Photo Flash: Nicole Parker Stars in WICKED

Beginning performances on Friday, January 16, Nicole Parker (from "MADtv" and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me) assumed the role of Elphaba Wicked on January 16th and BroadwayWorld.com just got our hands on her first official press photos. Nicole joins a cast which includes Alli Mauzey as Glinda, Jayne Houdyshell as Madame Morrible, P.J. Benjamin as The Wizard, Kevin Kern as Fiyero, Alex Brightman as Boq, Brynn O'Malley as Nessarose, and Timothy Britten Parker as Dr. Dillamond. Aaron Tveit will return to the role of Fiyero on Friday, January 23. The role of Elphaba is currently being played by Marcie Dodd.

Well known for her six seasons on "MADtv," Nicole Parker made her Broadway debut in Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me. Other New York credits include Laurencia in Fuente Ovejuna for Waterwell Productions. Regional credits include Pamina in The Magic Flute (Falcon Theater, Garry Marshall producer) and Juliet in the Second City's Romeo and Juliet Musical. Nicole spent two years performing as an actor and writer at Boom Chicago in Amsterdam as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She recently wrapped her sixth and final season of "MADtv," where she was an actress and contributing writer. This summer she will appear opposite Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen in the film Funny People, directed by Judd Apatow.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com/wicked. For more information, visit www.wickedthemusical.com. WICKED is performed at the Gershwin Theatre, 222 West 51st Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue.

Photos by Joan Marcus