“It’s true love”: Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande on “Gelphie” ship
The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is “true love”, according to Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. In a recent interview, we came prepared with various rainbow-hued questions, from how their respective experiences as a queer woman and LGBTQIA+ ally impacted their performances, what Pride looks like in Oz and – we had to! – their thoughts on “Gelphie”.
Originating from Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which in turn inspired the iconic stage musical and new blockbuster, “Gelphie” is a long-running femslash ship that vehemently supports a romance between Elphaba and Glinda.
There’s not a lack of sapphic evidence, either: in the aforementioned novel, the witches share a kiss and, in many stage productions, are incredibly close to one another – physically.
Song such as ‘For Good’ and ‘What Is This Feeling?’ are also noted to have queer undertones. Oh, and more incoming: Maguire even said in an interview that he does “hint” towards a relationship that is more than platonic.
