For over 20 years, Wicked has captivated audiences, becoming one of the most beloved and successful musicals in Broadway history. But beyond the spectacular sets and soaring songs, it’s the unforgettable performances of the original cast that truly brought the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch to life. So, what have the stars of the 2003 Wicked cast been up to since they first took us to Oz?
Since her Tony Award-winning performance as the green-skinned Elphaba, Idina Menzel has become a household name. After leaving Wicked in 2005, Menzel transitioned seamlessly to film and television, starring as Maureen in the Rentmovie and taking on the role of Nancy in Enchanted (2007). But it was her portrayal of Queen Elsa in Disney’s Frozen(2013) that made her a worldwide sensation. The song “Let It Go” became a global anthem, earning her an Oscar and cementing her place in pop culture history.
Menzel hasn’t slowed down since. She returned to Broadway in If/Then (2014), starred in Skintight (2018) Off-Broadway, and will soon debut her latest project, Redwood, in January 2025. A trailblazer in both theatre and film, Menzel’s career continues to soar.
Before Wicked, Kristin Chenoweth was already a Tony Award winner for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Her portrayal of Glinda was a revelation, and since then, she’s made her mark on Broadway time and again. Chenoweth starred in The Apple Tree (2006), Promises, Promises (2010), and On the Twentieth Century (2015), earning another Tony nomination and numerous awards for her performances.
Outside of the theatre, Chenoweth’s career has flourished in television and film. She starred in The West Wing, Pushing Daisies, and GCB, and appeared in Glee as April Rhodes. Her film roles include Hairspray Live! and American Gods. Fans of her work on stage will be thrilled to know that Chenoweth is set to return to Broadway in The Queen of Versailles, a new musical by Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz.
Norbert Leo Butz may have played Fiyero, the charming prince caught between Elphaba and Glinda, but his Broadway career didn’t stop there. After leaving Wicked, Butz won Tony Awards for his roles in Catch Me If You Can (2011) and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (2005), solidifying his status as one of Broadway’s most talented actors. His other theatre credits include Big Fish (2013) and Enron (2009).
In addition to his stage work, Butz has made appearances in film and television, including the hit series Bloodline (2015-2017) and films like The Other Woman (2014). With his versatility and undeniable talent, Butz continues to shine on both the stage and screen.
The original cast of Wicked helped shape the musical into the phenomenon it is today, and their careers have continued to inspire and captivate audiences ever since. From Broadway to Hollywood, Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Norbert Leo Butz, and their fellow castmates have gone on to achieve incredible success, and their contributions to the world of theatre and entertainment will never be forgotten.
As Wicked prepares for its highly anticipated movie adaptation, it’s clear that the legacy of the original cast remains a defining part of the show’s enduring magic. Their unforgettable performances set the standard for what Wicked would become, and their careers continue to blaze new trails in the entertainment world. Their mark on Broadway, and on the hearts of fans, is as strong as ever.
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