Defying Gravity: Where The Wicked Original Cast Is Now (And Their Shocking 2025 Broadway Comebacks)

The magic of Oz first descended upon Broadway on October 30, 2003, and two decades later, the original cast of Wicked remains one of the most celebrated ensembles in modern theatrical history. The blockbuster musical, often called the "untold story of the Witches of Oz," launched the careers of its two leading ladies into the stratosphere, establishing a legacy that continues to influence theater, film, and music worldwide. The enduring curiosity about the stars who first brought Elphaba and Glinda to life is at an all-time high, especially with the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation set for release in 2024 and 2025.

As of this current date in late 2025, the biggest news is a phenomenal, almost unbelievable coincidence: both Tony-winning stars of the original production, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, are making their triumphant returns to Broadway in new, major musicals in the 2025 season. This article dives deep into the biographies, current projects, and lasting impact of the entire Wicked original cast, revealing what they are up to now and how they continue to defy gravity in their careers.

The Original Witches and Wizards: Complete Cast Biography and Roles

The Wicked original cast established the iconic performances that thousands of actors have since emulated. Their work earned them multiple Tony Award nominations and cemented their status as Broadway legends. Below is a comprehensive look at the principal players who took their first bows at the Gershwin Theatre in 2003.

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• Idina Menzel (Elphaba): Born May 30, 1971, in Queens, New York. A Tony Award winner for her role in Wicked, she first gained fame with her Tony-nominated role as Maureen in Rent. Her career exploded into film and television, notably voicing Elsa in Disney's Frozen franchise and starring in the movie Enchanted. She is one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary musical theatre.
• Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda): Born July 24, 1968, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. An Emmy and Tony Award winner (for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown), Chenoweth is known for her distinctive soprano voice and comedic timing. Her prolific career spans Broadway (On the Twentieth Century), television (The West Wing, Pushing Daisies), and film.
• Norbert Leo Butz (Fiyero): Born January 30, 1967, in St. Louis, Missouri. A two-time Tony Award winner (for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Catch Me If You Can), Butz is a highly respected stage and screen actor known for his versatility and intensity.
• Joel Grey (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz): Born April 11, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio. A legendary actor, singer, and dancer, Grey is one of the few EGOT winners, having won an Oscar, a Tony, an Emmy, and a Grammy. He is most famous for his iconic role as the Master of Ceremonies in Cabaret.
• Carole Shelley (Madame Morrible): Born August 16, 1939, in London, England. A Tony Award winner (for The Elephant Man), Shelley was a revered stage actress known for her distinctive voice and dramatic presence. She also voiced Disney's Amelia Gabble in The Aristocats.
• Michelle Federer (Nessarose): An American actress who made her Broadway principal debut in Wicked. She is a dedicated stage performer and has appeared in various Off-Broadway and regional productions.
• Christopher Fitzgerald (Boq): Born November 26, 1972, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. A Tony Award nominee, Fitzgerald is known for his comedic roles in musicals like Young Frankenstein and Waitress.

The Phenomenal 2025 Broadway Returns of Elphaba and Glinda

The biggest news for fans of the Wicked original cast is the extraordinary, simultaneous return of its two leading stars to the Broadway stage in the 2025 season, marking their first major musical roles in over a decade. This unexpected alignment is a testament to their enduring star power and a thrilling event for the Broadway community.

Idina Menzel: The Return in 'Redwood'

After conquering the worlds of animation and pop music, Idina Menzel is returning to her theatrical roots. She is set to star in the new musical, Redwood, which will begin previews at the Nederlander Theatre in January 2025. This project is a long-time passion for Menzel and marks her first major Broadway role since If/Then in 2014. The musical is described as a New York Times Critic's Pick, exploring themes of nature, family, and self-discovery, showcasing Menzel’s dramatic acting prowess alongside her powerful vocal talent. Her return is a massive event, proving that the original Elphaba still has plenty of magic left for the Broadway stage.

Kristin Chenoweth: Reigning in 'The Queen of Versailles'

In a twist of fate that seems truly "popular," Kristin Chenoweth is also making her Broadway musical comeback in the Fall 2025 season, starring in The Queen of Versailles. The musical, which had a record-breaking world premiere in Boston during the summer of 2024, is based on the documentary of the same name and features Chenoweth as the larger-than-life Jackie Siegel. This new role allows Chenoweth to showcase her unique blend of comedic timing and vocal fireworks, solidifying the 2025-2026 season as a historic moment where both original Wicked stars will be headlining new shows concurrently. The show is highly anticipated and is expected to be a major commercial and critical success.

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What Are The Other Original Cast Members Doing Now?

The legacy of the Wicked original cast extends far beyond the two leading ladies. The supporting players—who created the definitive versions of Fiyero, The Wizard, and the other citizens of Oz—have continued to build impressive, diverse careers across all entertainment mediums.

Norbert Leo Butz (Fiyero)

The original Fiyero, Norbert Leo Butz, continues his impressive run as a versatile actor. The two-time Tony winner is set to star in a new horror film project, which is being adapted from a 2024 article. This move highlights his willingness to tackle challenging and diverse roles, moving seamlessly between the stage and screen. Butz was recently seen on the Off-Broadway stage in Cornelia Street and has appeared on the big screen in films like The Exorcist, showcasing his dramatic range to new audiences. His post-Wicked career is a masterclass in artistic longevity and reinvention.

Joel Grey (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)

The legendary Joel Grey, who brought his EGOT-winning gravitas to the role of the Wizard, remains an active and revered figure in the industry. As of 2025, Grey is in his 90s, celebrating a storied career that began long before Wicked. In 2024, he was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Chita Rivera Awards, a testament to his enduring impact on dance and theatre. While he is primarily focused on directing and photography now, his presence in the original cast provided a crucial link to Broadway's golden age, lending immediate credibility to the new musical.

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The Lasting Impact: Nessarose, Boq, and Madame Morrible

The other original cast members have also enjoyed successful careers. Michelle Federer (Nessarose) has continued her work in theatre, while Christopher Fitzgerald (Boq) has become a celebrated Broadway comic, earning a Tony nomination for his role as Ogie in Waitress. Carole Shelley (Madame Morrible), a Tony winner herself, continued her distinguished career until her passing, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable stage performances.

The Wicked Movie: How the Original Cast’s Legacy Lives On

The enduring popularity of the original Wicked production has led to the creation of a massive two-part film adaptation, with the first part scheduled for release in late 2024. This new cinematic venture, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, has brought the original cast back into the spotlight for commentary and reflection. The new cast has openly acknowledged the enormous shoes they have to fill, paying homage to the definitive performances created by Menzel and Chenoweth. The film serves as the ultimate proof of the original cast’s lasting cultural footprint, ensuring that their interpretation of the beloved characters will be the benchmark for generations to come. The Wicked Original Cast truly defined what it means to defy gravity, and their latest projects prove their careers are still soaring to new, exciting heights.