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Becoming Elphaba: Singing with Power, Purpose, and a Time Crunch
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Have you ever said “yes” to something that felt just a little (okay, maybe a lot) outside your comfort zone — and then had to rise to the occasion, fast?
That’s exactly what happened when I got the call to sing the role of Elphaba for a Wicked musical revue. The catch? I had less than two weeks to learn the music, absorb the character, and prepare for the stage.
Spoiler alert: I said yes. And I’m so glad I did.
The Call That Changed My Week
When I was asked to perform Elphaba — one of musical theatre’s most vocally and emotionally demanding roles — I had two initial thoughts:
This is a dream role.
I have less than 10 days to learn it?!
I’ve spent years helping others build confidence in their voices, but this was one of those moments where I had to take my own advice. I reminded myself: You can do hard things. And you don’t need to be perfect to be powerful.
Learning Elphaba — Fast and Fierce
Elphaba’s music is intense. It’s big, it’s bold, and it asks a lot of your voice. My first step was mapping out a practice strategy:
1. Vocal focus: I worked every day on range and stamina, prioritizing songs like Defying Gravity and No Good Deed. These aren’t just vocally demanding — they’re emotional marathons.
2. Character work: Elphaba is complex. I spent time journaling her motivations and practicing how to deliver not just the notes, but her fierce vulnerability.
3. Rehearsal rhythm: I broke everything into manageable chunks — 20 to 30-minute focused sessions with lots of hydration, steaming, rest, and vocal pacing. (Trust me, Elphaba will push your vocal cords to the edge if you don’t!)
Each day, I inched closer to the character. Each note started to feel more natural, more mine.
The Emotional Ride
There were definitely moments where I felt the pressure. I questioned whether I could really do her justice in such a short time. But in those moments, I reminded myself of why I love singing and storytelling in the first place — to move people, to embody emotion, and to express something bigger than myself.
And the truth is, Elphaba’s story — of being misunderstood, of standing in her truth, of rising against fear — mirrored what I was feeling.
Sometimes, the emotional breakthroughs came because I was under pressure. I didn’t have time to second-guess. I had to trust my instincts, my preparation, and my voice.
Performance Day: Magic and Momentum
When the night finally came, I stepped onto the stage as Elphaba with a heart full of adrenaline, gratitude, and pride.
The audience energy was palpable. I felt her power, her pain, her rebellion. And in one of those rare, unforgettable moments as a performer, I let go — and just flew.
After the final note of Defying Gravity, I exhaled. I had done it. Not perfectly — but honestly. And that made all the difference.
What Elphaba Taught Me
Performing Elphaba taught me that we are always more capable than we think. It reminded me that preparation, courage, and a willingness to show up — even when you feel unsure — is what builds true confidence.
To my voice students and fellow singers: If you ever find yourself standing on the edge of something that feels big, say yes. You don’t need weeks or months of preparation to be worthy of that moment.
Sometimes, you just need to believe in your voice — and trust that it knows the way.
Hello! I'm Teacher Kenya
Founder of Kenya Moses Voice Studio
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