Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Wicked: Part 1!

Because Wicked: Part 1 is based on the titular Broadway show, comparisons naturally come up between Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel’s versions of Elphaba, with one actor edging out the other for the title of the best version of The Wicked Witch of the West in the musical. In 2003, Wicked debuted in New York City after a pre-Broadway tryout at the Curran Theatre 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 movie’s big-screen adaptation released in theaters, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande playing the two leads in the better Glinda in Wicked. Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel have unique takes on Elphaba, which feel equally authentic to the character. Ultimately, one moment of the story serves as the deciding factor in who is the better Elphaba.

Cynthia Erivo vs Idina Menzel: Who Gives The Better Elphaba Performance

Idina Menzel Gives More Variety In Her Wicked Performance

It’s challenging to compare Cynthia Erivo's and Idina Menzel’s performances of Elphaba Thropp in of acting because stage acting and onscreen acting require extremely opposite approaches. On a stage, especially one as big as Broadway, actors need to over-exaggerate their mannerisms and movements so that everyone in the back row of the theater can understand the emotions and character. However, onscreen acting requires much more subtle and nuanced facial expressions, movements, and body language. As such, the better Elphaba performance is dictated not by skill level but by the interpretation of the character.

Cynthia Erivo’s version of Elphaba has moments of intense emotions from the start despite being soft-spoken. She carries a sense 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 the start, even when she tries to speak up for herself. She has an underlying self-hatred, making her more overtly fearful of her magical abilities. However, halfway through the show, she grows into herself, becoming more confident and angry.

Menzel’s version of the character has slightly more variety than Erivo’s, giving it an ebb and flow that shows Elphaba’s internal struggle.

Both actor’s versions are valid interpretations of the character and fit with the different presentations a bullied and parentified child might have. However, Menzel’s version of the character has slightly more variety than Erivo’s, giving it an ebb and flow that shows Elphaba’s internal struggle. For this reason, Idina Menzel’s performance wins out by a small amount over Cynthia Erivo’s. That being said, Ervio’s performance as Elphaba in Wicked: Part 1 is still incredible in its own right.

Cynthia Erivo vs Idina Menzel: Whose Elphaba Songs Are Better

Cynthia Erivo And Idina Menzel Are Neck And Neck With Their Musical Performances

Like the performances, Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel both perform their songs in a way that’s authentic to the medium. Idina Menzel sings in a more traditional Broadway musical style, enunciates the words more clearly, and uses more belting. Those are key elements that make it so every audience member in a theater understands the words. Cynthia Erivo doesn’t even attempt to mirror Menzel’s vocalization, making it her own in a way that feels authentic to the character. Her vocalizations are more natural, controlled, and intimate.

If either versions were placed in the other medium, they wouldn’t work. Idina Menzel’s version, as she performed it on Broadway, would seem abrasive and too much on a movie screen. On the other hand, Cynthia Erivo’s version, as it appears in Wicked: Part 1, wouldn’t have enough distinction for in the back of the audience. Given the fact that both actors have experience with both mediums, they would probably perform the numbers differently if swapped, though.

If forced to choose, Cynthia Erivo performs “The Wizard & I” and “One Short Day” better, as she gives them a lighter, more hopeful quality. Conversely, Idina Menzel performs “What Is This Feeling?” and “I’m Not That Girl” better, giving them more vocal energy and emotion. Ultimately, the decision on who sang better comes down to the best-known song on the Wicked soundtrack, “Defying Gravity.”

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande sing the duet part at the start of “Defying Gravity” better – a testament to the characters’ chemistry. However, Idina Menzel thrives when it comes to the solo portions and the climactic ending of the showstopper song. Both versions are incredible, and neither is bad. However, Idina Menzel’s version has a more defiant and rebellious quality that feels authentic to that part of the story.

Cynthia Erivo vs Idina Menzel: Whose Elphaba Is More Developed

The Movie's Extended Run Gives Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba More Development

Regarding the question of Elphaba’s development, the crown goes without a doubt to Cynthia Ervio’s Elphaba because of the benefits of the two-part Wicked movie. The original Broadway musical lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes without the 15-minute intermission. While this might seem long for movie-goers, this is the average length for Broadway shows and gives just enough time to tell the story concisely. Unfortunately, some moments in the musical with Elphaba aren’t given time to breathe, rushing from one scene to the next. This decreases their impact on the character development.

However, Wicked: Part 1 has a run time of 2 hours and 40 minutes, giving the creative team more time to expand upon the existing story. Many of the changes to the Wicked musical achieved the goal of developing Elphaba more as a character. The extra moments, like Elphaba in magic class and her meeting with Fiyero one-on-one, make her seem more like a real person rather than a character.

Idina Menzel Is The Better Version Of Elphaba

"Defying Gravity" Is The Deciding Factor Between The Two Actors

Looking at Idina Menzel’s and Cynthia Erivo’s versions of Elphaba as a whole, they are both perfect for their format. They breathe life into the beloved character, making Elphaba relatable and empathetic in different but equally valid ways. If forced to choose, Idina Menzel’s version of Elphaba is better than Cynthia Erivo’s, but only barely. While Cynthia Erivo’s version is more three-dimensional, Idina Menzel’s character is just as compelling even without the extra time to develop Elphaba. Moreover, her “Defying Gravity” performance is the make-or-break moment that gives her the edge over the Wicked: Part 1 actress.