Michelle Yeoh had no idea Wicked was a famous stage musical before reading the script for the movie adaptation.

When director Jon M. Chu called up his Crazy Rich Asians star about playing Madame Morrible in his Wicked movie adaptation, Yeoh had no idea what the project was.

“I at that point had no clue what he was talking about because I had not seen Wicked the musical before,” she told The Hollywood Reporter at the film’s premiere over the weekend. “I knew Wizard of Oz, who doesn’t, but not Wicked, because I hadn’t been going to the theatres and not doing what I love, which is watching musicals, for quite a while, I hate to say.”

Because of her lack of knowledge, the Oscar-winning actress was surprised when she read the script and discovered the musical numbers.

“So I read it and called Jon back and said, ‘This is a musical and she sings.’ And he said, ‘Oh easy, you’ll have fun, you’re up for the challenge,” Yeoh continued. “And then the next thing I knew I get this video call and it was him with Ariana (Grande) and Cynthia (Erivo) saying, ‘It’s imperative you come and join us now.'”

In Wicked, Madame Morrible is the headmistress of Shiz University in the Land of Oz, where Erivo’s Elphaba and Grande’s Glinda meet. Her character also serves as a mentor to the green-skinned witch Elphaba.

Yeoh admitted she was “terrified” about the prospect of singing alongside the lead stars but she “had fun” working with a coach and “learning to use the (vocal) muscles in a different way”.

The first part of Wicked will be released in cinemas on 22 November.

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