5 Shocking Revelations About Idina Menzel And Kristin Chenoweth’s Unbreakable Bond

The enduring friendship and professional partnership between Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth—the original Elphaba and Glinda from the Broadway phenomenon Wicked—is one of theater’s most celebrated stories. As of late December 2025, their bond is stronger and more active than ever, fueled by major reunions, new stage collaborations, and definitive answers to decades-old rumors about their time backstage. The two Broadway icons have recently dominated headlines with their joint appearances, proving their status as the definitive "Witches of Broadway" remains unchallenged, two decades after they first took flight at the Gershwin Theatre.

The latest news centers on their emotional reunion for the Wicked 20th Anniversary and their involvement, or lack thereof, in the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation. Their public support for each other's current projects, like Menzel’s new musical, also offers a fresh look into the genuine, complex, and supportive relationship between the two Tony Award winners, solidifying their legacy far beyond the Emerald City.

The Definitive Profile: Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth

The friendship between Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth began long before they were cast as the lead witches in Wicked, solidifying a bond that has transcended Broadway, Hollywood, and the music industry. Here is a comprehensive profile of the two legendary performers:

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• Idina Menzel (Elphaba)
  • Full Name: Idina Kim Menzel (née Mentzel)
  • Born: May 30, 1971 (Age 54 as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: Queens, New York, U.S.
  • Key Broadway Roles: Maureen Johnson in Rent (1996), Elphaba in Wicked (2003), Elizabeth Vaughan in If/Then (2014), and a leading role in the new musical Redwood (2024/2025).
  • Major Awards: Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical (Wicked), Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack (Frozen), and a Daytime Emmy Award.
  • Film/Voice Roles: Elsa in Disney's Frozen franchise, Nancy Tremaine in Enchanted and Disenchanted, and a recurring role on Glee.
  • Noteworthy: She is one of the few performers to have a Tony Award for a performance in a show and an Oscar-winning song from a film (though the Oscar was for the song, not her performance).
• Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda)
  • Full Name: Kristin Dawn Chenoweth
  • Born: July 24, 1968 (Age 57 as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, U.S.
  • Key Broadway Roles: Sally Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999), Glinda in Wicked (2003), Lily Garland in On the Twentieth Century (2015).
  • Major Awards: Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown), Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Pushing Daisies).
  • Film/TV Roles: Olive Snook in Pushing Daisies, April Rhodes on Glee, and roles in films like Bewitched and RV.
  • Noteworthy: Known for her signature operatic soprano voice and her extensive work in both theater and television, making her a true cross-platform star.

The Emotional Wicked 20th Anniversary Reunion

The most significant and recent event involving the duo was their highly anticipated reunion for the 20th Anniversary of Wicked on Broadway. The musical, which premiered on October 30, 2003, celebrated its two-decade milestone in late 2023, with the reverberations of their joint appearance still making news in 2025.

A Night at the Gershwin Theatre

On the evening of the anniversary, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth walked the green carpet at the Gershwin Theatre, marking their first major joint public appearance to celebrate the show that defined their careers. They watched the current cast perform, and during the final curtain call, they joined the show's creators, Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, on stage. The moment was electric, with the audience giving a thunderous ovation for the original Elphaba and Glinda.

This reunion was more than just a photo opportunity; it was a powerful reminder of the show's legacy and the chemistry that Menzel and Chenoweth brought to the roles. Their presence underscored the reason Wicked has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions with its themes of female friendship, acceptance, and defying gravity. The event served as a definitive, tear-jerking affirmation of their friendship, countering any lingering rumors of animosity.

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The Truth About the Long-Rumored Feud

For years, a persistent rumor circulated in the Broadway community suggesting that Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth did not get along during their time in Wicked. This narrative often pitted the two stars against each other, fueled by the competitive nature of the industry and the dramatic contrast between their characters, Elphaba and Glinda.

Chenoweth Sets the Record Straight

In a recent interview, Kristin Chenoweth directly addressed the "feud" rumors, providing the most definitive statement to date. She clarified that while they are two very different people with distinct personalities—Menzel being more reserved and Chenoweth more effervescent—they were never truly at odds. Chenoweth explained that the intense, demanding schedule of a Broadway show, especially one as physically and vocally challenging as Wicked, naturally creates periods of stress, but their relationship was always built on mutual respect and professional admiration.

The actresses have consistently used their platform to showcase their genuine bond, often reuniting for performances of the show's iconic duet, "For Good," including a recent impromptu performance that went viral. This ongoing public display of support, particularly at the 20th anniversary and Menzel’s new show, has finally put the decades-long "diva rivalry" narrative to rest, cementing their status as supportive colleagues and true friends.

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The Wicked Movie: Cameos and Controversies

The upcoming two-part film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, has been one of the most talked-about movie projects of the decade. The question on every fan's mind was whether the original witches would make an appearance.

In, But Not In: The Film Cameo Details

It has been confirmed that both Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth will have cameo roles in the first part of the film, Wicked: Part One. Their roles are reportedly as "Wiz-O-Mania Super Fans," a nod to the show's devoted fanbase and a clever way to integrate the Broadway legends without distracting from the new leads. This brief appearance is a tribute to the foundation they laid for the musical's success.

However, the latest news confirms that neither Menzel nor Chenoweth will be returning for the second installment, Wicked: For Good. While their presence in the first film is a welcome surprise for fans, their absence from the concluding chapter ensures that the focus remains entirely on Erivo and Grande's performances, allowing the new movie to establish its own identity while still honoring its roots.

Beyond Oz: Supporting Each Other’s New Projects

The true measure of their friendship is the support they show for each other outside of the Emerald City. In 2024 and 2025, this support was highly visible on Broadway.

Kristin Chenoweth at Redwood

Idina Menzel returned to the Broadway stage in 2024 with the new musical Redwood, a project that was a significant venture for her. In a powerful display of solidarity, Kristin Chenoweth attended the show. Not only did she attend, but she also joined Menzel for a spontaneous, touching performance of "For Good" during a benefit for the show, showcasing their combined vocal power and enduring connection.

This act of professional support, with Chenoweth championing Menzel’s new, non-Wicked-related work, spoke volumes. It demonstrated that their relationship is not merely defined by their past roles but is a continuous, evolving friendship where they celebrate each other’s individual achievements. The reunion at Redwood was a fresh and deeply meaningful moment for fans, proving that the magic of Elphaba and Glinda is rooted in the genuine respect between Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.