INTERVIEW: Lencia Kebede On Embodying Elphaba, Black Representation On Broadway, Celebrating Her Growth + More

Summary

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.

Transcript

[DJ Envy]

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[Lencia Cabetta]

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[Carlos Miller]

Ass up early in the morning.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The Breakfast Club Morning everybody. It's DJ Envy Jess Hilarious Charlamagne the Guy we are the Breakfast Club. We got a Special guest in the building.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yes, indeed.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Lencia Cabetti. Did I say it right?

[Lencia Cabetta]

Pretty close.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Well, what is it?

[Lencia Cabetta]

Cabetta.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Cabetta.

[Lencia Cabetta]

But you got it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Welcome.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Thank you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Welcome, welcome, welcome. Now, if you don't know who she is, she's an actress and the first black actress.

[DJ Envy]

Hold on. Wait, wait, wait. Look, let me say something. Cause she off air before we just started. She said, how did y' all find me? And I said, you're the first black actress to play Elphaba full time. How can't we find? She said, how dare I? Exactly.

[Lencia Cabetta]

So how dare I?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

There you go.

[DJ Envy]

First black actress to play Elphaba full time on the Broadway Wicked. How does that happen?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Congratulations, first and foremost.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Thank you so much. I mean, it's a dream come true. It's, like, surreal sometimes. And sometimes I'm like, oh, yeah, this is exactly where I always thought I would be doing something, like, impactful for our community and our industry. But most days I just, like, I'm just dumbfounded. I can't believe I'm singing these songs.

[Jess Hilarious]

What did it mean for you personally? And what did it mean for bro personally?

[Lencia Cabetta]

It was an opportunity to tell the story of my community, our struggles, our strengths, our power for our. For our industry, for the entertainment industry. I think it just opened the eyes of who can do what and who is capable of what and just, like, brought a more creative outlook to art.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Now, you were in Hamilton before, but I want to start from the beginning.

[Lencia Cabetta]

My birth.

[DJ Envy]

Okay, what did my birth.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How did you get into the arts? Like, what was so special to you? Said, this is what I want to do.

[Lencia Cabetta]

You know, it's funny. I started at church and I hated singing. My parents saw something special in me and kind of like thrust me into music.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And you're Ethiopian, correct?

[Lencia Cabetta]

Correct. Both my parents are from Ethiopia. Immigrants. So I'm first generation. And I loved playing outside. I love playing sports. I was super into my academics, too. I was just like, a really hype kid. I feel like I was just. I couldn't be stopped.

[DJ Envy]

Perfect for Broadway.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Perfect for Broadway. Lots of energy, especially for this role. But, like, being inside, rehearsing and, like, I just was like, I want to be outside and I want to be playing. But I started to see, like, how music affected people, specifically in church, and how that moved people spiritually. And I was like, wait, I think I'm good at this something. I don't know what it is. I don't know how to hone in on it, but I know that it just feels special. So I wanted to keep trying. And then I started doing like community theater and middle school and high school. And in college, I decided I wasn't going to study it. I had other interests. I studied diplomacy and world affairs and undergrad and politics. All different angles to make, like, positive change to the world around me.

[Jess Hilarious]

How many times? Okay.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I said, and then you got to Broadway, so explain how you got to Broadway and those feelings.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Midway through my five year run in Hamilton, the audition for Elphaba came up and I already actually had another job offer that I was very excited to embark on. And my team was like, I mean, it depends on what you want to do. And I was like, well, no black woman has ever played this role. I'm not going to pass up this opportunity. So auditions. It was like six rounds across, maybe like four months of me flying to New York from LA on Zoom. Just lots of different. It's a. It's a long process to vet such a technical skill. Would that. That is required for this character. So after all those rounds and the up and downs of the emotions, I got it. I don't. I got it. I don't. Am I gonna. I don't know. Just like so much inner turmoil. I finally got the call from my agent and I started cracking up. I couldn't even, like, emote. I was just like, this cannot be happening right now.

[DJ Envy]

So you thought it was a joke or you. Or you didn't know what you felt?

[Lencia Cabetta]

I think I didn't know what I felt.

[DJ Envy]

So you just laughed?

[Lencia Cabetta]

I was like, in shock. Yeah. At that point, I think I had convinced myself that it was highly possible. I was. I was in the final, like four people maybe, but I was like, universe, God, Mother Earth, I receive whatever is mine, however I want this. And I feel like I would be great for this moment, but, like, I accept the outcome. So I think I was. I was playing both outcomes internally so well that no matter what that call would have, whatever the outcome of that call would have been, I would have been ready. So I think my body was like, okay, this is happening. I had to like go on a walk and like ground myself to remember what was real. I couldn't believe it.

[DJ Envy]

It's crazy.

[Jess Hilarious]

How many times do people try to gaslight you? Like, is America ready for a black Elphable?

[Lencia Cabetta]

Right?

[Jess Hilarious]

Like, the damn green face isn't fantasy enough.

[Lencia Cabetta]

It's so silly. And it's. People say things like, she's green. Like, it doesn't matter what her race is. And I'm like, she's Green. Exactly. She looks different than everybody else. Like, that is the point. So I do think the world was ready. I do think the world was ready. And I feel so grateful that it was me.

[Jess Hilarious]

You know, it's so interesting. Like I took my 9 year old and my 6 year old to see Wicked on Broadway and they saw the movie. So to them Elphaba is black, to my is black.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Like, isn't that like, like if I.

[Jess Hilarious]

Say, if I say that, you know she's black, right? Like, of course she's like, yeah. That's all they know is a black Elphaba.

[Lencia Cabetta]

It's crazy that this generation gets to live in this climate and see it as normal. Like that's what they get to grow up experiencing. And that's my favorite part of this, is this whole generation that is just. This is their norm.

[Jess Hilarious]

Why do you think it took decades for a black woman to get this role full time? Like, what does that say about Broadway? If anything?

[Lencia Cabetta]

I think art is a reflection of the society it represents. So I don't think Broadway was particularly doing anything outside of what our country represented. And as times have changed, so has art. Art has shifted. So I feel like it's exactly. The timing is exactly right. And again, like, I can't speak to why it took this long, but all I know is I'm happy I'm here.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Do you get a lot of love or do you get a lot of hate?

[Lencia Cabetta]

I get a lot of love. I mean, haters are haters. There's always haters. There's always critics.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The reason I ask is like, I took my kids too. And of course the majority of people in there are others. Or I should say are white.

[Jess Hilarious]

I should say white man. God damn.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I was gonna say others all white. But I was wondering.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Others.

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[Lencia Cabetta]

The other. Actually I'm green. Okay.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay, you're green.

[Jess Hilarious]

You're the other.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I'm other.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I was gonna say. And what type of hate do you get? Is it letters? Is it. You know, because I thought the play was phenomenal. And like I said when I seen you in the hall, I took my 3 year old and then I took my 23 year old, so.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Wow. And they both enjoyed it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

They both enjoyed it.

[Lencia Cabetta]

That's what's crazy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It was great.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Across the generations, people relate. I mean, it's the hate. I don't know, I wouldn't even call it hate more than just like strong opinions because less so about race, more just because this is a long running show 22 years. Everyone who has seen, who comes to see Wicked has seen Wicked more or less. The amount of people who are new to this piece of work is very little. So everybody knows every word, every intonation, like every way, every single line goes or every vocal part goes. So it's not. It's less like. Like, why is there a black Alphabet? I don't really get that. There's more celebratory energy about the racial thing, but people just like what they like. And you know what? That's fine. I cannot be for everyone. And I think that's what this show is teaching me. Especially this character who has to fight with the world around her, not trusting her and misunderstanding her. But she always stays true to who she is. And that, I think is my biggest takeaway from playing this role.

[DJ Envy]

What was the most challenging part about playing Elphaba, if there are any, I.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Would say mental and emotional fatigue. The show is very emotionally taxing. I am constantly faced with like the biggest, most complicated inner feelings that specifically a black woman can experience. Feeling othered, feeling misunderstood, not being trusted, disillusionment, believing in someone, trusting in someone, and then realizing that it's not what it seems. So I think there's a lot of times when I leave the show and I have to just like, I don't even turn on the lights in my apartment for hours. I have to be like dead in my head because just like the emotional rollercoaster of what the character requires also requires me to plug in and charge when I'm not there.

[Jess Hilarious]

Let's stay there for a moment. Cause Elphaba is one of the most demanding roles in, if not the most.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Demanding, if not the most.

[Jess Hilarious]

So what's your pre show ritual to get into that headspace and, and voice bass every night?

[Lencia Cabetta]

I think I definitely take stock in how I'm feeling. If I'm feeling like more tired, maybe I listen to like hype music or like take a walk or like take a hot yoga class, something to get me my energy going. But if I'm feeling particularly stimulated that day, sometimes I listen to like jazz and something calmer. I usually do like a 30 minute warmup. Half of it physical, half of it vocal. And then while I'm getting the greening, which takes 30 minutes to do my makeup every day. When they're doing that for me, that's when I play music. And music I feel like is what drops me into whatever emotional space I need to get into. The character.

[DJ Envy]

Makeup only takes 13, 30 minutes.

[Lencia Cabetta]

30 minutes? Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Damn. I Expected more.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Right. People usually think it takes like, hours.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[Jess Hilarious]

I was gonna probably just do your face, neck and hands.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Right, right. And like a little bit down my back, but like, it's only a little bit down my arm.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So I was gonna ask, do you have a life on Broadway? Can you have a life on Broadway with the amount of shows that you shoot?

[Lencia Cabetta]

Let me tell you, eight a week we have yesterday, I could say there, you can have a life on Broadway. When you're Elphaba, though, which is a different beast, there is no life. It's very difficult. I think. I try. I'm a communal being. I need the energy of others, so I try to balance it. But most days I do spend chilling on my own because like I said, the mental toll is really, I really have to like, relax in order to bring my like, whole heart and soul emotionally to the character. So everybody has a life, but I have less of a life. But, you know, sacrifice is worth it. Let me tell you, it is worth it.

[Jess Hilarious]

What's harder hitting that defying Gravity note eight times a week are carrying the weight of representation every time the curtain comes?

[Lencia Cabetta]

Ain't that the question? Definitely. The representation, it's just. It means so much to so many people. And like, I think another. Back to what you were saying about the hardest parts of the role. Like, I put a lot of pressure on myself to make every interaction I have through this period of my life has something meaningful to audiences. Black, brown, white, it don't matter. Like, I just. I think that that opportunity can sometimes feel like pressure to me just because I care so much and I really want, like, especially the kids. I want kids to go away feeling empowered. So defying Gravity is like, it's like a science. It's like, this is how you sing it. It's vocal technique, but with the cultural, racial, emotional aspects of it, like those, those things take real care. And I really put a lot of effort into how I present myself and what I share with my community.

[Jess Hilarious]

So you feel actual pressure to represent.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I do feel pressure in that. I feel like it's more self induced just because, like I said, I care so much about positively impacting the world around me. And that's. I feel like that's been one of my dreams since I was a kid. Like, I never knew what I would do growing up. But like, that's kind of why I went into politics for a little while too, and still have a passion for it is that I care so much about just like positively, positively inspiring people. So, yeah, I do Feel pressure only because that's what I choose to care about. I don't think anybody puts it on me besides myself, which is why this role teaches me to stay, you know, connected and true to who I am, regardless of what's happening around me.

[Jess Hilarious]

Because I feel like if you just bring your full self to the role, that's.

[Lencia Cabetta]

That's enough.

[Jess Hilarious]

That's. That's enough.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I completely agree. And that's exactly what the character does. She brings herself to all these crazy life situations, and that's how she survives and thrives.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Do you. Do you reach out to actresses before you to. Just to ask them how the role was and how to get into the role and are they open to it? Especially you being black, Were they open to it, or was it one of those things that's like, yeah, I call my agent?

[Lencia Cabetta]

No, they were incredibly open. They call it kind of like a sisterhood. Like, the people who have played Elphaba, they all sort of say, like, nobody can know what it's like until you've done it. So, like, any vocal teacher, any, like, voice doctor therapist, like, I can't explain to anybody in words what it feels like unless you, you know, you've experienced it. So hearing their experiences was, like, incredibly inspiring and just, like, really positive guidance for me into. Into dealing with the strenuous nature of it. Like, the one main thing I took away from all those conversations was, like, the girls. A lot of the girls were saying, like, anything you experience, every other Alphabet has experienced. So, like, you're not alone in those intense feelings when it gets difficult. So that just made me feel less crazy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And what's the craziest thing that's happened on stage? Did you see, like, a favorite celebrity in the stands? Did you have to run to the bathroom? What was the craziest thing that happened to you as you were performing?

[Lencia Cabetta]

Good question. I can't really see the.

[Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson]

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[Charlamagne Tha God]

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[Lencia Cabetta]

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[Lencia Cabetta]

Sometimes when I know, like Serena Williams in the audience recently and I was like, queen, sometimes I stumble words and like say crazy things and I just have to like, find a way to get around it.

[DJ Envy]

But during performance.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Yes. It happens.

[Jess Hilarious]

The audience don't notice.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I don't think so. Unless there's like a long silence. I think people are so dropped into the show that they're like, they're not worried.

[DJ Envy]

Have you met Cynthia Erivo?

[Lencia Cabetta]

I haven't met her yet. She did send me flowers on my debut, my first show, which was sweet, but I think we should probably be doing some stuff soon.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I'm excited.

[Jess Hilarious]

How do you navigate being celebrated but still feeling like you're breaking through systems that weren't designed for you?

[Lencia Cabetta]

I celebrate myself because what I'm doing is a literal revolution. And I believe art is a part of social change and political growth. I believe art shapes culture and culture shapes art. It's sort of symbiotic in that way. So I feel like the fact that I have the opportunity to break through these barriers also like strengthens my relationship with myself. I'm like, yeah, you did that.

[Jess Hilarious]

Who was your Elphaba growing up? Like, who made you believe you can defy gravity?

[Lencia Cabetta]

That's a great question. I would say seeing Cynthia for sure. I mean, Cynthia has done so many amazing projects.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Which like have just inspired me endlessly. Audra McDonald also, how she has crossed over to different industries to within the entertainment industry. So seeing black women be sort of like multi hyphenated artists, it's inspired me so much. It made me feel like, like if they can do it, you know, I can too.

[DJ Envy]

Do you remember your, your first audition for Wicked? Yes.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Oh yeah. I was terrified, shaking. I remember the first time I sang Defying Gravity in front of the creative team. Like, my hands were like.

[DJ Envy]

Literally, I was like, yeah.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I was so nervous. It was probably one of the hardest things I overcame in my career so far. Like that day because it meant so much to me. I knew what it would mean if I would continue on in the process. Being the first black woman in the possible. First black woman in the role and just the difficulty of the material. I was stressed. But then when I did it, I was like, no, I can do anything. Like, once I did it the first time, I was like, I'm good. I got it.

[Jess Hilarious]

Are you and Cynthia gonna do anything together at the Tony Awards because you said y' all gonna do something.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I pray, honey. That's what I'm. I am asking the universe and doing all the networking I can try to get there. She is hosting. I pray, I pray. So if anyone can hear me, bring me to the Tonys. I would like to be in attendance. I think it would be really great for our community.

[Jess Hilarious]

You haven't been nominated yet.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I can't be nominated for Wicked because it's not a new show in this season.

[Jess Hilarious]

I didn't know that.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Yeah, that's a, that's a thing.

[Jess Hilarious]

That's crazy. But if you're an actress or actor that takes the role to another level.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, you've done.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I. Well, thank you. One, two. I agree. I do think that long running show should have the opportunity to award, you know, particular performances in that way. But from. From my knowledge of how it works, it's about the new works of that season. There's like a maybe, you know, September of the last year till March of the current year, something, some timeline that the show has to open. From what I understand back to what.

[DJ Envy]

Emy was asking, like, do you have a life outside? So look, right, so you don't. You have friends? Of course. Right, okay.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

We hope she has friends.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Please, I need a community. Okay. Right.

[DJ Envy]

Oh, okay. So you, you're a Libra. You got a birthday coming up?

[Lencia Cabetta]

Yes. Wow. You better know.

[DJ Envy]

What are you going like, what do you do for your birthday? Are you working?

[Lencia Cabetta]

I don't know. I guess if my birthday falls on a Monday, it would be rare and that I would be off. But most likely I'm working.

[DJ Envy]

So you're off on Mondays.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Off on Mondays.

[DJ Envy]

And that's the only day?

[Lencia Cabetta]

That's the only day.

[Jess Hilarious]

And so you work tonight?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Correct.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Jess Hilarious]

Damn.

[Lencia Cabetta]

We get to work.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You have two shows tonight.

[Lencia Cabetta]

What days?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, you have two shows tonight or one.

[Lencia Cabetta]

No, today is one Wednesday and Saturday.

[DJ Envy]

Are two Jesus usually two shows in a day. You can't even have a shot if you. I can't even pop up on you with a bottle like girl, we want.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I wish I could even have a shot this entire year. I cannot. It gives a glass of wine a month. Okay, that's it. Thanks.

[DJ Envy]

So how do you celebrate being Alphabet? How do you celebrate that? Like, really? Because it always doesn't have to involve.

[Lencia Cabetta]

You know, being a partying.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, but how do you celebrate?

[Lencia Cabetta]

I mean, it really is sometimes very simple things like taking a walk by the water. Like it seems, I know it's peace. And just like I've never lived in New York City. I'm from California.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I'm gonna say you walk by the New York water like the Hudson living. Can you believe that gives you peace?

[Lencia Cabetta]

It gives me peace. Okay, I will take the water, I'll take the natural whatever or the trees. But like it always, it always hits me hard when I think about like why I'm in New York. It's for this job, it's for this special groundbreaking role that I'm in. So like when I. When I finish the eight show week and I literally just walk out the theater, like I just. This peace comes over me because I'm like, look what I have accomplished and look where I am in this city that I've always wanted to live in. So I feel like celebration comes in very simple, I guess, non conventional ways, but not really just personal ways. But like, look, I take my days off next week I'm going to Vegas to visit my friends and I will be having a grand time.

[Jess Hilarious]

Sometimes gratitude is celebration.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I agree. That's what I mean. Like just walking out the, out of the theater and being like just taking a moment to, to feel what I am doing. I feel like I've won the lottery.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Now is it true that, you know, it's hard to get tickets to Wicked at times, right?

[Lencia Cabetta]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Is it true that for one of your shows you had 60 family members in presence for one of your shows?

[Lencia Cabetta]

That is cor. Know what? Most of them were family members and they all wore like our traditional Ethiopian clothes. And I was like, the Gershwin has never seen so many Africans.

[Jess Hilarious]

Hilarious.

[Lencia Cabetta]

And it made me so happy just to see like my culture represented in.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That, in that space and talk about your culture. I've seen a picture on your Instagram of your family together and you were saying, this is my tribe and how a close knit family. How was that growing up?

[Lencia Cabetta]

It's everything. I mean, I think that's probably one of the reasons I even had the confidence to pursue this career path. Like, my parents are immigrants. Most of my aunts and uncles and parents are, you know, corporate tech politics, you know.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Did they understand?

[Lencia Cabetta]

They did not understand, but they did trust me.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Which is, I think, a strong distinction because they knew my work ethic. They knew that I had a very logical approach to it. But having their support was invaluable. I mean, I could not be who I am today without every single one of them.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah, I just got a few more questions because I know you got shit to do.

[Lencia Cabetta]

No, I love being here. I got time. I got time for you, Charlotte. I got time for you.

[DJ Envy]

Right.

[Jess Hilarious]

I remember seeing you cry after performing Defying Gravity one time. It was like.

[Lencia Cabetta]

That is probably true. Yes, it happens often.

[Jess Hilarious]

What were you feel? So you cry all the time when you do that song?

[Lencia Cabetta]

Not all the time, but I would say every now and then.

[Jess Hilarious]

What were you feeling in that particular moment?

[Lencia Cabetta]

That moment in the show is Elphaba realizing her power. Not knowing it, but just realizing it, if that makes sense. So when I get up there and I'm, you know, flying and singing that song, it's like it's the ultimate. It's. It's like arriving at self actualization. It's like I'm like at the starting line of like anything I could possibly be. So sometimes when I hit the last note and lights go off, I like, I go like this because I'm like, ye. Like I'm doing it. I'm doing the thing that like my ancestors could not even imagine. Like even me as a kid, I couldn't. I couldn't even dream. I didn't even dream of being Alphabet. Like that wasn't even an option. It wasn't even like I understood the racial divide as a kid. It was just not even something I even had the purview to imagine. So now, in that moment, stepping into my power and let. And having that being the beginning of my. My journey. It's like, it's. It's overwhelming in the best way.

[Jess Hilarious]

Wow. Okay.

[DJ Envy]

Your birthday is on a Wednesday, sis. You can't do nothing.

[Lencia Cabetta]

And it's two shows.

[DJ Envy]

Two.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I'll be in the theater. It's fine.

[Jess Hilarious]

It'll bring you a cake.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Yes, they will.

[Jess Hilarious]

Publix is right up the street, right?

[Lencia Cabetta]

It'll be green. Green frosting.

[Jess Hilarious]

So what has the role taught you about yourself? Not. Not as a performer. Well, not just as a performer, but as a person.

[Lencia Cabetta]

That's such a good question. Because I Always like to. I give a lot to my characters, but, like, I like to examine what my characters are giving me too. I think we sort of touched upon it, but she's. She's teaching me to be unapologetic in who I am. And like you were saying, like, trust that showing up, being in this role is what is impactful. I don't have to do anything else besides just literally be the representation on the stage. So she. She's really. She's really challenging me to get my values in order in that, you know, my relationship with myself is the priority and is my superpower. Wow.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Now you did. You did backup singing for Beyonce one time.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I did.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Talk about that.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Crazy. It was only a couple weeks. It was for her Coachella rehearsals in what, 2000 shoot, 2018. Yeah, I think. And just to see the master, I mean, that's it. Like, she is everything you can imagine. And she's so grounded. And to watch how she interacts with every department of every aspect of her. Of her art is beautiful. Down to every. Every step, every costume, every lighting, music choice, like, it's. It was so inspiring to be. To be in her presence.

[DJ Envy]

And don't ever say it was only for. I ain't saying for. For an hour.

[Lencia Cabetta]

It still happened.

[DJ Envy]

If you were 25 years old, you were so young and able to experience that. That's dope.

[Lencia Cabetta]

This is so crazy. Yeah. Bless her for that experience. Really life changing.

[Jess Hilarious]

What's more intense doing that or Broadway?

[Lencia Cabetta]

This got you absolutely eight shows a week. Like, it's the frequency. You know what I mean? If it was a couple a week, it'd be different. You know what I'm saying? Like one show a day, a couple times a week. Manageable every day. There's a lot.

[Jess Hilarious]

How do you want your time as Elphaba to be remembered? You want it to be remembered as a turning point, a movement or our beginning.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Oof. I love that. Turning point. Movement or beginning. Can it. I think it could be all of them. I really do. I think it's. It's a turning point because it's a, you know, historic. It's the first time a move. A movement that has been moving already. So it's sort of like I'm jumping on the train. Maybe I'm sitting in the passenger seat, but I feel like that train is already moving. And yeah, I want it to be a moment where will people look at me and wonder what their own capabilities are, because that's what this experience was. I didn't. Although I wanted to Be the role. I wasn't sure that I was even equipped to manage the intensity of how technical it is. But I took a chance on myself. I took a chance on my power and my abilities, and that's what I want this moment to be remembered as.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah, man. It's like, everyone deserves a chance to fly means it has a whole different meaning. What you.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Oh, my God. That's my favorite line. I mean, what could encapsulate the theme of the show more than everyone deserves a chance to fly?

[DJ Envy]

So my last question.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Yeah, of course.

[DJ Envy]

So the first week. Your first week on Broadway.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

After you realize, okay, this is really eight shows.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

What was that feeling on that Sunday?

[Lencia Cabetta]

You know, this is probably going to be surprising to you, maybe, but I was like, no, I got this. I was like. I was so concerned with my ability to sustain this, and I. I was wrong for doubting that. I really was. I. I finished the week and I was like, look, it's a lot of work. I'm tired. My body's tired, my voice is tired, my mind is tired. But, like, I'm equipped. I feel like. I feel like I've had a lot of work experiences that have built me to be able to sustain this. And, like, my body is strong. So long as I take care of her. She serves me. So I finished that week, and I was, like, so impressed with my own ability. To be honest, I was shocked.

[DJ Envy]

I was shocked the right person got the job.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Thank you. Y' all are amazing.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You keep killing it. Like I said, my family loved it. We had a great time.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I'm so glad.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Candy was expensive. I ain't gonna front. My kids wanted every piece of candy.

[Lencia Cabetta]

$9, but because they know the kids will eat the snacks, so they won't charge them.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's right. But they had a great time. Loved it so much. Thank you so much, man.

[Lencia Cabetta]

My pleasure.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Chilling it out there.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Thank you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You got to go check it out.

[DJ Envy]

I am. I'm the only one who has not seen.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Come on out.

[DJ Envy]

I am coming, girl. I know about you, so I'm like, I got to come and support you.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Appreciate it.

[DJ Envy]

Thank you.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Y' all are amazing. Thank you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

All right. Lencia, Lencia, Lencia.

[Lencia Cabetta]

You got it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Last name, Cabetta. Cabetta.

[Lencia Cabetta]

I wasn't gonna.

[DJ Envy]

He's still gonna mess it up right now.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Cabetta. Ladies and gentlemen, it's the Breakfast Club. Good morning. Thank you so much.

[Lencia Cabetta]

Thank you so much.

[Carlos Miller]

Wake that the Breakfast Club.

[Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson]

If you're not watching BMF on Stars, you're seriously missing out from executive producer Curtis 50 Cent Jackson. The new season is coming and Meech and Terry are leveling up. They're expanding their empire, launching a music label and even hitting the 1995 Source Awards. Oh, and did I mention Lamar is back. BMF is where drama, hustle and hip hop collide. The drama top tier, the stakes higher than ever. This is the season everyone's going to be talking about. Don't miss the season premiere June 6th only on Starz and the Starz app.

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[Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson]

I'm Andrea Gunning, host of the podcast Betrayal Police lieutenant Joel Kern used his badge to fool everyone, most of all his wife, Caroline.

[Lencia Cabetta]

He texted I've ruined our lives. You're going to want to divorce me.

[Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson]

How far would he go to cover up what he'd done?

[Lencia Cabetta]

The fact that you lied is absolutely horrific and quite frankly, I question how many other women are out there that may bring forward allegations in the future.

[Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson]

Listen to betrayal on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[DJ Envy]

This is an iHeart podcast.