Idina Menzel Bids Farewell to Wicked with Brief Onstage Appearance

The day has now come and gone with only a brief appearance by Tony-winner Idina Menzel in what was to be her final appearance in Wicked on Sunday due to Saturday's injuries sustained to her ribs. The star was ushered into the theater during the show and made a surprise appearance after "For Good" when the Witch re-enters the stage via the floor. When she entered the stage, the scene was naturally one of explosive applause and screams from the sold-out crowd of 1800+. Following a speech by director Joe Mantello, who noted she was welcome back to the show anytime, and in front of a cheering and emotional cast as well as audience, Idina then re-entered the stage, joining the cast. When the applause quieted down, she noted to the cheering fans "I can't talk, but I love you all, it's been the best year of my life and thank you." Idina appeared on stage out of costume and green-makeup, and not appearing entirely comfortable singing as is to be expected from an injury to the ribs.

With that, Wicked goes on this week with its new Elphaba Shoshana Bean while Idina takes time to recover before filming begins shortly on Rent.

According to audience, and production source reports, Tony-winner Idina Menzel was injured at the Saturday matinee performance of Wicked during Act 2. During the scene in which the Wicked Witch is "melted" behind the silhouette curtain, a trapdoor problem caused Menzel to fall through the floor stopping the show.

The curtain was brought down, and after a 45-minute delay standby Shoshana Bean (and soon to be star) went on for the finale. At the show's end, cast member Joey McIntyre addressed the audience informing them of what had occurred, and assuring them that Menzel would be alright. Both cast and crew were visibly shaken at the show's conclusion, all expressing concern for Idina's well-being and quick recovery.

According to those outside the theater, the stretcher-bound and still green star was taken away by ambulance to an area hospital where she was treated this afternoon. The role tonight was covered by on Saturday evening by standby Shoshana Bean, who's due to take over the role this week Menzel is next schedule to begin filming on the film version of Rent.