How Cynthia Erivo sang live on ‘Wicked’ while performing mid-air stunts in a corset

Cynthia Erivowhich interprets Elphaba in the film adaptation of Wickedrevealed the challenges of singing live while performing aerial acrobatics on the film’s set. The actress chose to do her own flying scenes, including the iconic performance of Defying Gravity.

During a panel held at the DGA Theaterin New York, the actress said she underwent vocal and physical training to prepare for the demands of the role.

I had an amazing vocal coach who just helped me find the breath I needed to do this. Because usually if you’re singing something like that, it needs a lot of strength, it needs a lot of sound. Normally you need the ground to propel yourself.

Cynthia Erivo, 37, revealed that singing while wearing a corset and suspended in the air was a challenging experience. She had to adapt her breathing, which she described as “a very strange feeling”. Despite the difficulties, the actress stated that she wanted to convey the emotion of the scene authentically: “I wanted to feel what it’s like to fly and sing this song at the same time. I hope it was worth it. I really wanted to do the music justice.” ”

I just did everything in my power that I could. I endured all the bruises and abrasions and everything that was necessary. … I wanted to make sure I could experience both the feeling of flying and the feeling of singing that song, all at the same time.

But when you don’t have [chão]you have to find it elsewhere. And then it was about replacing the floor with literally air and my non-existent diaphragm, because I was in a corset.

In addition to the acrobatics, the recording routine also brought other challenges. In a podcast interview Sentimental Menthe actress mentioned that, during long days of filming, she avoided using the bathroom for up to 14 hours so as not to interrupt the process of putting on and adjusting the suits and safety harnesses used in the flight scenes.

The production, directed by Jon M. Chualso has Ariana Grande as Glinda and brought a new approach, with the two stars singing live during filming. Erivo described the experience as “magical” and highlighted that the effort to perform his own stunts was rewarding.

Wicked is now showing in cinemas.