Idina Menzel Says Cynthia Erivo 'Don't Need My Help' To Shine As Elphaba In 'Wicked'

Idina Menzel says that while she's willing to help Cynthia Erivo prepare to play Elphaba in 'Wicked', she feels the star is already very well equipped to take on the role.

"I congratulated her and she kind of asked me to be a part of it and to be there," she told Entertainment Weekly. "I offered to listen to her if she wanted to and give her some space because she doesn't need my help, to be completely honest."

The 'Frozen' star says his main advice for Erivo is to always remember the central message of the story. "Always keep in mind what the whole story was about," she says. "Similar to our book, it's like not being afraid of what makes you beautiful and powerful. If you stay true to that, then you'll be true to Elphaba."

The book she's referring to is her new children's title, "Loud Mouse," which she co-wrote with her sister Cara Mentzel, which uses the original spelling of their last name. Like "Wicked," "Loud Mouse" -- released Sept. 28 -- is about owning who you are, even if that makes it hard to fit in. "The inspiration for this came from our childhood and my own complicated feelings that I had as a little girl with a great voice, I'm not sure how the world would perceive me if I really had to put myself in the spotlight. and owning this big, powerful voice that I had," Menzel told Entertainment Weekly.

Menzel delivered a career-defining performance as Elphaba in the Broadway production of "Wicked" from its opening in 2003 to 2005, reprising her role in London's West End in 2006. Erivo will star alongside of Ariana Grande in the upcoming two-part film adaptation of the musical.

Although the first episode won't air until 2024, the anticipation continues to grow. In March, Erivo delivered a superb rendition of