Wicked, the beloved musical that premiered in 2003, is experiencing a surge in popularity following the release of its film adaptation featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The musical is a creative retelling of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, which gives a different perspective on the characters from L. Frank Baum’s classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Erivo and Grande bring to life the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda in the film, roles that were originally made famous by Broadway stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. Menzel and Chenoweth were integral to the show’s success during its premiere in San Francisco and subsequent Broadway debut, enchanting audiences with their remarkable performances and solidifying their places in Broadway history.
Recently, a video of Menzel performing as Elphaba in an Adidas tracksuit has gone viral, highlighting a memorable incident from her time in the role. During a January 2005 performance, Menzel suffered an injury when she fell through a trap door, leading to a temporary halt of the show. Despite the pain from a cracked rib, she made a surprise appearance towards the end of her final performance, joining her standby, Shoshana Bean, onstage for the climactic moments, much to the delight of the audience.
This inspiring moment, where Menzel received a standing ovation of over five minutes, showcases the dedication both she and Bean had to the production and its fans. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Wicked, as even after the initial run, Menzel would later reprise her role in London’s West End.
As the film adaptation captivates a new generation, it is clear that Wicked’s impact on audiences—both on stage and screen—continues to grow, reminding us that theater is a powerful source of inspiration and connection. This resurgence not only celebrates the wonderful performances of the original cast but also introduces their extraordinary legacy to a whole new audience.