Cynthia Erivo opens up on how 3-hour 'Wicked' audition affected her health: 'I was very ill'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Cynthia Erivo opened up about her intense experience auditioning for 'Wicked', which had a surprising impact on her health.
The actress, set to star as Elphaba in the film adaptation of the celebrated Broadway musical, appeared on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' on Wednesday, November 13, where she opened up about her challenging audition process.
Cynthia Erivo recounts 'Wicked' audition led to a 104° fever
The 37-year-old actress recounted the three-hour audition, detailing how the physical and emotional demands left her feeling unwell shortly afterward.
Erivo’s lengthy audition left a significant toll, prompting Jimmy Fallon, 50, to ask, "Three hours? Were you exhausted?"
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In response, Erivo revealed, “Oh, I was very ill by the end of it,” adding that she spent four days in bed with a high fever of 104 degrees, People reported.
It was a demanding weekend for Erivo, as the night before her audition, she had also performed at Disney Hall.
Ariana Grande’s 6-month preparation for 'Wicked' role
Cynthia Erivo’s 'Wicked' co-star, Ariana Grande, who will play Glinda in the upcoming film, also invested significant time preparing for her audition.
The 31-year-old singer and actress shared her journey on Amazon Music’s 'Zach Sang Show', explaining her long-standing dream to participate in the production.
“Since I was 20, I was like, ‘Hey, I don't know when this is happening, but when it's happening, may I please at least just audition?’ That's all I wanted, was an audition," Grande said. "I've never wanted anything more.”
Grande prepared for six months, taking daily acting and vocal lessons to bring her best to the audition.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's instant bond on 'Wicked' set
Though Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande did not know each other before being cast, they quickly developed a close friendship.
Erivo recalled on 'The Tonight Show' how she invited Grande over to her home, where they bonded naturally, sitting on the floor and talking.
“It was very easy,” Erivo said of the early stages of their friendship.
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The film, which adapts the Tony Award-winning musical that debuted in 2003, is set to tell the origin stories of Glinda the Good Witch (Grande) and Elphaba.
'Wicked' is scheduled for release in theaters on November 22.
