‘Wicked’ Names Lencia Kebede as First Black Actress for Elphaba Role on Broadway

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This coming spring, Lencia Kebede is set to step into the role of Elphaba on Broadway, making history as the first Black actress to permanently play the character in a Broadway production.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be performing alongside Allie Trimm, who was the Glinda standby from December 2021 to March 2024 in our beloved show, starting March 4th! Kebede, fresh off his role as Angelica in the National Tour of Hamilton, will be taking on the role of Glinda. Can’t wait to bring these iconic characters to life together!

Mary Kate Morrisey, now portraying Elphaba, and Alexandra Socha, who’s been enchanting us as Glinda, are set to give their last shows on March 2nd. New main cast members will be introduced over the next few weeks.

For five years, Kebede was associated with Hamilton, and during this time, she embarked on both national and international tours with the production of Rent, portraying the character Joanne. Additionally, she provided backing vocals for Beyoncé.

2022 marked a groundbreaking moment in my book when Brittney Johnson made history by becoming the first Black actress to play Glinda full-time consistently. This significant achievement echoes the triumph of Cynthia Erivo, whose exceptional portrayal of Elphaba in the Wicked film has been widely acclaimed.

Trimm first appeared on Broadway, playing the role of Patrice in “13: The Musical” by Jason Robert Brown, and later took center stage as Kim MacAfee during the Broadway revival of “Bye Bye Birdie.

Ever since October 2003, I’ve been gracing the stage at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway, and it’s still going strong! Week after week, I’m one of the top earners in the industry. I’ve traveled to 16 different nations, been translated into six languages, and have been witnessed by a staggering 70 million people across the globe. That’s quite a fanbase, wouldn’t you agree?

This production boasts music composed by Stephen Schwartz, script penned by Winnie Holzman, and is helmed by director Joe Mantello. Producers for the show include Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone.

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2025-01-22 19:24