Imagine the shock and pure joy of a group of students rehearsing a song, believing they’re sending it to their idol, only to have that very idol walk into the room! That’s exactly what happened when Cynthia Erivo, the incredibly talented actress soon to grace our screens as Elphaba in “Wicked: For Good,” returned to her old stomping grounds. But here’s where it gets controversial… some might say these kinds of orchestrated surprises are a bit cheesy. What do you think?
Erivo’s recent visit to La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls’ School in London wasn’t just a casual pop-in; it was a deeply personal and inspiring moment captured as part of a segment with BBC Radio 1. Picture this: students diligently practicing “For Good,” completely unaware that Erivo herself was about to witness their performance. The surprise, orchestrated by host Greg James, resulted in the kind of delighted screams only a room full of star-struck students can produce.
In a touching YouTube video released on November 18th, you can witness Erivo’s entrance and the wave of emotion that swept through the room. After the initial shock subsided, Erivo shared her own feelings, reflecting on her time at the school, which she left over two decades ago. “I went to this school and left over 20 years ago, so to come back and listen to you singing that song is really wonderful,” she said, visibly moved. And this is the part most people miss… it wasn’t just about nostalgia for Erivo. It was about showing these young women what’s possible.
The interaction didn’t stop there. Erivo engaged with the students, answering their questions and offering invaluable advice about navigating the often-challenging world of entertainment. Drawing from her own experiences, she encouraged them, stating, “I was right where you were, literally, and I had some really wonderful teachers, who helped and guided.” Her message was clear: dream big, but be prepared to work hard to achieve those dreams. Think of it like planting a seed: the dream is the seed, but hard work is the water and sunlight it needs to grow.
Erivo also embarked on a nostalgic tour, revisiting photographs from her school productions. Imagine seeing a young Cynthia Erivo, around 14 years old, in “My Fair Lady,” or clips of her leading role in “Guys and Dolls.” Ruth Coyle, the school’s Director of Admissions, highlighted Erivo as a shining example for current students. Coyle aptly stated, “She’s such a fantastic role model for the students here because they can see that anything’s possible.” It’s a powerful reminder that success isn’t some unattainable fantasy; it’s something that can be achieved through dedication and perseverance.
Erivo’s heartwarming return to her alma mater occurred just days before the highly anticipated release of “Wicked: For Good,” which premiered in theaters on November 21st. Her visit served as a potent reminder that hard work, coupled with unwavering belief in oneself, can indeed lead to extraordinary accomplishments. It begs the question: In a world saturated with overnight success stories, is it more important than ever to showcase the journey and the hard work behind achieving one’s dreams? What do you think is the most important takeaway from Cynthia Erivo’s visit?