**When the curtain first rose on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre, no one could have truly predicted the cultural phenomenon that *Wicked* would become. This groundbreaking musical, an "untold story of the land of Oz," captivated audiences immediately, largely thanks to its extraordinary *Wicked original cast*. Their performances etched the characters of Elphaba and Glinda, along with the entire vibrant world of Oz, into the hearts of millions, setting a benchmark for Broadway excellence that few shows ever achieve.** Twenty years later, *Wicked* continues to enchant theatregoers, celebrating its rich history and the foundational performances that launched it into the stratosphere of musical theatre. This article delves into the origins of the show, the remarkable talents of the *Wicked original cast*, and their journeys since creating some of Broadway's most iconic roles. We'll explore the magic they brought to the stage and the lasting impact they've had on the world of entertainment. *** ### Table of Contents * [The Genesis of a Phenomenon: From Book to Broadway](#the-genesis-of-a-phenomenon-from-book-to-broadway) * [The Iconic Duo: Idina Menzel as Elphaba](#the-iconic-duo-idina-menzel-as-elphaba) * [The Iconic Duo: Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda](#the-iconic-duo-kristin-chenoweth-as-glinda) * [Beyond the Witches: Supporting Pillars of the Wicked Original Cast](#beyond-the-witches-supporting-pillars-of-the-wicked-original-cast) * [Norbert Leo Butz: The Enigmatic Fiyero](#norbert-leo-butz-the-enigmatic-fiyero) * [Joel Grey: The Wizard's Mystique](#joel-grey-the-wizards-mystique) * [Carole Shelley: Madame Morrible's Presence](#carole-shelley-madame-morribles-presence) * [Other Key Original Cast Members](#other-key-original-cast-members) * [The Enduring Narrative: Wicked's Story and Themes](#the-enduring-narrative-wickeds-story-and-themes) * [A Global Phenomenon: Wicked's Reach Beyond Broadway](#a-global-phenomenon-wickeds-reach-beyond-broadway) * [Where Are They Now? The Post-Wicked Journeys](#where-are-they-now-the-post-wicked-journeys) * [The Legacy of the Wicked Original Cast](#the-legacy-of-the-wicked-original-cast) *** ### The Genesis of a Phenomenon: From Book to Broadway The journey of *Wicked* from a complex novel to a beloved Broadway musical is a testament to creative vision and adaptation. The story originates from Gregory Maguire's 1995 book, "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West." In Maguire's reimagining of L. Frank Baum's classic, he gives the Wicked Witch of the West a name: Elphaba, a clever nod to L.F.B., the initials of the original *Wizard of Oz* author. Her sister, the Wicked Witch of the East, is named Nessarose. The book, a piece of prose literature in the form of a novel, delves into the political and social landscape of Oz, offering a darker, more nuanced perspective on its inhabitants, particularly the two witches. The stage play, "Wicked the Musical," transformed this rich narrative into a musical drama, with music and lyrics by the legendary Stephen Schwartz. This adaptation brought the intricate characters to life through song, focusing on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda (or Galinda, as she's initially known). They meet for the first time at Shiz University, where they even room together, setting the stage for their intertwined destinies. While the original 1900 book and 1939 film depict the Wicked Witch of the West melting into nothingness when Dorothy Gale throws a bucketful of water over her, and the Wicked Witch of the East is killed by Dorothy's house landing on her, the musical adds layers of complexity and empathy to these events, particularly for Elphaba. The musical explores themes of good versus evil, friendship, prejudice, and the nature of truth, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Oz. The success of the musical, and its ability to resonate with audiences for over two decades, owes much to the foundation laid by Maguire's book and the brilliant transformation by Stephen Schwartz, brought to life by the unparalleled talent of the *Wicked original cast*. ### The Iconic Duo: Idina Menzel as Elphaba No discussion of the *Wicked original cast* would be complete without highlighting the phenomenal performance of Idina Menzel as Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch. Menzel's portrayal of Elphaba was nothing short of revolutionary, defining the character for generations of fans. Her powerful voice, particularly showcased in the anthem "Defying Gravity," became synonymous with Elphaba's journey of self-discovery and rebellion. Menzel brought a raw vulnerability and fierce determination to the role, making Elphaba not just a witch, but a symbol of empowerment for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Her performance earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, solidifying her place in Broadway history. **Idina Menzel: Personal Data & Biodata** | Category | Detail Widespread in the land of Oz, Glinda the Good Witch gives dorothy the magical red shoes after the wicked witch of the east is killed by dorothy's house landing on her. For 21 years, *Wicked* has welcomed Broadway theatregoers to Oz in a truly remarkable way. ### The Iconic Duo: Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda Kristin Chenoweth's portrayal of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North (originally Galinda Upland), was equally pivotal to the success of *Wicked*. Chenoweth brought a delightful blend of bubbly charm, comedic timing, and surprising depth to the character. Her transformation from the superficial, popular Galinda to the compassionate and wise Glinda was a nuanced journey that resonated deeply with audiences. Chenoweth's crystal-clear soprano voice and impeccable stage presence made Glinda a truly unforgettable character, balancing Menzel's intensity with a light yet impactful touch. Her performance, alongside Menzel's, created a dynamic duo that formed the heart of the *Wicked original cast* and the show's enduring appeal. **Kristin Chenoweth: Personal Data & Biodata** | Category | Detail
Wicked 2025 Cast - Michael X Wright
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