LONDON, UK — In an unexpected twist, Cynthia Erivo made an emotional visit to her alma mater, La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls’ School in Clapham Park, London. Unlike her fictional character Elphaba’s school, Shiz, this was a real-life reunion filled with touching moments.

Erivo, celebrated for her Grammy and Tony awards, joined the school choir in a captivating performance that left both her and the students overwhelmed with emotion.

Captured in a video by BBC Radio 1, Erivo surprised the students while they were rehearsing “For Good,” a poignant song from the musical “Wicked.” The choir members were initially under the impression that their performance was being recorded to be shown to Erivo later, not realizing she was listening just outside the rehearsal room.

Her unexpected entrance caused a wave of excitement and tears among the young performers, who were thrilled to meet the actress who has been bringing Elphaba to life in the upcoming film adaptations of the beloved Broadway show.

“I went to this school and left over 20 years ago, so to come back and listen to you singing that song is really wonderful,” Erivo told the students in the video. “Well done, everyone. It’s so nice to see you all and be back here.”

The three-time Oscar nominee became visibly emotional while watching the students perform, telling them she was “not okay at all” in a breaking voice. She later sang the song with the choir and answered questions about pursuing a career in entertainment.

“I was right where you were, literally, and I had some really wonderful teachers, who helped and guided,” Erivo told the students. “Don’t be afraid to ask for those things, don’t be afraid of dreaming of those things, and then don’t be afraid of the hard work that comes from it.”

When asked to name the most rewarding moment in her career, Erivo gave a simple answer: “This.”

Erivo, 38, got her start on stage at the London school two decades ago before going on to win a Tony Award for “The Color Purple” and earn Oscar nominations for “Harriet” and “Wicked.” The school’s Director of Admissions, Careers and Technical Education told HELLO! magazine in January that Erivo “showed talent from a young age” and serves as a role model showing students that “anything’s possible.”

The visit comes as Erivo promotes “Wicked: For Good,” the highly anticipated sequel to last year’s blockbuster film. The movie, in which she reprises her role as Elphaba opposite Ariana Grande’s Glinda, hits theaters Friday, Nov. 21.

The first “Wicked” film earned more than $750 million globally and received 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It became the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical of all time.