Cynthia Erivo is most famous for her role in Wicked and Wicked: For Good, and in her new memoir, Simply More—out now—the actress is opening up about what that experience really meant to her. From her first time seeing Wicked on stage to her friendship with Ariana Grande,

Cynthia Erivo didn't just play Elphaba in the two-part Wicked franchise—she made the role her own. Now, three years since filming wrapped on the beloved Broadway musical’s big screen adaptation, the magic of Oz is approaching its final chapter.

Erivo says she found parallels between her life and the experience of her Wicked character, Elphaba. Her new memoir is called Simply More: A Book for Anyone who Has Been Told They're Too Much.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande remain bonded, in sickness or in health. The stars, who play Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked: For Good, will no longer be doing interviews at the New York City premiere of the film on Monday, Nov. 17 after Erivo lost her voice earlier in the day, Universal confirms to PEOPLE.

In a video reposted by the Veronica Mars star, a young fan named Bella can be seen approaching the stage to personally say hi to Erivo. The British star quickly got up from her chair and said hello to the fan, who appeared emotional at the sight of her.

"No good deed goes unpunished/ That's my new creed," the vocalist belts effortlessly as the music and Copeland's choreography intensifies. "My road of good intentions led where such roads always lead." After Erivo nails a custom riff on the final note, she and Copeland take hands and strike a stunning pose side by side.

Tune into this year's Thanksgiving Day parade for a chance to watch North Texas' own L.D. Bell High School perform alongside entertainment including