Video: Watch Lencia Kebede Make Broadway History in WICKED Debut
Kebede is the first Black actor to play Elphaba full-time on Broadway.
By: Michael Major Mar. 05, 2025
On March 4, Lencia Kebede made Broadway history as the first Black actor to play Elphaba full-time on Broadway. She made her debut alongside fellow new cast members Allie Trimm (Glinda), NaTasha Yvette Williams (Madame Morrible), Jenna Bainbridge (Nessarose) and Daniel Quadrino (Boq).
During curtain call, Kebede was met with uproarious applause. Oprah Daily shared a video from her curtain call, which includes a first look at the brand-new, updated wig for Elphaba. Watch her take her first bow below!
Jenna Bainbridge also made history as the first ambulatory-wheelchair user to play Nessarose in the stage show's history. Watch her take her first bow with Quadrino below.
The new cast members a company that includes Brad Oscar (Wizard), Jordan Litz (Fiyero), and William Youmans (Doctor Dillamond). See new photos of the Broadway cast Wicked-Welcomes-Lencia-KebedeAllie-Trimm-and-More-20250304">here.
About Wicked on Broadway
Currently the 4th longest-running show in Broadway history, Wicked is currently in its 22nd year on Broadway. Wicked looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “Wicked.”
Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Winnie Holzman. The production is directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantello with musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento. Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. The blockbuster film version of Wicked opened on November 22nd, 2024, and has become the highest grossing film based on a Broadway musical in history.
Wicked Green Button Set
Wicked Pink Green Socks
Wicked Youth Distressed Clock Tee
Wicked Witch Hat Necklace
