• Jess Hilarious [11:00]: "Elphaba is one of the most demanding roles in, if not the most."

• Lencia Cabetta [14:54]: "They call it kind of like a sisterhood. Like, the people who have played Elphaba, they all sort of say, nobody can know what it's like until you've done it."

• Lencia Cabetta [21:40]: "I was so nervous. It was probably one of the hardest things I overcame in my career so far."

• Lencia Cabetta [28:04]: "She's teaching me to be unapologetic in who I am."

• Lencia Cabetta [30:14]: "I want this moment to be remembered as a turning point. I took a chance on myself, and that's what I want this moment to be remembered as."

Conclusion

This episode of The Breakfast Club offers an inspiring deep dive into Lencia Cabetta's pioneering role in Wicked and her contributions to Black representation on Broadway. Through candid discussions, Lencia shares her personal struggles, triumphs, and the profound impact her work has on audiences and future generations. Her journey underscores the importance of representation in the arts and serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.