Here’s The Cast Of “Wicked” Vs. The Original Broadway Cast And What The Originals Are Up To Now

Joseph Longo
·6-min read

Wicked is officially in theaters! On Nov. 22, the highly anticipated adaptation of the blockbuster musical arrived nationwide, quickly garnering rave reviews and a high box office.

Two people in theatrical costumes on stage. One wears a witch's hat and dark outfit, the other a frilly dress, looking at each other and smiling
Giles Keyte /Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

It's a welcome sigh of relief for fans of the smash musical, which has broken numerous records globally and is the second-highest-grossing show ever on Broadway.

Group of people in elaborate costumes, with one person in a pink princess-style dress in the foreground, set in an ornate interior environment
Universal Pictures /Courtesy Everett Collection

While legions of theater fans have expectedly latched onto the film, the movie also serves as many moviegoers' first time learning the story of Wicked.

A person dressed as a witch with a wide-brimmed hat holds onto a broomstick, standing in front of a large circular window
Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

So whether you're a longtime Wicked lover wondering what the original cast is up to now or new to the world of Shiz University and the Grimmerie, here are side-by-sides of the actors in the new film and the cast members who originated their characters on Broadway in 2003:

Two characters stand together in a dramatic, fantasy setting. One wears a witch hat and dark attire with green skin; the other wears a light, delicate dress
Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

1.Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel as Elphaba

Person in witch costume with a green face, wearing a hat and black dress, holding a broom on stage with a clock background
Person in witch costume with a green face, wearing a hat and black dress, holding a broom on stage with a clock background
Person dressed as a witch wearing a pointed hat and long-sleeved dress, standing on a decorative balcony with a green backdrop
Person dressed as a witch wearing a pointed hat and long-sleeved dress, standing on a decorative balcony with a green backdrop

Frank Micelotta / Getty Images, Giles Keyte /© Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

Idina Menzel won a Tony for her performance as Elphaba, a role that's stayed close to her all these years later. Of course, you probably also know of Idina for voicing Elsa in Frozen and belting the franchise's signature song, "Let It Go." Since Wicked, Idina has oscillated between the stage, the screen, and the recording booth.

She scored another Tony nom for the 2014 original musical If/Then and will return to Broadway again next year in another original musical, Redwood. Plus, did you know she originated the role and secured her first Tony nom in 1996 for playing Maureen in Rent?

Idina has popped up everywhere on screen, including signature roles on the TV series Glee, as well as the films Enchanted, Uncut Gems, and You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.

She's also released seven albums, including two Christmas records.

2.Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda

Person wearing a crown and an elaborate gown stands on a decorative balcony, holding a wand, with a large tree and flowers in the background
Person wearing a crown and an elaborate gown stands on a decorative balcony, holding a wand, with a large tree and flowers in the background
Group of performers in theatrical costumes, standing together and smiling. Three wear elaborate stage dresses, and three wear elegant coats and suits
Group of performers in theatrical costumes, standing together and smiling. Three wear elaborate stage dresses, and three wear elegant coats and suits

Giles Keyte /© Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection, Bruce Glikas / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Kristin Chenoweth joined Wicked as a Tony winner, having taken home an award for the 1999 revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. She's received further Tony noms for Wicked and the 2015 revival of On the Twentieth Century.

Kristin is also an Emmy winner for Pushing Daisies and has had memorable arcs on The West Wing, Glee, and Schmigadoon! She even had her own short-lived sitcom, aptly titled Kristin, in 2001 before Wicked. You've also probably seen Kristin in films like Bewitched, The Pink Panther, Deck the Halls, Four Christmases, Holidate, and in the new Netflix film Our Little Secret (aka the film where she goes head-to-head with Lindsay Lohan's character).

That's not all. Kristin has also released a memoir titled A Little Bit Wicked and multiple albums, including two Christmas records.

3.Jeff Goldblum and Joel Grey as The Wizard

Stage performance with an older man in a suit and a woman in a sparkling gown and tiara, waving to an audience. Ensemble cast in background
Stage performance with an older man in a suit and a woman in a sparkling gown and tiara, waving to an audience. Ensemble cast in background
Two individuals in elegant, ornate green attire with intricate details, posed in a dramatically lit setting, suggesting a formal or theatrical event
Two individuals in elegant, ornate green attire with intricate details, posed in a dramatically lit setting, suggesting a formal or theatrical event

Matthew Peyton / Getty Images, Giles Keyte /© Universal Pictures /Courtesy Everett Collection

At 92, Joel Grey is a living legend whose success dates back to 1966: He originated the iconic role of The Emcee, aka the Master of Ceremonies, in Cabaret, for which he also won a Tony. Keep in mind it's a role everyone from Neil Patrick Harris and Alan Cumming to Eddie Redmayne and, currently, Adam Lambert have tried their hand at. Better yet, Joel kept the momentum going, winning an Oscar for the same role in the 1972 film adaptation.

On stage, he's also starred in numerous acclaimed productions, including the 1996 revival of Chicago, the same version of the show still on Broadway today. He's scored five Tony nominations over his career, including one for directing the 2011 revival of the play The Normal Heart. And, just last year, the Tonys honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Oh, and in case you didn't know, his daughter is none other than Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey.

4.Jonathan Bailey and Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero

A person in a detailed outfit stands among a group of people in school uniforms, who appear surprised or intrigued
A person in a detailed outfit stands among a group of people in school uniforms, who appear surprised or intrigued
Performer on stage wearing a red vest and white shirt, gesturing energetically during a theatrical performance
Performer on stage wearing a red vest and white shirt, gesturing energetically during a theatrical performance

Universal Pictures /Courtesy Everett Collection, Broadway.com / Via youtube.com

Like much of the cast, Norbert joined Wicked as a Tony nominee, for his work in the 2001 musical Thou Shalt Not. Although Norbert Leo Butz didn't receive a Tony nomination for Wicked, he's since won two: in 2005 for the musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and in 2011 for the musical Catch Me if You Can. Most recently, he received a nom for the 2018 musical revival of My Fair Lady.

In 2019, he released his debut album, The Long Haul.

5.Michelle Yeoh and Carole Shelley as Madame Morrible

Two individuals in elegant, ornate attire with intricate patterns, standing in a softly lit environment, appear engaged in conversation
Two individuals in elegant, ornate attire with intricate patterns, standing in a softly lit environment, appear engaged in conversation
Three people pose together; one is in a theatrical costume and makeup with a curly wig, holding a book
Three people pose together; one is in a theatrical costume and makeup with a curly wig, holding a book

Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection, Bruce Glikas / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Carole Shelley, who died in 2018 at 79, had a long career that spanned both the stage and the screen. She was arguably best known for starring in the 1965 play and 1968 film adaptation of The Odd Couple.

She garnered four Tony nominations, including a win in 1979 for the play The Elephant Man. She had a knack for originating roles in lasting stage productions, including The Odd Couple, The Elephant Man, and Billy Elliot.

Onscreen, you've probably heard Carole's voice as Amelia in The Aristocats, Lady Kluck in Robin Hood, and Lachesis in Hercules.

6.Marissa Bode and Michelle Federer as Nessarose

Two people in vintage-style, theatrical costumes, with one in a wheelchair being joyfully pushed by another, in a lively performance setting
Two people in vintage-style, theatrical costumes, with one in a wheelchair being joyfully pushed by another, in a lively performance setting
Smiling person with long hair, wearing a necklace and a casual top
Smiling person with long hair, wearing a necklace and a casual top

Giles Keyte /Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection, Bruce Glikas / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Michelle Federer has parlayed her role in Wicked into notable guest spots on the TV series Smash and New Amsterdam. She also starred in the 2022 film Better Nate Than Ever.

Fun fact: Michelle and Norbert married after falling for each other during Wicked. According to Broadway.com, they're parents to a daughter born in 2011, and Norbert is also a father to two older daughters from a previous marriage.

7.Ethan Slater and Christopher Fitzgerald as Boq

Three people smiling at a social event, dressed in semi-formal attire, with one person in a suit and another in a lace-trimmed dress
Three people smiling at a social event, dressed in semi-formal attire, with one person in a suit and another in a lace-trimmed dress
Group of people in futuristic setting with metallic rings; some are clapping and others interact, suggesting a sci-fi or film scene
Group of people in futuristic setting with metallic rings; some are clapping and others interact, suggesting a sci-fi or film scene

Bruce Glikas / FilmMagic / Getty Images, Giles Keyte /Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

If you don't know Christopher Fitzgerald from Wicked, you might know him from his Tony-nominated roles in the musicals Young Frankenstein in 2007, the revival of Finian's Rainbow in 2009, and Waitress in 2016. He also starred in the Company revival in 2021.

And, just last year, Christopher starred in the revival of Spamalot alongside none other than...Ethan Slater!

8.Finally, Peter Dinklage and William Youmans as Doctor Dillamond

A goat stands indoors wearing a dark, ornate coat with gold buttons. Behind it is a chalkboard and a stained glass window
A goat stands indoors wearing a dark, ornate coat with gold buttons. Behind it is a chalkboard and a stained glass window
Person in a suit and tie at an event, smiling at the camera
Person in a suit and tie at an event, smiling at the camera

Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection, Patrick Mcmullan / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

William Youmans is a stalwart Broadway performer. He's appeared in productions like Titanic in 1997, La Boheme in 2002, Finian's Rainbow in 2009, and Carousel in 2018.

In fact, he returned to and currently reprises his role as Doctor Dillamond in Wicked on Broadway since 2023.

Have you made it to Wicked in theaters? Better yet, were you lucky enough to also have seen the original cast on Broadway? Let us know your thoughts on all things Wicked in the comments below.

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