he iconic Broadway musical Wicked marked its 20th anniversary this year with a grand celebration at the Gershwin Theatre, bringing together the original stars and a host of past and present cast members. The milestone event honored the enduring legacy of this beloved show, which first premiered on October 30, 2003.
Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, the original Glinda and Elphaba, were among the stars who reunited for this special occasion, sharing the green carpet with current cast members like Alyssa Fox and McKenzie Kurtz. Both actresses, who now play Elphaba and Glinda respectively, expressed the deep connection they feel to the roles, a sentiment echoed by past performers like Alli Mauzey, Brittney Johnson, and McKenzie Kurtz.
Mauzey, who played Glinda from 2012-2013, reflected on how the show remains a “home base” for her, with fans often sharing personal stories about how Wicked has touched their lives. Johnson, who played Glinda more recently, spoke about the freedom she felt performing “Popular” and how the role of Glinda has evolved from just comic relief to a character with genuine emotional depth. Kurtz, the current Glinda, shared her childhood memories of acting out the song “Popular” and how the character’s journey with Elphaba is a central, heartfelt story of friendship.
The event not only celebrated the success of Wicked but also its impact on both theater and fans around the world. As the show continues to defy gravity, its music, characters, and themes remain relevant and deeply cherished by audiences across generations