Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, or the Wicked Witch, has been following a vegan diet for about nine years.

Erivo’s decision to adopt a vegan diet in 2018 was primarily motivated by health concerns and the desire to take better care of her body. In an interview with Bon Appétit, she explained why being plant-based was essential for her body, mind, and singing career. “I have been vegan for about 5 years. I don’t eat red meat very often anyway because my body can’t process it. I don’t have dairy because I’m a singer and, quite frankly, I don’t want to mess around with my vocal cords and how those behave, and dairy is an allergen for me. I was cutting so many things out of my diet for health reasons—my body was letting me know that it wasn’t right for me—it ended up that being vegan was the most correct way for me to treat my body.”

Maintaining a vegan diet while managing a busy schedule of performances and travel might seem daunting, but Erivo has it down to a science. She travels with an array of vegan snacks and supplements to ensure she never has to compromise on her dietary choices. From seaweed chips to peanut butter and avocados, she’s always prepared, no matter where her work takes her. This preparation extends to her meticulous planning around meals, ensuring she can stick to her vegan diet even when flying or staying in hotels.

Erivo’s vegan lifestyle complements her rigorous fitness regime. She believes in the importance of staying active and sees her diet as a crucial element that supports her physically demanding lifestyle. Not only does her diet help in maintaining her overall health, but it also aligns with her workout goals. She takes a variety of supplements to support her health, including biotin, a B complex, spirulina, chlorella, and more, all of which are vegan-friendly and help her meet her nutritional needs.

Wicked not only entertains but also subtly imparts a message of animal rights, illustrating themes of compassion and understanding towards all living beings.

In Wicked, animals are not mere creatures but societal members with the power of speech. Elphaba’s early life is enriched by a bear who serves as her nanny, providing warmth and acceptance in contrast to her family’s cold rejection due to her green skin. Her academic life also features animals in esteemed roles, including a goat professor at her university. Yet, a dark shift occurs as the government of Oz begins targeting these sentient animals, aiming to incarcerate them and silence their voices. Fueled by a deep sense of justice, Elphaba dedicates herself to combatting this cruel oppression, a mission that cements her legacy as the infamous ‘Wicked’ witch.

The narrative challenges traditional views and asks the audience to consider the consequences of our actions on all creatures, echoing a message that resonates deeply with those who advocate for animal rights.

It’s particularly meaningful that both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who plays witch Glinda the Good, are plant-based in real life. This connection between their personal beliefs and their roles adds authenticity and depth to their performances.

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