Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Wicked: Part 1!
Why Wicked: Part 1 is based on the titular Broadway show, comparisons naturally arise between Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel’s versions of Elphaba, with one actor edging out the other for the title of best version of The Wicked Witch of the West in the musical. In 2003, Wicked premiered in New York City after a pre-Broadway tryout at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. The show carried over its cast, with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth debuting the roles of Elphaba and Glinda.
In November 2024, the first part of the film’s big-screen adaptation was released in theaters, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande playing the two protagonists of the film. Evil cast. Naturally, comparisons were made between the original actors and their film counterparts. All four characters deliver convincing performances, with Screen speechBrandon Zachary voices Ariana Grande as the best Glinda in Wicked. Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel have unique takes on Elphaba that feel equally authentic to the character. Ultimately, one moment in history serves as the deciding factor in deciding who is the best Elphaba.
Cynthia Erivo x Idina Menzel: who offers the best Elphaba performance
Idina Menzel adds more variety to her wicked performance
It is challenging to compare Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel’s performances of Elphaba Thropp in terms of acting because acting on stage and on screen require extremely opposite approaches. On a stage, especially a stage as big as Broadway, actors need to exaggerate their mannerisms and movements so that everyone in the back row of the theater can understand the emotions and character. However, on-screen acting requires much more subtle and nuanced facial expressions, movements, and body language. As such, Elphaba’s best performance is not dictated by skill level, but by interpretation of the character.
Cynthia Erivo’s version of Elphaba has moments of intense emotions from the beginning, despite being soft-spoken. She carries a feeling of righteous indignation and self-respect from the beginning, even if she still carries insecurity. On the other hand, Idina Menzel’s Elphaba is more docile at first, even when she tries to speak for herself. She has an underlying hatred for herself, which makes her more openly fearful of her magical abilities. However, halfway through the show, she grows up, becoming more confident and angry.
Menzel’s version of the character has a little more variety than Erivo’s, giving her an ebb and flow that shows Elphaba’s internal struggle.
Both actors’ versions are valid interpretations of the character and fit the different presentations a bullied and parentified child might have. However, Menzel’s version of the character has a little more variety than Erivo’s, giving her an ebb and flow that shows Elphaba’s internal struggle. For this reason, Idina Menzel’s performance beats Cynthia Erivo’s by a small margin. That being said, Ervio’s performance as Elphaba in Wicked: Part 1 is still incredible in its own right.
Cynthia Erivo x Idina Menzel: whose Elphaba songs are better
Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel are side by side with their musical performances
Just like the performances, Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel perform their songs in a way that is authentic to the medium. Idina Menzel sings in a more traditional Broadway musical style, enunciates words more clearly, and wears more belts. These are key elements that make all audience members in a theater understand the words. Cynthia Erivo doesn’t even try to mirror Menzel’s vocalization, making it her own in a way that feels authentic to the character. Their vocalizations are more natural, controlled and intimate.
If either version were placed on another medium, they would not work. Idina Menzel’s version, as she presented it on Broadway, would seem abrasive and excessive on the silver screen. On the other hand, Cynthia Erivo’s version, as it appears in Wicked: Part 1it would not have enough distinction for the members behind the audience. Given the fact that both actors have experience with both mediums, they would likely perform the numbers differently if they were switched.
If forced to choose, Cynthia Erivo plays “The Wizard & I” and “One Short Day” better, as it gives them a lighter, more hopeful quality. On the other hand, Idina Menzel sings “What Is This Feeling?” and “I’m Not That Girl” better, giving them more vocal energy and emotion. Ultimately, the decision as to who sang best comes down to the best-known song on the song. Evil soundtrack, “Defying Gravity”.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande sing the duet part best at the beginning of “Defying Gravity” – a testament to the characters’ chemistry. However, Idina Menzel thrives when it comes to the solo parts and the climactic finale of the striking song. Both versions are amazing and neither is bad. However, Idina Menzel’s version has a more defiant, rebellious quality that feels authentic to that part of the story.
Cynthia Erivo vs Idina Menzel: Whose Elphaba is more developed
The film’s long running time gives more development to Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba
As for the question of Elphaba’s development, the crown undoubtedly goes to Cynthia Ervio’s Elphaba for the benefits of the two-part Wicked film. The original Broadway musical runs 2 hours and 30 minutes without a 15-minute intermission. Although it may seem long to moviegoers, this is the average length of Broadway shows and gives enough time to tell the story concisely. Unfortunately, some moments in the musical with Elphaba don’t give her time to breathe, rushing from one scene to another. This lessens its impact on character development.
However, Wicked: Part 1 is 2 hours and 40 minutes long, giving the creative team more time to expand on the existing story. Many of changes to the musical Wicked achieved the goal of developing Elphaba more as a character. The extra moments, like Elphaba in magic class and her one-on-one meeting with Fiyero, make her feel more like a real person than a character.
Idina Menzel is the best version of Elphaba
‘Defying Gravity’ is the deciding factor between the two actors
Looking at Idina Menzel and Cynthia Erivo’s versions of Elphaba as a whole, they are both perfect for their form. They bring the beloved character to life, making Elphaba relatable and empathetic in different but equally validating ways. If forced to choose, Idina Menzel’s version of Elphaba is better than Cynthia Erivo’s, but just barely. Although Cynthia Erivo’s version is more three-dimensional, Idina Menzel’s character is equally compelling, even without the extra time to develop Elphaba. Furthermore, his performance in “Defying Gravity” is the defining moment that gives him the edge over the Wicked: Part 1 actress.