The Untold Story: 7 Shocking Ways The Original Glinda And Elphaba Changed Broadway Forever (And What They’re Doing Now)

The legacy of the original Glinda and Elphaba is one of the most enduring stories in Broadway history, a tale of two stars whose chemistry and talent "changed them for good." As of late 2024 and early 2025, the dynamic duo, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, are more relevant than ever, having made a highly-anticipated return to the world of Oz with their surprise cameos in the Wicked film adaptation, while also announcing major new projects that solidify their status as theatrical legends.

The cultural impact of Menzel’s powerful, misunderstood Elphaba and Chenoweth’s bubbly, complex Glinda is immeasurable, transforming the musical Wicked from a stage show into a global phenomenon. Beyond the Emerald City, their careers continue to soar, with both actresses recently confirming their returns to the Broadway stage in high-profile new productions, proving that the magic they created two decades ago is still very much alive.

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The partnership of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth as the original Elphaba and Glinda is the cornerstone of the musical's success. Their careers are a masterclass in stage and screen versatility, culminating in a shared Tony Award nomination in 2004 (Menzel won for Best Actress in a Musical).

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• Idina Menzel (Elphaba)
  • Full Name: Idina Kim Mentzel
  • Born: May 30, 1971 (Age 54 in 2025)
  • Hometown: Syosset, New York, U.S.
  • Education: New York University (Tisch School of the Arts, BFA)
  • Key Broadway Roles: Maureen Johnson in Rent (Tony Nominee), Elphaba in Wicked (Tony Winner), Elizabeth Vaughan in If/Then (Tony Nominee).
  • Key Film/TV Roles: Elsa in Disney’s Frozen (Voice), Nancy Tremaine in Enchanted and Disenchanted, Shelby Corcoran in Glee.
  • Current Project (2024–2025): Starring in the new Broadway musical Redwood, set to open at the Nederlander Theatre.
• Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda)
  • Full Name: Kristin Dawn Chenoweth
  • Born: July 24, 1968 (Age 57 in 2025)
  • Hometown: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, U.S.
  • Education: Oklahoma City University (BM in Musical Theatre, MM in Opera Performance)
  • Key Broadway Roles: Sally Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Tony Winner), Glinda in Wicked (Tony Nominee), Lily Garland in On the Twentieth Century (Tony Nominee).
  • Key Film/TV Roles: Olive Snook in Pushing Daisies (Emmy Winner), April Rhodes in Glee, Mildred in Schmigadoon!.
  • Current Project (2025): Starring as Jackie Siegel in the new musical The Queen of Versailles, opening at the St. James Theatre.

The Shocking New Chapter: Film Cameos and Broadway Returns

The most significant and recent news surrounding the original duo centers on their involvement with the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda.

1. The Secretive and Emotional Film Cameos (2024)

After months of speculation, it was confirmed that both Menzel and Chenoweth would make surprise cameos in the 2024 Universal Pictures film. While the details of their roles were kept tightly under wraps, the mere announcement sent shockwaves through the fan community, offering a symbolic passing of the wand to the new generation of stars. The emotional weight of seeing the original Elphaba and Glinda return to the world they helped create, alongside a new cast, underscores their indelible connection to the material and its creator, Stephen Schwartz.

2. Kristin Chenoweth’s Reunion with Stephen Schwartz in 2025

Kristin Chenoweth is set to return to Broadway in the new musical, The Queen of Versailles, which is based on the 2012 documentary of the same name. This production is a major moment for Wicked fans, as it reunites Chenoweth with the musical’s composer and lyricist, Stephen Schwartz. The musical, which explores the true cost of fame and fortune, will open at the St. James Theatre in the fall of 2025. This collaboration proves the enduring professional relationship forged during their time in Oz.

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3. Idina Menzel’s Powerful Return in ‘Redwood’

Not to be outdone, Idina Menzel is also making a highly-anticipated return to the Broadway stage in the 2024–2025 season with the new musical Redwood. The production, which premiered earlier in the year, is a powerful story about a woman seeking a fresh start and finding solace in nature. Menzel will star, and the show is slated to run at the Nederlander Theatre. Menzel’s continued commitment to originating new, challenging roles on Broadway, following her success in Rent and If/Then, highlights her dedication to the theatrical arts beyond her iconic green makeup.

Beyond Broadway: The Enduring Friendship and Legacy

The relationship between the actresses has been a subject of intense media scrutiny, with persistent rumors of a contentious backstage rivalry. However, Menzel and Chenoweth have consistently and publicly addressed these "feud rumors," confirming a deep and complex friendship that mirrors the journey of their on-stage counterparts.

4. The ‘For Good’ Bond That Goes Deeper Than Rumors

The song "For Good" from Wicked has become an anthem for enduring friendship, and the actresses’ real-life bond often reflects its lyrics. Despite the pressures of originating a massive Broadway hit—a show based on the novel by Gregory Maguire—they have remained close collaborators and friends. They frequently appear together at events, and their shared enthusiasm for the new film cast, including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, demonstrates their supportive relationship.

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5. The Tony Award Showdown That Defined Their Careers

A moment often cited in their history is the 2004 Tony Award ceremony, where both were nominated for Best Actress in a Musical for the same show. Idina Menzel won the award, a moment that could have fractured a lesser friendship. Instead, it became part of their collective story, symbolizing the inherent duality and competition that exists even within the most supportive professional relationships. The success of the original cast, which also included Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero and Joel Grey as The Wizard, created a phenomenon that was bigger than any single award.

6. Kristin Chenoweth's Vision for a Broadway Reunion

In recent interviews, Kristin Chenoweth has openly discussed her desire to reunite with Idina Menzel on the Broadway stage, even floating a specific idea for a new project. While not a concrete announcement, the fact that a reunion is being actively discussed by one of the stars is a tantalizing prospect for fans. A joint return would undoubtedly be one of the biggest theatrical events of the decade, capitalizing on the nostalgia and renewed interest from the 2024 film.

7. Their Lasting Impact on the Wicked Universe

Even as the musical celebrates over two decades on Broadway, Menzel and Chenoweth remain the definitive portrayers of the characters. Their voices are the standard against which all subsequent Glindas and Elphabas—including Willemijn Verkaik, McKenzie Kurtz, and Jessica Vosk—are measured. Their performances of iconic songs like "Popular," "Defying Gravity," and "As Long As You're Mine" are still the most streamed and referenced versions, cementing their legacy not just in Broadway history, but in global popular culture.

From the original run at the Gershwin Theatre to their 2024 film cameos and their upcoming 2025 Broadway roles in Redwood and The Queen of Versailles, the original Glinda and Elphaba continue to defy gravity in their careers. Their story is a powerful reminder that while the show must go on, the stars who first brought the magic to life are irreplaceable.