Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr. Discuss LIfe, Love And Broadway In Up Close Series

Just how close is “Up Close?” Is it so close you get to see Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr. converse about love, birth stories, and childhood memories?

Cynthia, who plays “Celie” in The Color Purple, and Leslie, who plays “Aaron Burr” in Hamilton, joined the Drama League in the newest episode of the “Up Close” series. Except, I don’t think any of the fans were prepared to sit in on some of the heartfelt, up close and personal answers that left the audience silent at times, and even brought some to tears.

Additionally, when Cynthia was later asked how she felt about Jennifer Hudson leaving The Color Purple cast, we were given access, as theater goers, to the chemistry between both performers that is not in the least bit staged. These distinguished Black actors deliver authenticity because somehow they are able to manage a relationship with each other outside of Broadway rehearsals.

Leslie shared more on relationship building in a comical, yet life-changing love story about how he met his significant other, Nicolette Robinson. He then added that he did not foresee himself with the mindset of a long-term commitment when the two first shared the stage together. Likewise, the idea of dating a cast member sort of turned Cynthia off, that was until she met (her other half as she refers to him), Dean John-Wilson. He first initiated a conversation with her via Twitter, before their collaboration in Sister Act London.

Leslie said, “You meet this person, you have a great date, and you have another great date, then you wake up one morning and it’s been ten years!” Whether these connections develop with a cast member or a stranger on the street, I suppose he would advise us to take one day at a time or perhaps one tweet at a time!

We were delighted to hear that the two Broadway phenomenons, Cynthia and Leslie, were actually friends who met at Patina Miller’s wedding a few years ago. Since then, the two have often been confused as siblings as many have suggested they resemble each other.

See for yourself:

What viewers seemed to find more astonishing, though, was the story of how Cynthia and Leslie began their journey of singing and acting. You might be surprised to know that Cynthia, a sensation who elicited several standing ovations during The Color Purple, had not initially planned on a career as a performer. But she was prompted on several occasions to audition for RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London) to receive professional training for the gift her mother always knew she had.

Leslie’s interest, however, was sparked with an activity we are all too familiar with—karaoke. He’d record himself for hours until his voice sounded just right! And I’m sure we’ve had our share at attempting those impossible Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson notes until we sounded like them.

When Leslie finally began to perform in front of live audiences, he found the confidence in his performance and considers his voice something that he can now rely on and use to inspire others. When he referred to us viewers as friends, we witnessed his desire to make a connection with all those watching him perform, comparable to Cynthia’s sentiments of committing to tell a story to everyone she sings to.

It was clear the electrified responses from the audience was what kept the two actors going, similar to how Cynthia inspired thousands of her fans in her newest project called the #ERIVOCHALLENGE. She used her social media handles to display her work out (including her BK Half Marathon training even before a two-show day) and then broadcasted the challenge, all to inspire people to maintain their own good health. That inspiration, she said, is an important part of her job.

To top off the intimate feel of the interview, both Cynthia and Leslie graced us with a performance of one of their favorite songs.

You can view the clips here:

Be sure to stay tuned for the full interview at Drama League. You don’t want to miss some exclusive moments shared by the participants.

For The Color Purple tickets click here.

For Hamilton tickets click here.