The Original Wicked Broadway Cast: Where Are They Now?
Since its spectacular Broadway debut on October 30, 2003, Wicked has become a global cultural phenomenon. With unforgettable songs by Stephen Schwartz, dazzling performances, and a heartwarming message about friendship and acceptance, it continues to bewitch audiences at the Gershwin Theatre, where it holds the title of the fourth-longest-running musical in Broadway history. The show has reached fans worldwide, from London and Melbourne to Mexico City.
Now, with the movie adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda hitting theaters on November 22, 2024, it’s the perfect time to revisit the original cast members who brought the land of Oz to life. Let’s explore how these talented performers have made their mark on Broadway, Hollywood, and beyond.
Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda
Kristin Chenoweth’s portrayal of Glinda, the bubbly and ambitious Good Witch, became a defining moment in her career. Her performance earned her a Tony nomination, but it was her charisma, comedic timing, and powerhouse vocals that left audiences spellbound. She exited Wicked after nine months but went on to a career filled with Broadway hits, television stardom, and personal triumphs.
Chenoweth's post-Wicked Broadway career includes The Apple Tree (2006), Promises, Promises (2010), and On the Twentieth Century (2015), for which she received another Tony nomination. Beyond Broadway, she starred in The West Wing, hosted the Tony Awards, and lent her voice to animated films like Rio 2. Her albums, including As I Am and For the Girls, showcase her versatility as a performer.
Kristin continues to expand her horizons, recently announcing her return to Broadway in The Queen of Versailles, set to debut in the 2025-2026 season. In her personal life, she found love with musician Josh Bryant, marrying him in a star-studded Dallas wedding in September 2023.
Reflecting on her time as Glinda, Chenoweth shared, “This role was my soul. I felt like it was written for me. I just thought, ‘If anyone else plays Glinda, I might fight them for it.’”
Idina Menzel as Elphaba
Idina Menzel’s emotionally charged and vocally stunning performance as Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch, earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress. Menzel stayed with the show until 2005, later reprising the role in the West End production of Wicked.
Menzel’s career skyrocketed after Wicked, particularly with her role as Elsa in Disney’s Frozen. Her powerful ballad "Let It Go" became a cultural phenomenon, earning her a place in pop music history. She returned as Elsa in Frozen II and will reprise the role in the upcoming Frozen III, set for release in 2027.
Menzel’s talents extend beyond Disney. She starred in the film adaptation of Rent, appeared in Glee, and played roles in Enchanted and Cinderella. In 2025, she’ll return to Broadway in Redwood, a musical she co-conceived, previewing on January 24 before its February debut.
On her Wicked experience, Menzel remarked, “I needed this role to teach me about resilience and vulnerability. Elphaba helped me find my strength.”
Menzel married actor Aaron Lohr in 2017 and shares a son, Walker, with ex-husband Taye Diggs.
Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero
As Fiyero, Norbert Leo Butz added charisma and depth to the dashing love interest of both Glinda and Elphaba. After leaving Wicked in 2004, Butz solidified his reputation as a Broadway star, earning Tony Awards for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (2005) and Catch Me If You Can (2011).
Butz’s extensive Broadway credits include Enron, Big Fish, and My Fair Lady. On television, he appeared in Bloodline and Mercy Street, and he recently portrayed Patriots coach Bill Belichick in American Sports Story. Butz will also appear in the upcoming film A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet.
Butz is married to Michelle Federer, his Wicked co-star who played Nessarose. Together, they share a daughter, Georgia Teresa. Reflecting on their time in Wicked, Butz humorously said, “It was those tight white pants in ‘Dancing Through Life’ that sealed the deal for us.”
Joel Grey as The Wizard
Broadway veteran Joel Grey brought charm and mystery to his role as the Wizard of Oz. Already an Oscar winner for Cabaret, Grey continued to showcase his talent in productions like the 2011 revival of Anything Goes and The Cherry Orchard in 2016.
In 2015, Grey publicly came out as gay, saying, “I don’t like labels, but if you have to put a label on me, I’m a gay man.” He detailed his journey in his 2016 memoir, Master of Ceremonies.
Grey made a cameo in the Netflix film Tick, Tick… Boom! in 2021, demonstrating his continued relevance in the entertainment world.
Carole Shelley as Madame Morrible
Tony Award winner Carole Shelley portrayed the manipulative headmistress Madame Morrible with theatrical finesse. She reprised the role in the Wicked national tour and the Chicago production before returning to Broadway in Billy Elliot and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.
Shelley passed away in 2018 at the age of 79 after a battle with cancer. Her final role was in John Mulaney’s Kid Gorgeous comedy special, where she once again showcased her comedic brilliance.
Michelle Federer as Nessarose
Michelle Federer made her Broadway debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s tragic younger sister. She remained with Wicked until 2006 and briefly returned for the show’s later productions.
Federer has appeared in films and TV shows like Blue Bloods and Elementary. She married Norbert Leo Butz in 2007, and the couple welcomed their daughter in 2011.
“Nessarose taught me about inner strength and resilience. Playing her felt deeply personal,” Federer told Playbill in a 2016 interview.
Christopher Fitzgerald as Boq
Christopher Fitzgerald brought humor and heart to the role of Boq, the lovesick Munchkin. After leaving Wicked in 2005, he enjoyed a flourishing Broadway career with shows like Young Frankenstein, Waitress, and Company.
Fitzgerald has been married to director Jessica Stone since 2003, and they share two sons. He often reflects on the enduring popularity of Wicked, saying, “It’s a show that will outlast us all.”
William Youmans as Doctor Dillamond
William Youmans originated the role of Doctor Dillamond, the sympathetic goat professor. He left Wicked in 2005 but made a triumphant return to the Broadway production in 2023.
“Wicked revolutionized my career,” Youmans shared. He also appeared in Carousel and To Kill a Mockingbird, proving his versatility as an actor.
Legacy and Looking Forward
As Wicked prepares for its silver-screen adaptation, the original Broadway cast remains a benchmark of excellence. Their talents not only brought the story to life but also created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
