Who Played Elphaba in Wicked

Elphaba is a role in Wicked, a musical that opened Broadway in 2003.

Before Dorothy, before the flying house, and before the yellow brick road, there was Elphaba and Galinda.​ Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, has captivated audiences on Broadway for over 20 years, offering a fresh perspective on the classic Wizard of Oz tale. ​Based on the book by Gregory Maguire, the musical centers on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular and ambitious girl who embraces the spotlight. As they navigate school, politics, and social expectations, their paths diverge, eventually leading Elphaba to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda to assume the role of the Good Witch. Through this journey, Wicked delves into questions of friendship, self-identity, and the true nature of good and evil, all while shedding light on familiar characters from Oz in surprising ways. ​A​fter opening on Broadway in 2003, Wicked earned three Tony Awards, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. The original Broadway cast featured powerhouse performances from Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, who both received critical acclaim for their portrayals​, and whose careers shot to superstardom as a result. Together, they brought Stephen Schwartz’s memorable score to life with songs like​ "Defying Gravity," "Popular," “For Good,” “No Good Deed,” and “I’m Not That Girl,” which have since become standards in musical theater. As Wicked continues its successful Broadway run, a highly anticipated film adaptation is set to bring the beloved musical to the big screen. Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, the film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, ​a​nd will be release​d in two parts beginning in ​November 2024​. With its lush sets, elaborate costumes, and thrilling special effects, Wicked continues to draw theatergoers of all ages. Its themes of acceptance, courage, and friendship resonate with audiences worldwide, making it one of the most successful and beloved musicals in Broadway history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Land of Oz, Wicked invites ​audiences to look beyond appearances and consider the complexities of human nature.​ From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked tells the story of Oz that you've never heard​.