Can you ever dream too big? Cynthia Erivo grew up in a single-parent family in south London. Now she is the internationally acclaimed star of musicals such as Wicked.
The ‘wicked witch’ who’s just beginning
Fashion fame: In addition to being recognised for her singing and acting abilities, Cynthia Erivo is one of 100 individuals said to influence on the world of fashion, and has been named one of the Business of Fashion's BoF 500. Comprehension quiz
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What does the word “trepidation” mean?
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Which word is the closest synonym for “unstinting”?
A: Reserved
B: Unlimited
C: Confined
D: Limited
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According to the article, which three major awards did Cynthia Erivo win for her performance in The Colour Purple?
A: Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe
B: Tony, Emmy, and Grammy
C: Olivier, Critics’ Choice, and People’s Choice
D: Tony, Oscar, and Golden Globe
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What event, according to the article, caused Cynthia Erivo to feel “quite angry as a teenager”?
A: Receiving a bad review for her Broadway debut
B: Being forced to work at a shirt company
C: Being disowned by her father
D: Not getting the big roles at RADA
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Which two roles has Cynthia Erivo played on screen that are mentioned in the article?
A: Celie Harris and Elphaba
B: Juliet and a character in Sister Act
C: Harriet Tubman and Aretha Franklin
D: Celie Harris and Harriet Tubman
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Cynthia Erivo wrote a children’s book called Remember to Dream, Ebere because she “wanted other people to feel like they have that possibility, too”. Based on the text, what aspects of her own life story might have inspired this message, and why do you think she believes she is “living proof” of its possibility?
Answers
Tap to reveal
1: Fear or anxiety over what might happen, 2: B, 3: B, 4: C, 5: C, 6: Your views!
1: Fear or anxiety over what might happen, 2: B, 3: B, 4: C, 5: C, 6: Your views!
Glossary
Broadway - New York's most famous theatre district.
Trepidation - A feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen.
Rapturously - In a way that shows extreme joy.
Tony - A Tony Award is the top American prize for excellence in Broadway theatre (plays and musicals).
Emmy - The Emmy Awards are television industry awards.
Grammy - The Grammys, short for "Gramophone Awards", are the musical equivalent of the Oscars. The first ever awards were held in 1959.
Civil War - A war between citizens of the same country.
RADA - The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, a famous drama school.
Cabaret - Entertainment or show in a night club.
Proms - Proms, short for BBC Promenade Concerts, are an annual summer classical music festival in London known for its informal atmosphere and accessible, affordable prices.