Erivo was announced in November 2021 as Elphaba, the lead of the musical. The story follows as Elphaba, who was mysteriously born green, travels to Shiz University and is forced to room with Glinda, her polar opposite in every way. The two young women forge a strong friendship that is tested by the nefarious political climate in Oz, and their respective ambitions.
"It's really, really exciting. It's really cool. It feels like it might be the role of a lifetime," Erivo said on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in May 2022.
Erivo is no stranger to musicals, with a Tony Award under her belt for "The Color Purple," along with roles in "The Last Five Years," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," and more.
Erivo also received a Grammy nomination for her song "Stand Up" from the film "Harriet," in which she played Harriet Tubman. She earned Oscar nominations for her performance as Tubman and for "Stand Up," as well.