Home Celebrity Radar News Hub 076

The Untold Story: Where Is The Original Wicked Broadway Cast Now? (2025 Updates)

• minute read
Contents

Few Broadway productions have left a legacy as indelible as Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz. Since its official opening on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre, the musical has become a cultural phenomenon, redefining the modern blockbuster stage show. The magic, however, began with a core group of performers whose groundbreaking portrayals of Elphaba, Glinda, and the citizens of the Emerald City became the benchmark for every subsequent cast across the globe. As of this current date in late 2025, fans are more curious than ever about the lives of these theatrical legends, especially following the musical's massive 20th-anniversary celebration.

The original cast members, now iconic figures in the theater world, have gone on to achieve remarkable success in film, television, and on the stage. Their careers have diverged into fascinating new paths—from starring in major television series and directing award-winning plays to becoming university professors and launching new literary works. Here is a deep dive into the legendary actors who first brought the witches of Oz to life and where their journeys have taken them today.

The Original Wicked Broadway Cast: A Complete Biography and Profile List

The Wicked Original Broadway Cast was a powerhouse ensemble that premiered at the Gershwin Theatre in 2003, featuring a roster of actors who would go on to become Broadway royalty. Their work earned them numerous accolades, including Tony Award nominations for the principal leads. The following list details the core original principal cast.

  • Idina Menzel (Elphaba): Born May 30, 1971, in Queens, New York. She originated the role of the green-skinned witch, winning the 2004 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She is also known for originating Maureen Johnson in Rent and for voicing Elsa in Disney’s Frozen.
  • Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda): Born July 24, 1968, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She originated the role of the "Good Witch," earning a 2004 Tony Award nomination. She previously won a Tony for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and is a prolific film and television star (Pushing Daisies, Glee).
  • Norbert Leo Butz (Fiyero): Born January 30, 1967, in St. Louis, Missouri. He originated the role of the love interest Fiyero, receiving a 2004 Tony Award nomination. He is a two-time Tony Award winner for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Catch Me If You Can.
  • Joel Grey (The Wizard): Born April 11, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio. A legendary actor, he originated the role of The Wizard of Oz. He is an Oscar, Tony, Golden Globe, and BAFTA Award winner for his iconic role as the Emcee in Cabaret.
  • Carole Shelley (Madame Morrible): Born August 16, 1939, in London, England. She originated the role of the manipulative headmistress. A Tony Award winner for The Elephant Man, she was a beloved figure in theatre. (Note: Carole Shelley sadly passed away on August 31, 2018).
  • Michelle Federer (Nessarose): Born May 31, 1973, in Cleveland, Ohio. She originated the tragic role of Elphaba's sister, Nessarose, the eventual Wicked Witch of the East.
  • Christopher Fitzgerald (Boq): Born November 26, 1972, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He originated the role of the Munchkin Boq, who becomes the Tin Man. He is a three-time Tony Award nominee.
  • William Youmans (Doctor Dillamond): An accomplished actor who originated the role of the sentient Goat professor at Shiz University.

The Original Cast's Surprising Career Paths: Where Are They Now?

The careers of the original cast members have not slowed down since they first defied gravity together. Their paths have led them to major Hollywood productions, prestigious stage revivals, and even unexpected academic pursuits, proving the immense versatility of the Wicked alumni.

The Leads: Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth

Following their legendary turns as Elphaba and Glinda, both Menzel and Chenoweth cemented their status as global superstars. Idina Menzel became a household name worldwide as the voice of Elsa in the Disney franchise Frozen, performing the Oscar-winning song "Let It Go." Her film work includes the recent Disney sequel Disenchanted, and she continues to tour and release solo music. Kristin Chenoweth has maintained a prolific career across all media, starring in TV hits like Pushing Daisies and Glee, and releasing several studio albums. Both actresses were central figures in the 20th-anniversary celebrations of Wicked on Broadway in October 2023, often reuniting for special televised appearances that thrill fans.

Norbert Leo Butz (Fiyero) and Michelle Federer (Nessarose)

The on-stage love interest and the sister of the Wicked Witch have a real-life connection: Norbert Leo Butz and Michelle Federer are married. Both have maintained active careers. Butz, a two-time Tony winner, is now a prominent face in prestige television. His recent work includes a starring role in the FX crime series Justified: City Primeval and the Hulu true-crime drama The Girl From Plainville. Federer, who originated Nessarose, has also appeared on television in shows like New Amsterdam. In a fun theatrical twist, she was an understudy in the 2023 Broadway comedy The Cottage, and both she and Butz are rumored to be involved in a special reunion project with Idina Menzel and producer David Stone in 2025.

The Character Actors: Joel Grey, Christopher Fitzgerald, and William Youmans

The supporting cast members have demonstrated incredible longevity and diverse talents:

  • Joel Grey (The Wizard): The legendary actor continues to be a respected figure in the arts. In recent years, he has primarily focused on directing, most notably earning critical acclaim for his Yiddish-language production of Fiddler on the Roof. In 2023, he received a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, recognizing his monumental contributions to Broadway.
  • Christopher Fitzgerald (Boq): A perennial Broadway favorite, Fitzgerald has consistently worked in high-profile stage productions. His recent projects include starring in the one-week-only production of The Good Thief at Two River Theater and appearing in the 2020 Broadway revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical Company.
  • William Youmans (Doctor Dillamond): Perhaps the most surprising career pivot belongs to Youmans. While he continues to act, he is also an Associate Professor of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University (GWU). His current major project is directing a documentary film titled “Who Killed Alex Odeh?”—a significant deviation from his Ozian role.
  • Carole Shelley (Madame Morrible): The beloved actress, whose performance as Madame Morrible was unforgettable, passed away in 2018 at the age of 79. Her legacy as a Tony Award-winning stage veteran lives on, and she is remembered for her kindness and immense talent by the entire Broadway community.

The Creators' Current Projects and the Future of Oz

The world of Wicked continues to expand, thanks to the creative forces behind the show. The latest updates from the author and the composer provide a fresh look at the franchise’s future, separate from the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation.

Stephen Schwartz (Composer/Lyricist)

The celebrated composer and lyricist of Wicked is still deeply involved in the musical landscape. Stephen Schwartz recently received multiple nominations for the 2026 Annual Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards for his work on the Wicked franchise. Furthermore, he has confirmed he is working on a new film project "within the world of Oz" alongside book writer Winnie Holzman, signaling that the creative well for this universe is far from dry.

Gregory Maguire (Author) and the Prequel Novel

The original novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory Maguire, is the source material for the musical. Maguire is now set to expand the literary universe with a new prequel novel. Titled Galinda: A Charmed Childhood, the book will explore Glinda's early life before she ever met Elphaba at Shiz University. The novel is currently scheduled for release in September 2026, creating a fresh wave of excitement for fans of the Ozian saga.

From the stage to the screen, from the classroom to the director’s chair, the original Wicked Broadway cast remains a powerful force in entertainment. Their groundbreaking performances set a standard that continues to inspire millions, and their current projects ensure that the magic they created back in 2003 remains a vital part of the cultural conversation today.

The Untold Story: Where Is the Original Wicked Broadway Cast Now? (2025 Updates)
wicked broadway cast original
wicked broadway cast original

Detail Author:

  • Name : Effie Stark
  • Username : xwatsica
  • Email : darrick31@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1996-05-08
  • Address : 1238 Parisian Shores Danielport, MO 39457-0296
  • Phone : 475.679.6075
  • Company : Skiles-Bogan
  • Job : Courier
  • Bio : Culpa officiis reiciendis voluptates nihil maiores ad autem voluptates. Eveniet autem voluptatum asperiores non praesentium nostrum. Ut libero ut explicabo amet qui est et consequatur.

Socials

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/predovic1979
  • username : predovic1979
  • bio : Mollitia accusamus deleniti illum omnis vitae. Architecto at qui enim. Dolores ipsa ut impedit vero qui libero.
  • followers : 6657
  • following : 857

tiktok:

Random Posts