The Elphaba That Could Have Been
Before Idina Menzel was cast, another future Broadway star was the original voice of Elphaba: Stephanie J. Block. Block was involved in the show's earliest developmental workshops, originating the role of the green-skinned outcast in the very first readings
that began in 2000. When the time came to mount the full production, however, the producers opted for Menzel, who had more Broadway experience at the time. Block was offered the position of Menzel's standby for the pre-Broadway tryout but ultimately left the production to take a principal role in another show, The Boy From Oz, making her Broadway debut as Liza Minnelli opposite Hugh Jackman. In a perfect full-circle moment, Block would go on to lead the first national tour of Wicked as Elphaba in 2005 and eventually take over the role on Broadway in 2007.
A Different Kind of Popular
While composer Stephen Schwartz had Kristin Chenoweth in mind for Glinda from the beginning, and she was part of the show's early readings, the show's success has made the role a dream for many other actresses. Over the years, countless talents have been associated with the bubbly Good Witch. When the film adaptation was in development, a new generation of stars vied for the role that ultimately went to Ariana Grande. Amanda Seyfried, known for her musical roles in Mamma Mia! and Les Misérables, spoke about how intensely she pursued the part, auditioning while simultaneously filming The Dropout. Dove Cameron, who had the strong endorsement of Chenoweth herself, also went through a "very long process" of auditions for the film. Other notable names who auditioned for the movie's Glinda included Mean Girls stars Reneé Rapp and Taylor Louderman.
The Search for Fiyero
The role of the devil-may-care prince Fiyero was originated on Broadway by the beloved Norbert Leo Butz. He set a high bar for the roguish charm required, and finding the right fit has always been key to the show's central love triangle. For the movie, the casting process was just as intense. Before Jonathan Bailey secured the part, several major pop stars were in the running. Both Nick and Joe Jonas confirmed they auditioned for the role, with Nick noting it was a part he'd always thought would be fun to play. Ryan McCartan, who had previously played Fiyero on Broadway in 2018, also threw his hat in the ring for the film version.
The Chemistry That Defined Oz
Ultimately, the original casting of Menzel and Chenoweth proved to be lightning in a bottle. Director Joe Mantello and the creative team built the show around their unique chemistry. The dynamic between Menzel's fiery, soulful Elphaba and Chenoweth's perky, nuanced Glinda became the heart of the show and a core reason for its immediate and enduring success. While it's tantalizing to imagine the 'what-ifs,' the original pairing was instrumental in shaping the characters that audiences would fall in love with. Their iconic performances earned them both Tony nominations for Best Actress in a Musical, with Menzel taking home the award in 2004, cementing their place in Broadway history.
