Cynthia Erivo's Road To 'Wicked'

In this episode of Fresh Air, Tonya Mosley interviews Cynthia Erivo, star of "Wicked for Good," about her role as Elphaba and her new memoir, "Simply More." Erivo discusses the parallels between her personal life and Elphaba's journey, including feelings of being an outsider and complicated family relationships. She shares her experiences at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where she faced microaggressions and judgment, and how those experiences shaped her approach to her work. Erivo also delves into her process of connecting with characters through scent, her physical and emotional training for roles, and her experiences portraying historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Aretha Franklin. The conversation explores themes of self-acceptance, the importance of artistic expression, and the balance between sharing personal stories and maintaining privacy.