Cast of Wicked the Musical

Opening night curtain call. Buy tickets here:Wicked Tickets

Wicked's Characters, Cast, and Creatives

• Characters and Cast - Briefly Noted
• Creative Team
• Detailed Bios
• Music Team
• Cast schedule and ticket info
• News and events (Schwartz and Wicked)
• WICKED INDEX PAGE

Characters and Cast - Briefly Noted

Choosing from the 38 speaking characters in Wicked the novel, the authors of Wicked the musical show decided to focus their show on eight key characters plus a few others and the ensemble. [For more details on characters see the Wicked characters page]

Character: Elphaba, the girl who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West

Actor on Broadway: As of October 9, 2007, Stephanie Block took over for Julia Murney who played Elphaba since January 2007. In Los Angeles - Eden Espinoza | (Idina Menzel was the original Elphaba)

Character: Glinda (who starts out as Galinda), The "good" counterpart for the "Wicked" Witch

Actor: Kendra Kassebaum returns as Glinda on May 14, 2008. Annaleigh Ashford transfers to the Chicago production. Before Ashford, Kendra Kassebaum took up the wand for Kate Reinders who reprised her role as Glinda that she first stepped into for the Chicago production of Wicked.

Megan Hilty's Glinda stardom reigned from May 2005 through May 2006 on Broadway. She will now take up her bubble in Los Angeles. The original cast member Kristin Chenoweth is featured on the Wicked cast album. On tour: Christina DeCicco

Character: Fiyero, a handsome prince, fellow student, and love interest.
Actor: As of January 8, 2008, David Burnham assumes the role that he also played in developmental workshops of Wicked. Sebastian Arcelus and Derrick Williams have recently played Fiyero. Original cast: Norbert Leo Butz performed for the first year and on the cast album. Fan praise for Derrick from Kev of Philadelphia: "Derrick hit his marks and exuded charm, a pleasant performance."

Character: Madame Morrible, their rather horrible headmistress at Shiz University
Actor: Jayne Houdyshell will return to play Madam Morrible on May 14, 2008, replacing Miriam Margolyes. Margolyes, who played the role in the London production of "Wicked," has appeared in such films as "Ladies in Lavender" (and more than held her own with such Dames as Judi Dench and Maggie Smith) and in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" as Professor Sprout.

Character: The Wizard of Oz Actor: Lenny Wolpe. Wolpe played the Wizard in the original Los Angeles workshops of Wicked. His Broadway credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, The Sound of Music, Copperfield, and Onward Victoria. He has also portrayed the role of Tevye in six separate productions of Fiddler on the Roof.

Previous: David Garrison replaced Ben Vereen April 4, 2006.

Joel Grey played the original Wizard of Oz and may be heard on the cast album.

Character: Nessarose, the Witch 's invalid sister
Actor: Crysti Candler, who created the role of the Witch's Mother in Wicked, succeeded Michelle Federer, who has played Nessarose since Wicked's Broadway opening.

Character: Boq, an unusually tall Munchkin with eyes for Glinda but who gets linked with Nessarose.
Actor: Logan Lipton (Boq). Logan Lipton played Boq in the national tour of Wicked and was seen Off-Broadway in Cupid & Psyche. Original: Christopher Fitzgerald.

Character: Dr. Dillamond, a professor at Shiz University who is a talking Animal, a goat.
Actor: Steven Skybell. Skybell, who originated the role of Dr. Dillamond in the Chicago company of Wicked, has been seen on Broadway in The Full Monty, Love! Valour! Compassion!, Café Crown and Ah, Wilderness!. He received an Obie Award for his work in Antigone, and his other Off-Broadway credits include The Lesson, The Controversy and What Didn't Happen.

Character: Others
See wickedthemusical.com for the latest.

[For more details on characters see the Wicked characters page]

Don't miss our Wicked shop

WICKED - NEW EDITION OF MAGUIRE'S NOVEL at Amazon.com: Musical Tie-in Edition : The Life... [new browser window]

features 16 pages of photos from the musical. Total 448 pages (no new text).

Review of the new cast's performance

Update December 7, 2005 by Carol de Giere

On my 10th visit to the version of Oz created in Wicked, I found myself sucked in again to the enchantment. It seemed like the sets and costumes were beautiful than before, even though there were only sight enhancements - such as to Glinda's glitter dress - fresh blue sparkles for Megan Hilty's gown.

I have to say I really believed Megan Hilty WAS Glinda - not an actress playing Glinda but the real thing, if there could be such. Her authenticity was a treat to behold. She truly seemed to like her own ultra feminine, energic self that much, which is the essence of Glinda in ACT I. And yet in ACT II when the character changed, we really felt it through Megan's excellent performance.

Shoshana's vocals for Elphaba were as powerful as any I've heard anywhere. She was not as vulnerable as Menzel in the role but it still worked.

I came to see Ben Vereen as the Wizard. He seems to fill up a stage and feel at home in the spotlight that is made broad for him when he sings "Wonderful." I found him quite believable. I was hoping for even more of an interesting dance than he gave, but he is constrained by whatever the choreographer provides for him.

Michelle Federer as Nessarose is a phenomena. If the role was as much of a star role as Glinda or Elphaba, everyone would be fussing over her. What a powerful actress. Even after all these years in the part, she seems to find something fresh and you just feel like she's playing it for the first time.

I have no particular notes about Boq or Fiyero. I found Sean McCourt's Dr. Dillamond very convincing. And I enjoyed Jan Neuberger who stepped in for Rue as Madame Morrible for that matinee.

About the new Fiyero: Derrick Williams comes directly from the tour production of Wicked. Other Boadway credits include Aida and Swing!; and first national tours of Aida and Smokey Joe's Café. He has also been seen in episodes of the TV comedy hit "The Chapelle Show."

WICKED STILL DEFYING GRAVITY

By Jim Miller

March 19th 2005

Cast members may change, but you can't keep a good show down. WICKED continues to cast quite a spell with several new cast members, including Shoshana Bean as the new Elphaba.

This was my first chance to see the show since Idina Menzel's departure. Fortunately, Shoshana is terrific and brings her own style and personality to the part. She is spunky, outgoing, and optimistic through much of the early parts of the musical. While she can certainly belt out her songs, I'd describe her voice as more classical than pop. And, she's a terrific actor. The net effect is a different but equally effective Elphaba. Her "No Good Deed" was particularly thrilling, highlighting a strong, powerful, and dark second act

I had previously seen Jennifer Laura Thompson as Glinda during her first week in the part. At the time, her performance was very much in the style created by Kristin. Now, after eight months in the part, Ms. Thompson has brought her own personality to the role, and she remains splendid. She lacks Kristin's unique persona; but, her voice and comic timing are excellent. And, I think her Glinda is a bit more serious, aware, and troubled by events around her than Kristin's. Jennifer and Shoshana offer a very different physical look than Kristin and Idina, with Jennifer being the taller and Shoshanna's Elphaba the more diminutive. No matter, as the two leads are wonderful together, and WICKED may be better dramatically than it's ever been. This is my fifth time seeing WICKED, and I don't know if Glinda and Elphaba's final scene together, followed by the beautiful "For Good" and the show's wonderful closing moments, have ever been more beautiful and moving.

Another newcomer is David Ayers, who may just be the best Fiyero of the four that I've seen. Ayers joined WICKED after having played Perchik in the FIDDLER revival. He has a strong presence, starting out pompous and self absorbed, then slowly evolving with every scene to a more sympathetic and aware character. His singing is strong, and there's real chemistry with both leads. He truly makes the most of Fiyero's time on stage and makes a strong impression. Jeffrey Kuhn is now playing Boq, and he brings a quirky charm to the character.

On Saturday night, George Hearn was out - he was actually appearing at Wall to Wall Sondheim, singing "A Little Priest" from SWEENEY TODD along with the great Angela Lansbury, which must have been something to see. Anthony Galde played the Wizard, and he was excellent. He doesn't have quite the charm or presence that Joel Grey and Hearn brought to the role. But, he sings beautifully and acts the role nicely. I've always felt the Wizard's role isn't all that well written. Grey and Hearn bring out different elements of the character. In some ways, Galde captured both Grey's song and dance man and Hearn's darker side.

And, finally, I must acknowledge the wonderful Carole Shelley; her Madame Morrible is now a delicious, scenery chewing performance. It works, and she's always a pleasure to watch.

It's nice to see that new cast members have, if anything, added some nice touches and their own personalities to an already strong show. While Kristin and Idina will always be properly praised for their marvelous performances, it's nice to know that, with Jennifer and Shoshana, the witches, and WICKED, continue to fly high.

Back stage photos - Cast members as of Feb 2005 (Broadway.com)

_____

Jim's review from the previous change over: July 2004

Worry not, citizens and fans of Oz. Glinda the good is still on the scene and still dazzling the good folks of Oz, plus those of us lucky enough to be in the audience.

I'm a huge fan of Kristin's, but I'm happy to report that WICKED is still flying high with Jennifer Laura Thompson now teaming up with Idina Menzel as those famous witches. Thompson is splendid. It's a performance very much in the style created by Kristin, although she has already put some of her own nuances into a few spots and, over time, will undoubtedly add more. From the second she appears in that bubble in the musical's opening moments, you know you're in good hands. She has the same comic timing and lilting, operatic soprano that Kristin brought to the role. In fact, if I didn't know better, there are many times I might have thought I was watching or listening to a slightly less diminutive Kristin. Idina remains as terrific as ever, and the two of them are already working quite well together.

But, Ms. Thompson is not the only newcomer to WICKED. It is wonderful to see George Hearn back on the Broadway musical stage as the Wizard. Hearn brings some added depth and layers to the role, which I've always felt, and still believe, is not all that clearly written. He still sings marvelously, as expected. However, "Wonderful" is better suited to Joel Grey's soft shoe/song and dance style and still needs a bit of work. But, it's great to see Hearn and he clearly brings something to the role.

Joey McIntyre is the new Fiyero; he doesn't have quite the presence or acting skills of his predecessors (I've seen both Norbert and Taye), but he is more youthful, and, as might be expected, he does quite well with the pop ballads. I found his "As Long As You're Mine" to be particularly effective. Randy Harrison is in his final week as Boq, and I enjoyed him a great deal. As was posted this morning, he brings a different, but equally valid, take to Boq - he's less awkward and painfully shy and is a little more confident and buoyant in his approach to Glinda. And, he has a very nice singing voice. All in all, it's a strong Broadway musical debut for Harrison.

Finally, Eden Espinosa was on this afternoon as Nessarose, and I certainly can see why she has gotten all the praise that's been given to her. What a voice!

The show itself is in great shape and remains a huge crowd pleaser. And, I still find "For Good" and the moments that follow to be quite moving and result in an enormously satisfying ending. It's my fourth visit to WICKED and the show keeps getting better and better. I was worried that I would miss Kristin, but Thompson's Glinda proves to be almost as good, and clearly a revelation in its own right.

___

Posted on StephenSchwartz.com in February, 2005

Recently Stephen answered a question about cast changes for WICKED.

Question: I'd like to know, just out of curiosity, how often you attend to the show, especially now that the main two roles have been replaced, and how these actresses changed the dynamic of the play in terms of being other people the ones that interpret the roles in different ways, are they better, worse, or simply different?

Answer by StephenSchwartz:
"One of the things I enjoy about live theatre is seeing what different actors and actresses bring to the same role. Each actor will have individual strengths, things he or she does particularly well, and individual moments that really shine, so yes, the performance does change a little. But the underlying dynamic of the play I believe remains the same. The WICKED team spends a lot of time and care on casting, so that the cast replacements are excellent and there is no decline in the quality of the performance. I do go back on occasion to see the show and give notes, as does Winnie Holzman (the bookwriter), the producers, and of course our excellent and diligent director, Joe Mantello. So in short, I would say that with each cast change, the show is different, but still the same, if you know what I mean."

Creative Team

Music and Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, Children of Eden, Working)

Book: Winnie Holzman (TV series My So Called Life)

Director: Joe Mantello - Director (Take Me Out)

Music Director: Stephen Oremus (Tick, Tick, BOOM)

Orchestrator: William ("Bill") Brohn (Ragtime)

Choreographer: Wayne Cilento (Tommy, Aida).

Scenic Design: Eugene Lee (Ragtime, Sweeney Todd)

Costumes: Susan Hilferty (Into the Woods revival)

Lighting Design: Ken Posner (Hairspray)

Dance Arrangements: Jim Abbott (Assistant Choreographer Aida)

Assistant Music Director: Alex Lacamoire (Music director for Bat Boy; Orchestrator, Godspell 2001 tour)

Sound Tony Meola (Man of La Mancha, Sweet Smell of Success)

For cast photos see the official Wicked site WickedtheMusical.com [new browser window].

Subscribe to The Schwartz Scene newsletter to stay current with the development of Wicked

Original Broadway Cast and Creative Team

Who's Who in Wicked

By Morgan LaVere (performer, director, Broadwayphile)

Idina Menzel literally burst onto the scene in the New York Theatre Workshop's production of "Rent," playing Maureen, a character who has one of the best entrances in musical theatre history. When the show transferred to Broadway, Idina was nominated for a Tony Award as Best Supporting Actress. She followed this up with her performance as Kate in Andrew Lippa's version of "The Wild Party" at the Manhattan Theatre Club. More recently, Idina played "Sheila" in the Encore's production of "Hair," and starred in "Aida" on Broadway.

Kristin Chenowith won a Theatre World Award for her performance in "Steel Pier." Her performance as Precious McGuire stole the show during an 11 o'clock number called "Two Little Words." This was quickly followed by her performance in William Finn's "A New Brain," where she portrayed Nancy D, the thin nurse; a small role but nevertheless one which made an impact. Casting agents then saw fit to cast her as Sally in a Broadway revival of "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown." A new song was written by composer Andrew Lippa specifically for Kristin, "My New Philosophy," and once again the petite blonde girl with the huge voice walked away with the show. She also walked away with a Tony Award for the performance. She then appeared in a straight play, "Epic Proportions," and followed that up with a television series called "Kristin." She also appears opposite Matthew Broderick in a new television version of "The Music Man." Broadwayphiles are thrilled that she will be back on Broadway in "Wicked."

Christopher Fitzgerald is new to the cast as of summer 2003. Check Playbill.com for more bio information.

Carole Shelley is probably best remembered for her hysterical portrayal of Gwendolyn Pigeon, one of the Pigeon Sisters, in Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple," a role she originated on Broadway, and reprised in both the film and television productions. She won the 1979 Best Actress Tony Award for her performance in "The Elephant Man," and was nominated in the supporting actress category twice. Recent theatre performances include the role of Fraulein Schneider in the Roundabout Theatre Production of "Cabaret," and Alfred Uhry's "The Last Night of Ballyhoo." She was born in London, England and is now a naturalized U.S. citizen. Her other film credits include several of the British "Carry On" films, voice-over work in Disney's "The Aristocats," and more recent performances in "Quiz Show" and "The Road to Wellville."

Wayne Cilento (Choreographer) won the 1993 Tony® Award for Best Choreography for Tommy as well as the Drama Desk Award and the Fred Astaire Award, and was nominated for the 1997 Laurence Olivier Award for the West End production of Tommy. For details see his Playbill.com bio

Eugene Lee (set designer) has been the Resident Designer at Rhode Island's Trinity Rep for 30 years. He has a BFA from the Art Institute of Chicago, a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University, an MFA from Yale Drama School, and honorary Ph.Ds from both DePaul University and Rhode Island College. Mr. Lee has won two Tony Awards for his work on Broadway, for Leonard Bernstein's "Candide" and for his glorious design at the Gershwin Theatre of Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd." He is the production designer for Saturday Night Live on NBC. Other New York theater work includes: "Alice in Wonderland," Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart," "Agnes of God," and "Uncle Vanya." His film work includes John Huston's "Mr. North," and Louis Malle's "Vanya on 42nd Street." His more recent work includes the Broadway revival of "Showboat" (which also played the Gershwin Theatre), for which he won the 1995 Outer Critics Circle Award and the 1995 Drama Desk Award, and the Broadway production of the Ahrens/Flaherty/McNally musical "Ragtime." Susan Hilferty (costumes) was recently nominated for a Tony Award for the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods." She chairs the design department at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Her other New York designs include "Jitney," "Dirty Blonde," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," "Night of the Iguana," Tina Howe's "Coastal Disturbances" and Paul Rudnick's "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told."

MORE CAST NOTES - off the Internet

Norbert Leo Butz (Thou Shalt Not, The Last 5 Years). From Playbill.com: Butz appeared on Broadway as one third of the sordid love triangle at the center of Thou Shalt Not, winning a Tony Award nomination. His Broadway debut was as Roger in Rent. Other credits include The Last Five Years and the national tour of Cabaret, in which he played the Emcee.

July 20th, Joey McIntyre assumes the role of Fiyero. McIntyre, best known from his days as a teen pop star in New Kids on the Block, previously appeared on the New York stage in tick, tick…. BOOM! McIntyre was also the lead in the film version of The Fantasticks, appeared as a series regular on Boston Pubilc. He has three solo studio albums (Stay the Same, Meet Joe Mac and 8:09). He plays Tony in the film version of the long-running off-Broadway hit Tony n' Tina's Wedding.

Michelle Federer: In the fall of 2002, she was an understudy for the Lincoln Center musical A Man of No Importance, directed by Joe Mantello. Off-Broadway: In the Absence of Spring (Second Stage). Regional: Alice in Closer, Audrey Strange in Towards Zero and Sorel in Hay Fever (Alley Theatre), Nell Gwynn in Compleat Female Stage Beauty (1999 Best Supporting Actress Pittsburgh Post Gazette) at the City Theatre, Water Children (CATF), Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest (River Rep). Film: Aisle Six written and directed by David Wain. B.F.A. musical theatre from Ithaca College.

Wicked Orchestra and Orchestrations

Sound: Tony Meola: "Tony Meola is one of New York's most in-demand sound designers, with credits on more than twenty-six Broadway productions including Man of La Mancha, Sweet Smell of Success, Kiss Me Kate, Footloose, The King and I and Smokey Joe's Café..

Wicked is being produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone

• For information on tickets and seating see Wicked in New York
• Check for hints about Wicked's Score and Cast Album;
• Read about Wicked's story and story source - Gregory Maguire;
• Read reviews to get a better sense of the story by following links on Wicked in San Francisco page.
• There's no place like my Wicked home page for links to 50 Wicked-related pages