Get ready for a wave of new faces to sweep you away to the magical land of Oz! Broadway's long-running sensation, Wicked, is about to get a significant cast refresh, bringing a blend of fresh talent and seasoned performers to the Gershwin Theatre starting March 3rd. This isn't just any cast change; it marks a significant moment in Broadway history!
The Emerald City Welcomes New Stars:
For those of you who have been enchanted by Wicked before, prepare for a new take on familiar characters. Keri René Fuller, who has been captivating audiences as the standby for Elphaba, will now fully step into the iconic green role. Joining her as Glinda is Emma Flynn, making her Broadway debut after gracing the West End stage in Clueless.
But here's where it gets truly exciting: The production is also introducing Ellen Harvey as the formidable Madame Morrible, and Blake Hammond, a familiar face from the musical's national tour, will take on the role of The Wizard.
And this is the part most people miss: Carl Man is set to make his Broadway debut as Fiyero. He's no stranger to the role, having performed it in London's production. What makes this particularly special? Carl Man will be making history as the first actor of Asian descent to portray Fiyero full-time on Broadway! Alongside him, Oluchi Nwaokorie will also make her Broadway debut, stepping in as the new standby for Elphaba.
A Legacy Continues:
These new principal cast members will be joining a talented ensemble that includes Jenna Bainbridge as Nessarose, Daniel Quadrino as Boq, and William Youmans, who originated the role of Dr. Dillamond on Broadway, returning to the character.
It's worth noting that Lencia Kebede, Allie Trimm, Jordan Litz, Brad Oscar, and Natasha Yvette Williams will be taking their final bows as Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, The Wizard, and Madame Morrible, respectively, on March 1st. Their contributions have undoubtedly left a lasting mark on the show.
A Look Back at Wicked's Enduring Magic:
Wicked first cast its spell on Broadway with previews beginning on October 8, 2003, and its official opening on October 30, 2003. The original cast featured the now legendary Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, both Tony Award winners. The musical has since become a global phenomenon, currently holding the title of the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history, and it proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary in October 2023.
Crafted with music and lyrics by the brilliant Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, the musical draws its inspiration from Gregory Maguire's novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The production itself is a marvel, with Joe Mantello at the helm, and features incredible contributions from Wayne Cilento (musical staging), Eugene Lee (scenic design), Susan Hilferty (costume design), Kenneth Posner (lighting design), Tony Meola (sound design), Elaine J. McCarthy (projections), Tom Watson (wig and hair design), Stephen Oremus (music supervision and arrangements), William David Brohn (orchestrations), and James Lynn Abbott (dance arrangements). The magic of casting is brought to you by The Telsey Office.
Wicked has garnered numerous accolades, including three Tony Awards in 2004: Best Actress in a Musical for Idina Menzel, Best Costume Design for Susan Hilferty, and Best Scenic Design for Eugene Lee. The recent film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, has also begun its awards journey, picking up two 2025 Academy Awards for its first part.
After a temporary pause due to the pandemic, the musical triumphantly reopened on Broadway on September 14, 2021. It's a testament to its enduring appeal, brought to life by producers Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone.
What do you think about these exciting new additions to the Wicked family? Does the casting of Carl Man as Fiyero represent a significant step forward for representation on Broadway, or is it simply another talented actor taking on a role? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
