The Original Wicked Cast: Where Are They Now? 7 Stars Who Defied Gravity And The Latest 2025 Updates

The original cast of the Broadway phenomenon *Wicked* remains one of the most celebrated ensembles in modern musical theatre history, forever immortalized for bringing the untold story of the Witches of Oz to life. More than two decades after the show’s debut, the careers of these stars continue to soar, making headlines even now in late 2025 with major film cameos and new Broadway ventures.

The enduring legacy of *Wicked* is intrinsically tied to the powerhouse performances that premiered at the Gershwin Theatre in October 2003. From the gravity-defying vocals of Elphaba to the bubbly charm of Glinda, the original company set the standard for a musical that has since grossed billions worldwide and continues to be a global cultural touchstone. What have these iconic actors been up to, and what are the freshest updates on their careers?

The Original Broadway Cast: A Complete Biography and Latest Career Updates (2025)

The seven principal actors of the 2003 original Broadway cast created characters that became theatrical legends. Here is a look at their roles, career highlights, and their most recent projects, including exciting news for 2025.

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Idina Menzel (Elphaba)

• Role: Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.
• Key Highlights: Won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for *Wicked*. Prior to *Wicked*, she originated the role of Maureen in *Rent*. She is also known globally as the voice of Elsa in Disney’s *Frozen* franchise, singing the smash hit "Let It Go."
• Latest Update (2025): Menzel has continued her prolific stage and screen career. In a major nod to the musical’s legacy, she and Kristin Chenoweth made highly anticipated, secret cameos in the 2024 two-part *Wicked* film adaptation, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Menzel is also set to debut her new musical project, *Redwood*, in early 2025.

Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda)

• Role: Glinda, the Good Witch.
• Key Highlights: Won a Tony Award for *You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown*. Her performance as Glinda, particularly the song "Popular," became an instant classic. She has had an extensive film and television career, including roles in *Glee* and *Pushing Daisies* (for which she won an Emmy).
• Latest Update (2025): Chenoweth remains a Broadway icon. She is reportedly expected to return to Broadway in the upcoming 2025 season in the new musical *The Queen of Versailles*, which features music by *Wicked* composer Stephen Schwartz. She also recently reunited with Idina Menzel on stage and for the *Wicked* film cameos.

Norbert Leo Butz (Fiyero)

• Role: Fiyero Tigelaar, the love interest caught between Elphaba and Glinda.
• Key Highlights: Butz is a two-time Tony Award winner, first for *Dirty Rotten Scoundrels* and later for *Catch Me If You Can*. His work spans stage and screen, including the Netflix series *Bloodline* and the FX series *Fosse/Verdon*.
• Latest Update: Butz continues to star in high-profile television and film projects. Interestingly, he met and later married his original *Wicked* co-star, Michelle Federer (Nessarose), cementing a real-life connection to the show.

Joel Grey (The Wizard)

• Role: The Wizard of Oz.
• Key Highlights: Grey is a legendary EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), most famous for his Tony and Academy Award-winning performance as the Emcee in *Cabaret*. His casting as The Wizard brought immense gravitas to the *Wicked* production.
• Latest Update: As a veteran performer, Grey remains active in the arts, often involved in directing and special appearances, continuing to be celebrated as one of the few performers to have won all four major American entertainment awards.

Carole Shelley (Madame Morrible)

• Role: Madame Morrible, the manipulative headmistress of Shiz University.
• Key Highlights: Shelley was a distinguished British actress and a Tony Award winner for her role in *The Elephant Man*. She originated the imposing and complex role of Madame Morrible.
• In Memoriam: Sadly, Carole Shelley passed away in August 2018 at the age of 79. Broadway theatres dimmed their lights in her memory, honoring her immense contribution to the stage, including her iconic *Wicked* role.

Michelle Federer (Nessarose)

• Role: Nessarose, Elphaba’s sister, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the East.
• Key Highlights: *Wicked* marked Federer's Broadway principal debut. She returned to the role in later years and has also worked in regional theatre and as an understudy.
• Latest Update: Federer has been involved in directing theatrical productions and is married to co-star Norbert Leo Butz. Her most recent work often focuses on new and unique stage productions.

Christopher Fitzgerald (Boq)

• Role: Boq, the hapless Munchkin in love with Glinda.
• Key Highlights: Fitzgerald is a celebrated comedic actor, known for his roles as Igor in *Young Frankenstein* and his Tony-nominated performance in *Waitress*. He is recognized for his versatile career in musical theatre.
• Latest Update: Fitzgerald continues to be a prominent figure on Broadway and Off-Broadway, taking on diverse roles that showcase his comedic timing and vocal talent.

The Enduring Legacy of an Original Cast Recording

The Original Broadway Cast Recording (OBCR) of *Wicked* is one of the best-selling cast albums of all time, achieving multi-platinum status. The success of the album, and the show itself, is a testament to the musical genius of Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) and the compelling book by Winnie Holzman, which was loosely adapted from Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel *Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West*.

The OBCR cemented the original cast's performances for millions who never saw the show live. The emotional depth Menzel brought to "Defying Gravity" and the comedic timing Chenoweth delivered in "Popular" are the definitive versions for many fans. The final, poignant duet, "For Good," became a staple for friendships and farewells across the globe.

Why the Original Cast Remains Relevant in the Era of the Wicked Film

The anticipation surrounding the two-part *Wicked* movie, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, has brought the original Broadway cast back into the spotlight. The film, which is set to introduce the Land of Oz prequel to a new generation, has naturally sparked comparisons and renewed interest in the 2003 production.

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The decision to include both Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in the 2024 film with surprise cameos was a brilliant move, bridging the generations of *Wicked* fans and honoring the show's roots. This gesture underscores an important truth: while the new film cast will create their own magic, the original cast of *Wicked* will always represent the definitive, Tony Award-winning theatrical experience.

The original cast members, all of whom have gone on to stellar careers, continue to "Defy Gravity" in their own ways. Their collective body of work—from Menzel's global superstar status to Butz's two Tony wins—is a powerful reminder of the incredible talent that first brought the beloved characters of Elphaba and Glinda to life on the New York stage.