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The Ultimate Guide To The Wicked Original Broadway Cast: 7 Shocking Updates 20 Years Later

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The legacy of Wicked, the untold story of the Witches of Oz, continues to defy gravity more than two decades after its Broadway premiere. Opening on October 30, 2003, the original production at the Gershwin Theatre launched the careers of its two leading ladies into the stratosphere and cemented its place as a cornerstone of modern musical theatre. This seminal cast, featuring a collection of Broadway legends and rising stars, created the iconic performances that define the show to this day.

As of December 19, 2025, the buzz around the original cast is more intense than ever, driven by the massive success of the show's 20th Anniversary celebrations and the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation. From unexpected career pivots to on-screen reunions and the definitive truth about the alleged "feud," here is the most current and comprehensive look at the Wicked original Broadway cast and what they are doing now.

The Original Broadway Cast: A Complete Biography and Profile

The 2003 original company of Wicked was a powerhouse ensemble. Here is the definitive list of the principal cast members who opened the show, along with their key biographical details and roles:

  • Idina Menzel (Elphaba)
    • Born: May 30, 1971, in Queens, New York.
    • Key Roles: Maureen Johnson in Rent (Original Broadway Cast), Elphaba in Wicked (Original Broadway Cast), Elizabeth in If/Then, Elsa in Disney's Frozen (Voice).
    • Accolades: Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical (Wicked), Grammy Award (for Frozen soundtrack).
  • Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda)
    • Born: July 24, 1968, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
    • Key Roles: Sally Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Glinda in Wicked (Original Broadway Cast), Annabeth Schott in The West Wing, Olive Snook in Pushing Daisies.
    • Accolades: Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown), Tony Award Nomination (Wicked), Emmy Award (Pushing Daisies).
  • Norbert Leo Butz (Fiyero)
    • Born: January 30, 1967, in St. Louis, Missouri.
    • Key Roles: Fiyero in Wicked (Original Broadway Cast), Freddy Benson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Carl Hanratty in Catch Me If You Can.
    • Accolades: Two-time Tony Award Winner for Best Actor in a Musical (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Catch Me If You Can).
  • Joel Grey (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
    • Born: April 11, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio.
    • Key Roles: The Master of Ceremonies in Cabaret (Original Broadway and Film), The Wizard in Wicked (Original Broadway Cast).
    • Accolades: Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award (for Cabaret film), Tony Award (for Cabaret stage).
  • Carole Shelley (Madame Morrible)
    • Born: August 16, 1939, in London, England.
    • Key Roles: Gwendolyn Pigeon in The Odd Couple (Broadway and TV), Madame Morrible in Wicked (Original Broadway Cast).
    • Accolades: Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play (The Elephant Man). (Note: Shelley passed away in 2018.)
  • Michelle Federer (Nessarose)
    • Key Roles: Nessarose in Wicked (Original Broadway Cast).
    • Current Work: Continues to work in theatre and television, with recent appearances on shows like New Amsterdam and Archive 81.
  • Christopher Fitzgerald (Boq)
    • Key Roles: Boq in Wicked (Original Broadway Cast), Igor in Young Frankenstein, Ogie in Waitress.
    • Accolades: Multiple Tony Award Nominations.
  • William Youmans (Doctor Dillamond)
    • Key Roles: Doctor Dillamond in Wicked (Original Broadway Cast), Roles in Titanic and The Little Foxes.

The Definitive "Where Are They Now": Career Updates and Current Projects

The careers of the original cast members have only grown more illustrious since they first stepped into the roles of the witches of Oz. The most intriguing updates center on their continued success on stage and screen, and their involvement in the show's enduring legacy.

1. Idina Menzel: From Elphaba to Disney Legend and Beyond

Idina Menzel, who originated the role of the misunderstood, green-skinned Elphaba, has become a global superstar. Her post-Wicked career is defined by her role as Elsa in Disney's Frozen franchise, which made her a household name worldwide with the anthem "Let It Go." She has continued to star on Broadway, notably in If/Then, and has appeared in major films like Uncut Gems and the musical adaptation of Cinderella. Her powerful voice and stage presence remain in high demand, securing her status as a theatrical and cinematic icon.

2. Kristin Chenoweth: A Multitalented Force on Screen and Stage

Kristin Chenoweth’s career, much like her character Glinda, is effervescent and constantly evolving. Following her run as the "Good Witch," she has maintained a prolific career across all mediums. She has starred in popular TV shows such as The West Wing and the critically acclaimed Pushing Daisies, for which she won an Emmy. Chenoweth remains a vibrant presence on Broadway, in concert, and on television, often hosting or appearing in specials. Her recent work includes various TV and film projects, solidifying her as one of Broadway's most successful crossover stars.

3. Norbert Leo Butz: The Two-Time Tony Winner’s Screen Success

Norbert Leo Butz, the original Fiyero, parlayed his Broadway success into a string of high-profile projects. He is one of the few actors to win two Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Musical after leaving Wicked, a testament to his stage talent. On screen, he has gained significant recognition for his roles in television, including the Netflix series Bloodline and the FX limited series Fosse/Verdon. Butz’s career highlights his versatile ability to switch seamlessly between the emotional demands of Broadway and the nuanced performances required for prestige television.

The Most Current and Fresh Updates on the Original Cast's Legacy

The enduring connection between the original cast and the show itself provides the freshest news, particularly with the major events surrounding the musical's milestone anniversaries and its adaptation into a film.

4. The Emotional 20th Anniversary Reunion on Broadway

In a moment that thrilled Broadway fans worldwide, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth reunited on the Gershwin Theatre stage to celebrate Wicked's 20th Anniversary in October. The two original stars were on hand for a special curtain call, joining composer Stephen Schwartz and the current cast to commemorate the milestone. This reunion was a powerful reminder of the chemistry and talent that launched the show and provided a beautiful, current highlight for fans.

5. The Truth About the "Feud" Finally Clarified

For years, a persistent rumor circulated that Menzel and Chenoweth did not get along during the original run. Kristin Chenoweth recently addressed these long-standing "feud" rumors, clarifying that while they are two different people with different approaches, there was no actual animosity. She emphasized that their professional relationship was strong, and their reunion at the 20th Anniversary further proves the deep, enduring bond between the two actresses, putting the persistent gossip to rest.

6. Original Stars Confirm Absence from the Film Adaptation

One of the most talked-about pieces of Wicked news is the upcoming two-part film adaptation, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Despite massive fan speculation and hope, both Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth have confirmed they will not be appearing in the film, even in cameo roles. This decision, while disappointing to some, allows a new generation of performers to define the iconic roles, a choice the original stars fully support.

7. The Sad Loss of Carole Shelley and Joel Grey's Continued Legacy

The original cast has experienced loss and continued triumph. Carole Shelley, the brilliant original Madame Morrible, sadly passed away in 2018. Her performance, however, remains immortalized in the show's history. Meanwhile, Joel Grey, who originated the role of The Wizard, continues to be a respected and active figure in the arts, working as an actor and director well into his 90s, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. His enduring presence is a beacon of Broadway's golden age.

The Wicked original Broadway cast is more than just a historical footnote; they are the foundation of a cultural phenomenon. Their continued careers, recent reunions, and honest reflections on their time in Oz keep the green and pink magic alive for millions of fans across the globe.

The Ultimate Guide to the Wicked Original Broadway Cast: 7 Shocking Updates 20 Years Later
wicked original broadway cast
wicked original broadway cast

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