Where Are They Now? The Original Wicked Broadway Cast Of 2003 And Their Latest 2025 Projects

The original Wicked Broadway cast of 2003 is arguably the most legendary ensemble in modern musical theatre history. Premiering on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre, this production launched the careers of two bona fide Broadway legends and transformed the landscape of the Great White Way. More than two decades later, in late 2025, the magic of the original cast—Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, and their stellar co-stars—continues to resonate, with each actor pursuing major, high-profile projects both on stage and screen, including a shocking connection to the highly anticipated *Wicked* film adaptation.

The musical, based on Gregory Maguire's novel, has since become the fourth longest-running Broadway production, but it is the brilliance and chemistry of the inaugural company that set the standard for every Glinda and Elphaba who followed. Here is a complete look at the original principal cast, their iconic roles, and their most recent, fresh career updates as of the current date.

The Iconic Original Wicked Broadway Cast (2003) Biography and Roles

The 2003 production of Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz assembled a powerhouse of Broadway veterans and rising stars, creating a dynamic that critics and audiences adored. Their performances earned multiple Tony Award nominations and cemented the musical's status as a cultural phenomenon.

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• Idina Menzel (Elphaba)
  • Role: Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West)
  • Career Highlight: Won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for this role. She is also famous for her roles as Maureen in *Rent* and the voice of Elsa in Disney's *Frozen*.
• Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda)
  • Role: Glinda (The Good Witch)
  • Career Highlight: Nominated for the 2004 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. A versatile star of stage and screen, she previously won a Tony for *You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown*.
• Norbert Leo Butz (Fiyero)
  • Role: Fiyero Tigelaar
  • Career Highlight: A two-time Tony Award winner (for *Dirty Rotten Scoundrels* and *Catch Me If You Can*). His performance as the charming, carefree Fiyero was a breakout role.
• Joel Grey (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
  • Role: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
  • Career Highlight: An EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner, best known for his Academy Award-winning role as the Master of Ceremonies in *Cabaret*. He brought instant gravitas to the production.
• Carole Shelley (Madame Morrible)
  • Role: Madame Morrible
  • Career Highlight: A Tony Award winner for *The Elephant Man* and a veteran actress who originated the role of Morrible, the manipulative headmistress.
• Michelle Federer (Nessarose)
  • Role: Nessarose (Elphaba's sister)
  • Career Highlight: Her sensitive portrayal of Nessarose, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the East, was her Broadway debut.
• Christopher Fitzgerald (Boq)
  • Role: Boq
  • Career Highlight: A highly respected character actor, later a Tony nominee, who originated the role of the lovestruck Munchkin Boq.

Major Career Moves: What the 2003 Stars Are Doing Now (2025 Update)

The original cast members have not slowed down, continuing to dominate the stage, screen, and music industries. Their recent projects prove their enduring legacy and relevance in the entertainment world.

Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth: A Reunion and New Musicals

The dynamic duo behind "Defying Gravity" and "Popular" have both made significant, fresh announcements in the theatrical world.

Idina Menzel's 2025 Broadway Return:

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In a major announcement for Broadway fans, Idina Menzel is set to make her long-awaited return to the New York stage in the 2024–2025 season with a new musical titled *Redwood*. The project, which she co-conceived, recently had a successful run at the La Jolla Playhouse in California, marking her first new Broadway musical since *If/Then*.

Kristin Chenoweth's New Chapter with Stephen Schwartz:

Kristin Chenoweth, who has maintained a busy schedule of concerts, TV, and film roles, starred in the new musical *The Queen of Versailles* in 2024. This production was particularly notable as it reunited her with *Wicked* composer Stephen Schwartz, proving the enduring creative partnership that made the original show so successful. Her performance in the lavish and ambitious new show received high praise.

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Norbert Leo Butz and Joel Grey: Stage and Screen Legends

The supporting stars who originated Fiyero and The Wizard continue to shape the theatrical and film landscapes.

Norbert Leo Butz's Versatile 2025:

The original Fiyero, Norbert Leo Butz, continues to showcase his versatility. In early 2025, he was scheduled to perform a cabaret show at 54 Below, reminding audiences of his powerful vocal talent outside of his major Broadway roles. On screen, he was recently seen in the horror film *The Exorcist*. Furthermore, Butz recently visited the current Broadway production of *Wicked*, sharing photos of his return to the Gershwin Theatre and connecting the past with the present.

Joel Grey's Enduring Legacy:

Broadway legend Joel Grey, who originated the role of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, celebrated his 92nd birthday in April 2024. His continued presence in the Broadway community is a testament to his half-century-long career on the New York stage. Though not taking on new acting roles, his status as an EGOT winner and a key figure in the 2003 cast remains a vital part of *Wicked*'s history.

Curiosity Solved: The Shocking Connection to the Wicked Movie

For fans who have followed the careers of the original cast, the biggest and most exciting news is their involvement in the upcoming two-part film adaptation, *Wicked: Part One*, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. While they are not reprising their main roles, the original Elphaba and Glinda made a stunning, surprise return to Oz.

The Secret Cameos:

It was revealed that Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth filmed surprise cameos for the *Wicked* movie, which is scheduled for release in November 2024. The two actresses posted photos from their "one short day" on the film set to their social media, confirming their participation and creating a massive buzz among fans. This emotional passing of the torch from the Broadway legends to the new film stars is a monumental moment for the franchise, ensuring the original cast's legacy is woven directly into the fabric of the cinematic adaptation.

The original *Wicked* Broadway cast of 2003 remains the gold standard. From Idina Menzel's powerful belt on "Defying Gravity" to Kristin Chenoweth's bubbly charm on "Popular," their performances defined the show. Their continued success, from new Broadway musicals like *Redwood* and *The Queen of Versailles* to their secret, heartwarming cameos in the upcoming *Wicked* film, proves that their journey is far from over. They are not just theatre history; they are actively shaping its future.