Exciting news for fans of Wicked! A brand new audiobook edition of Gregory Maguire’s beloved novel, Wicked: Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, is set to enchant listeners with none other than Oscar-nominated star Cynthia Erivo as the narrator. Scheduled for release on July 1, 2025, this audiobook promises to bring a fresh, powerful interpretation to the timeless tale.
Cynthia Erivo expressed her enthusiasm in the official announcement, stating, “I’m incredibly excited to narrate Wicked, especially after having had the privilege of portraying Elphaba on screen. I feel deeply connected to Elphaba. We have been on quite the journey together, and now I’m eager to begin an adventure with her whilst exploring the full world of Wicked and its myriad of other characters in the audiobook.”
Her dedication to Elphaba shines through, making it even more thrilling for fans as we move closer to the release of Wicked: For Good.
Why Is Cynthia Erivo a Perfect Fit for This Audiobook?
Troy Juliar, Chief Content Officer for RBmedia, highlighted the enduring appeal of Wicked nearly three decades after its debut. “It remains one of the most clever revisionist novels of our time,” he noted, pointing to how Maguire’s narrative shifts our perspective of events from L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz. In this reimagining, the Wicked Witch of the West emerges as a complex figure—a misunderstood rebel whose impact has reshaped Broadway with Stephen Schwartz’s hit musical and Jon M. Chu’s successful film adaptation.
What Makes This Audiobook Unique?
The audiobook will feature a renewed narration style that aims to capture the essence of identity and belonging—key themes within the story. Juliar mentioned that Cynthia’s interpretation will resonate deeply with listeners, bringing these vital themes to life in a captivating way. She invites listeners to experience the world of Wicked through her energized narration.
How Can You Get Your Copy of the Audiobook?
The audiobook featuring Erivo’s engaging performance is currently available for pre-order through RB Media. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in this modern classic this summer.
What can you expect from Cynthia Erivo’s narration of Wicked? You can anticipate an enriching experience that not only honors the original text but also breathes new life into its characters. Erivo’s narrative style promises to be both powerful and relatable, making it suitable for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
When is the release date for the Wicked audiobook? The audiobook is set to be released on July 1, 2025, so mark your calendars!
How does Wicked differ from The Wizard of Oz? Unlike The Wizard of Oz, Erivo’s narration will emphasize the perspective of the Wicked Witch, unveiling her story and motivations which offer a fresh take on familiar events.
What themes can listeners expect to encounter? Themes of identity, empowerment, and societal perceptions will be key focal points in Erivo’s narration, making it a profound listening experience.
Prepare to be enchanted again as Wicked makes its way to audiobooks! Keep exploring more wonderful stories and insights at Moyens I/O.