Rejoicify! WICKED announces historic casting on Broadway

With the production now in its 21st year on Broadway—a remarkable milestone by any standard—WICKED isn’t just resting on its green laurels. Instead, it’s heading in a fresh, inclusive direction that has fans (and the entire theatre community) abuzz. Not only does this new chapter underscore the show’s staying power, it also sets a bold example for an industry hungry for stories and performers that reflect a broader slice of humanity. If you’ve ever dreamed of defying gravity, brace yourself: the Land of Oz is about to feel more vibrant and welcoming than ever.

A Milestone For The Magical Musical

Though it first opened on Broadway in 2003, WICKED’s spark of creativity was kindled long before in Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Since then, the musical has soared to record-breaking heights. According to Broadway League data, productions of WICKED worldwide have grossed billions of dollars collectively, establishing it as the highest-grossing stage musical adaptation in history. To put it in perspective, countless musicals open and close in a fraction of that time, yet WICKED continues to pack houses night after night. Even after two decades, its potent mix of spectacle, friendship, and a fresh spin on a classic tale shows no signs of losing its shine.

A strong contributor to its longevity is the show’s knack for reinventing itself. Over the years, a parade of talented performers have stepped into the shoes (and hats) of Elphaba, Glinda, and the rest of the Ozian ensemble. This constantly evolving cast allows each actor’s unique flair to breathe new life into the beloved story. In turn, fans come back for repeat visits, eager to see how a new performer might interpret a signature note in Defying Gravity or land a comedic beat in Popular.

Representation Takes Centre Stage

Big news hit the Broadway sphere when it was revealed that Lencia Kebede (known for her role in Hamilton) would become the first Black actress to assume the role of Elphaba full-time on Broadway. It’s a notable milestone, especially for a show that has been so culturally significant for over twenty years. Casting announcements might appear every few months, but certain appointments carry more weight, reflecting a broader move toward inclusivity in theatre. Kebede’s journey to the Emerald City underscores a message that resonates well beyond the footlights: representation matters, both in who is telling stories and which stories are being told.

And that’s not all. Allie Trimm will be stepping into Glinda’s bubble dress after having served as the character’s standby. Trimm’s career path makes for an interesting coincidence: she appeared in 13 on Broadway alongside Ariana Grande, who, of course, will star as Glinda in the upcoming WICKED film adaptation. There’s a sweet synergy there, reminiscent of the intricate networks that often bind stage performers. Theatre folks like to say it’s a small world, and if these serendipitous connections are anything to go by, that might well be true.

A Wheelchair-Using Nessarose

Another groundbreaking moment is the casting of Jenna Bainbridge as Nessarose. For the first time on stage, Nessarose will be portrayed by a wheelchair-using performer (although, in the forthcoming film, Marissa Bode is credited as the first wheelchair-using actor to play the character in any version). It’s an overdue step that signals a shift in how producers view iconic roles: they’re no longer the preserve of a narrow set of performers, but rather a reflection of the diverse audience sitting in the seats.

Disability representation in major musicals is still relatively rare, so Bainbridge’s casting is more than just a footnote. It’s a reminder of how far theatre has come—and how far it still has to go. The move is likely to open doors for other productions to consider a broader range of actors, particularly for roles traditionally perceived as “able-bodied.” In an industry that thrives on creativity, it’s heartening to see that spirit extend to more inclusive casting choices.

A Fresh Wave Of Ozians

Rounding out this wave of casting announcements, NaTasha Yvette Williams (recently in Some Like It Hot) will join as Madame Morrible, while Daniel Quadrino (a WICKED alumnus himself) returns as Boq. With each new occupant of Madame Morrible’s office, fans look forward to fresh nuances—be they comedic timing or vocal stylings. Williams is sure to add her own dash of personality to the wizard’s right-hand woman, a role that can shift from comic relief to menacing manipulator in the blink of an eye.

Meanwhile, Quadrino’s Boq has the task of bringing the somewhat hapless Munchkin to life, balancing sweet sincerity with underlying heartbreak. These fresh arrivals will begin performances on 4 March, succeeding Mary Kate Morriseyand Alexandra Socha, who bid adieu on 2 March. If you’re planning a trip to the Gershwin Theatre, know that this new line-up is poised to transform the Land of Oz in exciting ways—offering fans, both new and old, an incentive to see the show again or for the very first time.

West End Updates For The Emerald City

It’s not just New York that’s enjoying a casting shake-up: WICKED in London’s West End also has big news to share. From 25 March, Emma Kingston is set to take on Elphaba, with Zizi Strallen entering Glinda’s bubble. Carl Man, fresh off the UK tour where he starred as Fiyero, transfers to the West End as well. London audiences can expect the same riveting tale of two witches-in-training caught between political machinations and personal convictions, all wrapped up in Stephen Schwartz’s unforgettable score.

The West End production, like its Broadway cousin, regularly features cast refreshes to keep the magic alive. Those who’ve experienced WICKED in both New York and London often note small differences in staging, orchestrations, and design choices—elements that reflect the creative and logistical sensibilities of each city’s theatre culture. If you’ve only ever seen one version, it might be time to plan a transatlantic theatre trip and compare the two.

WICKED: FOR GOOD On The Big Screen

If you’ve missed the swirl of green dresses and the spine-tingling belt of Defying Gravity in the theatre, fear not. Later this year, on 21 November, WICKED: FOR GOOD will be flying into cinemas. With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grandeleading the cast, the film adaptation has already generated enormous hype—picking up where other stage-to-screen musicals have left off. Box-office data from earlier stage musicals turned into films (think Les Misérables, Chicago, or In the Heights) suggests that there’s a substantial appetite for lavish movie musicals, particularly if they come with a built-in global fan base.

Even if you’re an Australian theatregoer who’s only ever experienced WICKED when it toured down under, you’ll soon be able to watch the film version on opening night in your local cinema. Talk about bridging continents! The global fandom for this show only seems to grow stronger, which explains why the producers feel confident taking the Wizard and his swirling illusions into an entirely new medium.

A Musical With True Staying Power

WICKED’s enduring popularity is a testament to more than just top-notch costumes and a big marketing budget. It resonates because at its heart, the show is about unlikely friendships and the grey areas in which “villains” and “heroes” exist. So often, musicals with pop-leaning scores can feel momentarily trendy, but WICKED’s legacy—sustained over two decades—springs from its thematic depth as well as its melodic earworms. The big finale at the end of Act One is always a show-stopper, but the emotional nuance behind Elphaba and Glinda’s bond is what keeps audiences returning to Oz.

Interestingly, a 2020 study by The Broadway League indicated that musicals dealing with character-driven narratives—especially those focusing on friendships or complex relationships—outperform more episodic or shallow shows in terms of box-office longevity. Clearly, WICKED’s creators tapped into a universal chord: the longing to belong, to be understood, and to stand up for what’s right, even when the world around you disagrees.

A Look At The Yellow Brick Road Ahead

With new faces stepping onto the Broadway stage, WICKED once again proves that in the world of musical theatre, change can be a force for good. The arrival of Lencia Kebede as Elphaba, Jenna Bainbridge as Nessarose, NaTasha Yvette Williams as Madame Morrible, and Daniel Quadrino as Boq opens up an exciting next chapter for one of the most successful musicals of all time. Add in the West End’s upcoming cast changes and the highly anticipated film adaptation, and it’s clear that WICKED’s journey is far from over.

The show’s message—a celebration of friendship, integrity, and championing those who are different—feels especially timely in an era when conversations around inclusivity and representation are taking centre stage worldwide. And if the Land of Oz can evolve to reflect a broader range of experiences, maybe there’s hope for the rest of us, too. After all, if theatre can weave magic by telling stories that uplift and unite, perhaps the real wizard is sitting in the audience, glimpsing a world that’s fairer, kinder, and a little more green.

Ready To Dance Through Life?

The perfect time to revisit—or discover—WICKED might be right around the corner. Whether you’re wandering into the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway or planning a trip to London’s Apollo Victoria, consider the swirl of fresh talent you’ll witness. Better yet, mark 21 November in your diary for the cinematic arrival of WICKED: FOR GOOD. For a show that’s all about forging your own destiny, these historic casting choices feel like a breath of fresh air. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of wearing a pointed hat or twirling a shimmering wand, now might be the best moment to let that green glow fill your imagination. One thing’s for sure—no one who’s truly wicked ever walks alone. And from the looks of it, Oz is getting ready to welcome everyone who dares to dream.