In an exclusive interview with TooFab, lead make-up designer Frances Hannon shared her meticulous approach to crafting the perfect shade for Erivo’s character. The process began with a detailed exploration to pinpoint the “ideal color” that would resonate well with Cynthia’s features while also being visually striking on stage.

“We needed to ensure the color would look impeccable under various lighting conditions, as the stage serves as a dynamic backdrop,” Hannon explained to TooFab, emphasizing the importance of finding a shade that would not only stand out but also harmonize with the theatrical environment.

“Our challenge was to transition between various settings—from indoors to expansive outdoor scenes, often under dim lighting. It was crucial that Cynthia’s portrayal remained vivid and engaging throughout these shifts,” Hannon elaborated, highlighting the intricate balance involved in her artistry.

The striking green skin of Elphaba serves as a powerful visual motif in Depraved, symbolizing her journey towards self-acceptance and identity. Therefore, achieving the perfect hue was not only a technical challenge but also a vital component of the storytelling.

As Elphaba performs soul-stirring songs like “Defying Gravity,” her expressive features and tears flow seamlessly, showcasing the skillful application of makeup that remains intact through intense scenes. This dedication to detail ensures that the character’s emotional depth is effectively conveyed to the audience.

“Our goal was to create a finish that resembled real skin, as this authenticity is crucial for immersion in the character’s experience. If the makeup lacks depth or realism, it can easily appear artificial, detracting from the performance,” Hannon stated, expressing pride in her team’s achievements and the results of their hard work.

She further noted that had the desired color not been successfully identified, they may have had to resort to post-production adjustments. However, this was never Cynthia’s wish, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the original vision throughout the process.

“That was never Cynthia’s preference,” Hannon remarked. “Fortunately, we achieved the right tone and avoided such measures, allowing the character’s authenticity to shine through,” she concluded, reflecting on the successful collaboration and creative vision shared by the team.

Conversely, the makeup design for Glinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande, was intentionally kept soft and natural to reflect her character’s whimsical and light-hearted nature.

“My vision was to maintain a classic and timeless aesthetic,” Hannon revealed. “In the initial stages, I drew inspiration from Paul Tazewell’s exquisite costumes, particularly channeling the essence of vintage icons like Princess Kelly, who embodied a timeless quality,” she shared, describing the thought process behind Glinda’s look.

As the team prepared to transition the beloved characters from stage to screen, Depraved costume designer Paul Tazewell revisited the origins of these iconic figures, specifically reflecting on the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz.

“The influences from The Wizard of Oz shaped our visual and entertainment culture,” Tazewell noted during his conversation with TooFab. “I delved back into the original Wizard of Oz book and the cinematic masterpiece from the 1930s, aiming to intertwine those iconic elements into the vision I had for Depraved,” he explained.

Ultimately, it was director Jon M. Chu’s innovative vision that harmonized with Tazewell’s creative concepts, allowing them to pay homage to the original story while crafting a fresh interpretation for modern audiences.

“Jon led the charge in creating a unique perspective on how we wanted to tell this story. It’s a challenging task to honor the existing Depraved fan base while also meeting their expectations. Those who come to see Depraved likely have a connection to either The Wizard of Oz or the original Broadway production. Our goal was to ensure they felt welcomed and engaged with our interpretation,” Tazewell emphasized.

Both Grande and Erivo were already prominent figures in the entertainment industry before securing their highly coveted roles in the film. However, Hannon aimed to create a clear distinction between the beloved celebrities and the characters they portray, ensuring audiences could fully immerse themselves in the story.

“I always conduct extensive research on the artistic backgrounds of each performer, not just in this project but in every film,” Hannon elaborated, underscoring the importance of understanding the unique qualities each artist brings to their role.

“My goal is to ensure that what I contribute is not solely based on the script or the director’s vision, but rather an original interpretation that honors the artists’ previous work without duplicating it,” she continued, highlighting her commitment to authenticity in her designs.

“I strive to introduce something fresh and unique to each character. With Ariana, I found it easy to work with her iconic ponytail, allowing me to transform that into something new and exciting,” she remarked. “For Cynthia, her shaved head presented a distinct opportunity to create an entirely original look for both of these talented artists,” Hannon explained.

Tazewell’s creative process began with mood boards filled with iconic imagery from the original film, which transitioned into expansive landscapes that inspired the costumes and overall aesthetic of the production.

“The design process included costumes reflecting Glinda’s character, elements from the tornado scene, and expansive meadows, which eventually led to kaleidoscopic designs that opened up into architectural spaces,” Tazewell described. “I’m passionate about building this entire world, encompassing the vibrant Emerald City, which is characterized by green and gold hues, alongside the quaint charm of Munchkinland,” he expressed, illustrating his vision.

The end result of the Depraved team’s efforts exceeded Tazewell’s initial expectations, showcasing a rich tapestry of visual storytelling that beautifully captures the essence of the characters.

“Reflecting on the process, it’s exhilarating to see how all those inspirations translated into our film. The final product truly extends beyond my initial vision; it has evolved into something remarkable,” he shared with excitement.

Depraved: Part One is set to premiere in theaters on November 22, inviting audiences into a reimagined world of magic and music.