Sheryl Lee Ralph: Embracing the Magic of Wicked
Sheryl Lee Ralph, a celebrated actress and Broadway star, is currently basking in the nostalgia of her time in the iconic musical Wicked. With the recent release of the film adaptation, Ralph reflects on her own experiences portraying Madame Morrible on stage and shares her thoughts on the cinematic version featuring a star-studded cast.
A Broadway Legacy
Ralph’s tenure as Madame Morrible on Broadway from 2016 to 2017 remains one of her most cherished roles. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she reminisced about the joy and fulfillment she found while performing in the beloved musical. “One of the greatest times I’ve had onstage was playing Madame Morrible in Wicked,” she expressed, highlighting the profound connection she developed with the character and the story.
The Transition to Film
As the film adaptation of Wicked unfolds, Ralph has been vocal about her feelings regarding the transition from stage to screen. While she acknowledges the excitement surrounding the film, she also admits to a tinge of regret for not being part of it. “I just wish they had asked me to play [Madame Morrible] in the film! But that’s all right, it wasn’t mine to have, but it’s okay,” she stated, showcasing her graciousness and understanding of the evolving nature of theater and film.
Praising the New Cast
Despite her absence from the film, Ralph has been nothing but supportive of the new cast, particularly Michelle Yeoh, who takes on the role of Madame Morrible in the movie. “I thought she did a wonderful job,” Ralph remarked, emphasizing the unique energy each actor brings to their roles. She appreciates the individuality that each performer contributes, stating, “My flavor is what I bring, and she brought what she brought, and it’s wonderful.”
Ralph’s admiration extends to the entire ensemble, including Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. “I love Cynthia, I adore Ariana, and Jonathan Bailey, I swoon. So I’m loving it all,” she shared, highlighting the camaraderie and talent within the cast.
Encouraging Fans to Experience the Magic
As the first installment of Wicked debuted in November, Ralph took to social media to encourage fans to support the film. She expressed her enthusiasm for Yeoh’s performance, urging audiences not to miss the opportunity to see the magic unfold on the big screen. “This is your reminder to go see #Wicked this weekend! I had such a wonderful time playing Madame Morrible on Broadway years ago,” she posted on Instagram, infusing her message with excitement and nostalgia.
With the next chapter, Wicked: For Good, set to hit theaters on November 21, Ralph continues to champion the film and its cast, reminding fans of the enduring legacy of Wicked and the joy it brings to audiences around the world.
Sheryl Lee Ralph’s reflections on her time in Wicked and her support for the film adaptation encapsulate the magic of theater and the connections it fosters, both on and off the stage.
