The procession celebrating Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year Cynthia Erivo made its way through Harvard Square on Wednesday.
Veasey Conway/Harvard Staff Photographer
Campus & Community
A ‘Wicked’ delightful experience
Actor and musician Cynthia Erivo acknowledged as Hasty’s 2025 Woman of the Year
Cynthia Erivo braved the biting cold during a parade in Harvard Square on Wednesday as she received recognition as Hasty Pudding’s 2025 Woman of the Year. Subsequently, the Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning performer painted with her fingers and passionately sang “Defying Gravity” at the theatrical group’s annual roast at Farkas Hall.
Erivo, who mesmerized film audiences in her portrayal of Elphaba in “Wicked” last year, was honored ahead of the preview of Hasty’s 176th production, “101 Damnations.” Hasty Pudding producers Willow Woodward and Daisy Nussbaum, both ’26, co-hosted the roast, playfully teasing Erivo about her close friendship with “Wicked” co-star Ariana Grande.
The British performer collaborated with “Finn Finger Painter” to create a piece for Grande in front of an audience of 200 of her “closest companions who all paid to attend.” To assist her with this endeavor, the theatrical group introduced their own version of Ariana.
Demonstrating to the spectators that she embodied the “authentic Wicked Witch of the West,” Erivo presented an electrifying performance of “Defying Gravity” from the “Wicked” soundtrack.
Erivo kisses her Pudding Pot.
Niles Singer/Harvard Staff Photographer
Maintains a good spirit as her friendship with “Wicked” co-star Ariana Grande is lovingly roasted.
Niles Singer/Harvard Staff Photographer
Is serenaded by The Harvard Krokodiloes.
Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer
Laughs with elaborately dressed cast members of Hasty Pudding Theatricals.
Veasey Conway/Harvard Staff Photographer
And raises her trophy.
Niles Singer/Harvard Staff Photographer
After the roast, Erivo expressed that music and song are pivotal components in her character development process. “I enjoy when song and acting are blended because it offers deeper insights into a character’s identity, whether it be through the construction of the melody or the nature of the rhythm,” she stated. “It reveals their internal feelings about themselves and the circumstances surrounding them.”
Additionally, Erivo reflected on her experiences in theater and cinema, highlighting the excitement involved in maneuvering her mind and body to navigate the events that unfold on stage. After immersing herself in a variety of roles on screen for a prolonged period, she noted how difficult it is for her to detach from these characters.
The actress, celebrated for her roles in “The Color Purple” and “Harriet,” will reprise her highly praised depiction of Elphaba in the sequel to “Wicked” later this year. “I don’t believe anyone anticipated the trajectory ‘Wicked’ would take,” she remarked. “We recognized it was unique, but witnessing the world embrace it in this manner has been truly magnificent. I trust there will be ample possibility for the second installment. We haven’t yet traversed half of the narrative, and feeling this way now is extraordinary.”
Erivo hinted that viewers might soon witness her in more “humorous” roles. She has five future projects officially announced, including an adaptation of the acclaimed young adult novel “Children of Blood and Bone.”
Hasty Pudding commemorated the 2025 Man of the Year, Jon Hamm, with a roast and parade on January 31.