After the film’s success, Wicked found Broadway’s first black Elphaba

With a second film on the way, the Bad The train isn’t slowing down anytime soon – and now John M. ChuThe success of the film influenced the sale of tickets for the main Broadway show. Not only that, but now the stage production of the musical has made its first Black Elphaba.

Beginning on March 4th, musical theater lovers and movie fans who go to see the show live on Broadway will witness the debut of Lencia Kebede as Elphaba Thropp in the story of Wicked Witch of the West.

Kebede will be the first full-time main cast member who is a black woman to play Elphaba on Broadway, although black performers such as Saycon Sengbloh and Brandi Massey have stepped in to play Elphaba in the production in the past — and black performers have portrayed her full-time in the show’s British home in London’s West End.

This casting has been a long time coming and follows by Cynthia Erivo Character reveal for Universal Pictures movie.

Previously, the cast of the Broadway show Brittney Johnson as the first black woman to play Glinda in 2022; she was a candidate for the role as of 2019.

Allie Trimm joins the cast in 2025 opposite Kebede popular role that was played by Ariana Grande in the 2024 film. Kebede exits a run as Angelica Schuyler in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton to play Elphaba, while Trimm steps into the role after being a Glinda standby from 2021.

Take a look at the casting announcement below Wicked: The MusicalOfficial YouTube.

Wicked: The Musical is currently running on Broadway. Bad the movie is now in theaters and digital. And Wicked: For good open this Thanksgiving.

Update: This post has been updated to note that black performers have played the role of Elphaba on Broadway in the past, with Kebede being the first full-time cast member to take on the role.

Want more io9 news? Check when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Warsand Star Trek free, what is next for the DC Universe in film and TVand everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.