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The Legendary Original Wicked Broadway Cast: Where Are They Now In 2025?

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The original Broadway cast of Wicked, which premiered on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre, remains one of the most iconic ensembles in musical theatre history. Their performances launched a global phenomenon, defining the roles of Elphaba and Glinda for a generation of fans and performers alike. Over two decades later, with the musical's 20th anniversary recently celebrated and a highly anticipated two-part film adaptation on the horizon, the curiosity about these legendary actors is at an all-time high.

As of late 2025, the original stars—Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, and the rest of the powerhouse ensemble—continue to shape the entertainment industry, from new Broadway shows to major television and film roles. This in-depth look provides the most current updates on the actors who first brought the untold story of the Witches of Oz to life, cementing their eternal place in the history of the Great White Way.

The Original Seven: Full Cast Biography & Career Highlights

The success of Wicked is deeply tied to the chemistry and talent of its inaugural principal cast. Here is a look at the core actors who made history and their most notable achievements both before and after their time in Oz.

  • Idina Menzel (Elphaba):
    • Born: May 30, 1971 (Queens, New York)
    • Key Roles: Maureen Johnson in Rent (Tony nomination), Elphaba in Wicked (Tony Award Winner), Elsa in Disney’s Frozen franchise.
    • Awards: Tony Award (Best Actress in a Musical for Wicked), Drama Desk Award.
  • Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda):
    • Born: July 24, 1968 (Broken Arrow, Oklahoma)
    • Key Roles: Sally Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Tony Award Winner), Glinda in Wicked (Tony nomination), Olive Snook in Pushing Daisies (Emmy Award Winner).
    • Awards: Tony Award, Emmy Award, Drama Desk Award.
  • Norbert Leo Butz (Fiyero):
    • Born: January 30, 1967 (St. Louis, Missouri)
    • Key Roles: Fiyero in Wicked (Tony nomination), Freddy Benson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony Award Winner), Carl Hanratty in Catch Me If You Can (Tony Award Winner).
    • Awards: Two-time Tony Award Winner (Best Actor in a Musical).
  • Joel Grey (The Wizard of Oz):
    • Born: April 11, 1932 (Cleveland, Ohio)
    • Key Roles: The Master of Ceremonies in Cabaret (Tony and Oscar Award Winner), The Wizard in Wicked.
    • Awards: Tony Award, Academy Award (Oscar), Special Tony Award (2023).
  • Carole Shelley (Madame Morrible):
    • Born: August 16, 1939 (London, England)
    • Key Roles: Gwendolyn Pigeon in The Odd Couple, Madame Morrible in Wicked, Mrs. Kendal in The Elephant Man (Tony Award Winner).
    • Note: Ms. Shelley sadly passed away on August 31, 2018.
  • Michelle Federer (Nessarose):
    • Key Roles: Nessarose in Wicked, various Off-Broadway and TV roles.
    • Personal Life: Married to co-star Christopher Fitzgerald.
  • Christopher Fitzgerald (Boq):
    • Key Roles: Boq in Wicked, Igor in Young Frankenstein (Tony nomination), Ogie in Waitress (Tony nomination).
    • Awards: Drama Desk Award.

The Original Witches: Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth’s 2025 Updates

The dynamic between Elphaba and Glinda, the core of Wicked’s emotional narrative, was established by the powerhouse duo of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. Nearly two decades after they first sang “For Good,” their careers continue to thrive with significant, current projects.

Idina Menzel’s Return to Broadway and Recent Projects

Menzel, the voice behind the iconic belt of “Defying Gravity,” has maintained a high-profile career across stage and screen. Her work as Elsa in the Disney Frozen franchise has made her voice globally recognizable, but her heart remains on the stage. In a major update for 2025, Menzel is set to return to the Broadway stage with the musical Redwood. The show, which premiered regionally, is slated for a Broadway transfer in the Spring of 2025, marking her first major return to the New York theatre scene since her last run. This project demonstrates her commitment to developing new, original musical theatre works, solidifying her legacy beyond the green makeup.

Kristin Chenoweth’s Multi-Faceted Career and Recent Reunions

Kristin Chenoweth, the dazzling Glinda who taught us all how to be “Popular,” has balanced a career in television, film, and concert work. While continually performing concerts across the country, she also maintains a strong presence on television. A highlight for fans in 2025 was her joint feature with Idina Menzel for a high-profile cover shoot for a 2025 Pride Issue, showcasing their enduring friendship and professional bond. The two witches also reunited for a special NBC broadcast, cementing the powerful cultural impact of their original collaboration. Chenoweth's ability to effortlessly transition between the world of Broadway and Hollywood keeps her at the forefront of the industry.

Where Are They Now: The Legacy of Fiyero, The Wizard, and the Supporting Cast

The depth of the original cast extended far beyond the two leads, with actors who have since gone on to achieve significant acclaim and continue to work in high-profile roles in 2024 and 2025.

Norbert Leo Butz and Joel Grey: Tony-Winning Trajectories

Norbert Leo Butz, who originated the role of the charismatic and conflicted Fiyero, is a two-time Tony Award winner. His recent work has spanned multiple platforms, including a critically acclaimed turn in the Off-Broadway production of Cornelia Street and a concert performance in July 2024. On screen, he has appeared in the FX series Justified: City Primeval and the horror film The Exorcist, showcasing his versatility in dramatic roles.

Broadway legend Joel Grey, the original Wizard, continues to be honored for his extensive career. In 2023, he received a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, a fitting tribute to his decades of work that includes his iconic, Oscar-winning role in Cabaret. Grey has also focused on directing, including a production of On Borrowed Time, further cementing his status as a theatrical statesman.

Michelle Federer, Christopher Fitzgerald, and the Loss of Carole Shelley

Michelle Federer (Nessarose) and Christopher Fitzgerald (Boq) famously met and married during their time in the original production of Wicked. Fitzgerald, a three-time Tony nominee, has been active on screen, most recently appearing in the 2024 television series Elsbeth. He also had a recent Broadway run in the 2020 revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Company. Federer’s recent credits include a recurring role in the television series New Amsterdam (2018–2023). A heartwarming update includes a mention of her reuniting with Butz, Menzel, and original producer David Stone in 2025, highlighting the lasting bonds of the original company.

The cast also remembers the late Carole Shelley, the original Madame Morrible, who passed away in August 2018 at the age of 79. Shelley was a Tony Award winner for The Elephant Man and her performance in Wicked is remembered for its powerful, conniving theatricality.

The Original Cast vs. The Wicked Movie: A New Era of Oz

The original cast’s legacy is now being compared to the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, which is set to debut in late 2024 and 2025. This comparison is a key part of the current conversation surrounding the musical, acting as a major LSI keyword topic.

The original Broadway stars set the benchmark for the characters, creating a template that the movie cast must now interpret. The new film features Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a pairing that follows in the footsteps of Menzel and Chenoweth. Similarly, Jonathan Bailey takes on the role of Fiyero, originally played by Norbert Leo Butz. The creative team behind the musical, including composer Stephen Schwartz and book writer Winnie Holzman, are heavily involved in the film, ensuring the core spirit of the original Gershwin Theatre production is maintained.

The original cast's indelible recordings of songs like "Defying Gravity," "Popular," and "For Good" remain the definitive versions for millions of fans. While the film offers a new visual interpretation and fresh voices, the impact of the 2003 original cast is an undeniable foundation. Their unique, groundbreaking performances are the reason the story of the two witches, a tale of friendship and destiny, continues to resonate and evolve for a new generation.

The Legendary Original Wicked Broadway Cast: Where Are They Now in 2025?
wicked broadway cast original
wicked broadway cast original

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