5 Shocking Ways The Original Wicked Broadway Cast Is Still Defying Gravity In 2025

The original cast of *Wicked* on Broadway—the legendary group that first brought Elphaba and Glinda to life—continues to be one of the most celebrated ensembles in theatrical history, even two decades later. Premiering on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre, the production launched its stars into the stratosphere, solidifying its place as the fourth-longest-running show on Broadway. As of this current date in December 2025, the legacy of Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, and the rest of the original company is more vibrant than ever, marked by new solo projects, major film roles, and even a surprise reunion that thrilled fans worldwide. The enduring curiosity about the stars who originated the roles of the two powerful witches proves that the magic of Oz is anything but finite. Their careers have diversified across film, television, and music, but the bond forged on that original stage remains a touchstone for Broadway enthusiasts and the musical theater community.

The Original Icons: Full Broadway Cast Profile and Biography

The 2003 original Broadway cast of *Wicked* was a powerhouse of talent, featuring a mix of established legends and rising stars who would all become theatrical royalty. This core group received critical acclaim, with multiple Tony Award nominations and wins, cementing their place in history.

Idina Menzel (Elphaba)

• Role: Elphaba, the eventual Wicked Witch of the West.
• Born: May 30, 1971, in Queens, New York.
• Key Career Highlights: Originated the role of Maureen Johnson in *Rent*, won a Tony Award for her performance as Elphaba, and achieved global fame as the voice of Elsa in Disney's *Frozen* franchise (singing "Let It Go"). She is a multi-hyphenate with a Daytime Emmy Award and a successful recording career.
• Awards: Tony Award (Best Leading Actress in a Musical for *Wicked*), Daytime Emmy Award.

Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda)

• Role: Glinda, the Good Witch.
• Born: July 24, 1968, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
• Key Career Highlights: Won a Tony Award for her role as Sally Brown in *You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown*. She has a prolific career in television (e.g., *Pushing Daisies*, for which she won an Emmy Award) and film, in addition to her stage work.
• Awards: Tony Award (Best Featured Actress in a Musical for *You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown*), Emmy Award.

Norbert Leo Butz (Fiyero)

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• Role: Fiyero Tigelaar, the love interest caught between the two witches.
• Born: January 30, 1967, in St. Louis, Missouri.
• Key Career Highlights: One of only nine actors to win the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical twice, for *Dirty Rotten Scoundrels* and *Catch Me If You Can*. His post-*Wicked* career has been highly successful on both Broadway and in television dramas.
• Awards: Two-time Tony Award winner (Best Leading Actor in a Musical).

Joel Grey (The Wizard)

• Role: The Wizard of Oz.
• Born: April 11, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio.
• Key Career Highlights: A true Broadway and Hollywood legend, he won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Tony Award for his iconic performance as the Emcee in *Cabaret*. His role in *Wicked* marked a triumphant return to the stage.
• Awards: Academy Award, Tony Award, Golden Globe Award (all for *Cabaret*), and a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 2023.

Other Notable Original Cast Members:

• Carole Shelley: Originated the role of Madame Morrible, the manipulative headmistress.
• Christopher Fitzgerald: Originated the role of Boq, the Munchkin who loves Glinda.

The Most Shocking Update: A Surprise 2025 Reunion

For fans who have spent two decades hoping for a full-fledged reunion, 2025 brought a moment of pure, unadulterated magic. The bond between Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the original Elphaba and Glinda, has always been a central part of the musical's enduring legacy. Their surprise joint performance in April 2025 sent shockwaves of joy through the Broadway community and social media. The two stars unexpectedly reunited on stage to perform their signature duet, "For Good," a song that has become an anthem for friendship and lasting influence. This impromptu performance was widely covered by entertainment news, proving that the public’s appetite for the original *Wicked* pairing is insatiable. The moment was a powerful reminder that their chemistry and vocal synergy are still as potent as they were on opening night. This recent event serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the upcoming *Wicked* movie adaptation, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. While the film generates its own excitement, the 2025 reunion underscored the irreplaceable nature of the original Broadway duo, offering a nostalgic and deeply personal moment for the show's most devoted audience.

Where Are They Now? The Cast's Post-Oz Careers

The success of *Wicked* was a springboard, but the original cast members have continued to build impressive, multi-faceted careers that extend far beyond the Emerald City. Their professional trajectories showcase the immense talent that first brought Stephen Schwartz’s music and Winnie Holzman’s book to life.

Idina Menzel: From Broadway to Disney and Beyond

Idina Menzel's career post-*Wicked* has been defined by her success in film and music. After winning the Tony for Elphaba, she returned to Broadway in *If/Then*, earning another Tony nomination. Her role as Elsa in the *Frozen* films transformed her from a Broadway star into a global voice. Menzel has also been actively involved in other projects, including her recent musical venture, *Redwood*, demonstrating her commitment to new theatrical works. Her powerful, signature belt and dramatic stage presence continue to make her one of the most recognizable voices in entertainment.

Kristin Chenoweth: The Crossover Queen

Kristin Chenoweth has masterfully balanced her love for the stage with a prolific television and film career. Known for her distinctive soprano and bubbly personality, she has appeared in countless TV shows, including a memorable turn on *Glee*, and numerous films. Chenoweth frequently tours with her own concerts, showcasing her versatility across classical, pop, and Broadway genres. She remains a vocal advocate for the arts and a beloved figure who regularly celebrates the legacy of *Wicked*.

Norbert Leo Butz: A Broadway Titan

Norbert Leo Butz leveraged his original role as Fiyero to become a true giant of the Broadway stage. His two Tony Awards for *Dirty Rotten Scoundrels* and *Catch Me If You Can* place him among an elite group of performers. Beyond theater, Butz has found significant success in television, starring in series such as *Bloodline* and *The Girl from Plainville*. His reputation is built on his intense commitment to character and his dynamic stage presence.

Joel Grey: The Living Legend

At over 90 years old, Joel Grey continues to be an active force in the arts. After his run as The Wizard, the *Cabaret* legend directed a highly praised, Tony-nominated revival of *Anything Goes* in 2011. His career was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 2023, acknowledging his immense contributions to theater over decades. Grey’s involvement in the original *Wicked* production lent immediate gravitas and an important link to Broadway's golden age.

The Enduring Topical Authority of the Original Production

The original *Wicked* Broadway production, which debuted at the Gershwin Theatre, remains a critical benchmark against which all subsequent Elphabas and Glindas are measured. The show’s phenomenal success, which includes record-breaking runs in cities like Chicago and London, is fundamentally tied to the foundation laid by the 2003 cast. The musical’s book, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel *Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West*, was adapted by Winnie Holzman. Composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote the scores for *Pippin* and *Godspell*, created the iconic songs "Defying Gravity" and "Popular," which became instant classics. The original cast’s performances of these numbers are preserved on the *Wicked Original Broadway Cast Recording*, which achieved multi-platinum status. The original production team, including producer Marc Platt, also set the stage for the highly anticipated two-part Universal film adaptation. Ultimately, the original cast of *Wicked* is not just a footnote in Broadway history; they are the genesis of a global phenomenon. Their individual successes, culminating in a surprise reunion in 2025, ensure that the original magic of Elphaba and Glinda will continue to defy gravity for generations to come.