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From Stage To Screen: The 7 Most Iconic Elphaba Actresses Who Defined The Wicked Witch Of The West

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The role of Elphaba Thropp, the misunderstood protagonist who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, is arguably one of the most demanding and coveted roles in modern musical theatre history. As of late December 2025, the conversation is dominated by the monumental transition of the iconic green girl from the hallowed halls of Broadway’s Gershwin Theatre to the silver screen, led by a powerhouse new talent. This article dives deep into the actresses who have wielded the broom, focusing on the current film star, the stage legends, and the latest performers keeping the magic alive.

The character, first introduced in Gregory Maguire’s novel and immortalized by Stephen Schwartz’s score, requires a rare blend of vocal prowess, emotional depth, and physical stamina. While the stage continues to host a rotating cast of phenomenal talents, the upcoming two-part film adaptation has thrust one actress into the global spotlight, redefining the legacy of the role for a new generation of fans.

Cynthia Erivo: The New Face of Green on the Global Stage

The most current and globally recognized Elphaba actress is now the Oscar, Tony, and Grammy-nominated star, Cynthia Erivo. Her casting in the long-awaited film adaptation of *Wicked* marked a pivotal moment, bringing a fresh, powerful interpretation to the beloved character. Erivo’s performance in the first film installment, released in 2024, has been met with significant critical acclaim, cementing her place in the Elphaba legacy.

Biography and Career Profile

  • Full Name: Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasaokwu Erivo
  • Date of Birth: January 8, 1987
  • Place of Birth: Stockwell, London, England
  • Nationality: British
  • Key Roles (Theatre): Celie in *The Color Purple* (Broadway Revival, Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical)
  • Key Roles (Film): Harriet Tubman in *Harriet* (Academy Award Nomination), Elphaba Thropp in *Wicked* (2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (2025)
  • Awards: EGOT-adjacent (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) nominee; she is a Tony, Grammy, and Daytime Emmy winner.
  • Recent News: Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba earned her a historic Golden Globe nomination for the 2024 film, and she is set to reprise the role in the 2025 sequel, *Wicked: For Good*.

Erivo’s journey to the role of Elphaba is a testament to her versatile talent. She first gained international recognition for her stunning, Tony-winning performance as Celie in the 2015 Broadway revival of *The Color Purple*. Her powerful vocal range and ability to convey intense emotional vulnerability made her a natural choice for the complex character of Elphaba, the girl who is destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West.

The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, partners Erivo’s Elphaba with pop superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland, creating one of the most talked-about casting duos in recent memory. Erivo has spoken movingly about the pressure and honor of playing the iconic role, particularly how her identity as a Black actress brings a new, layered complexity to Elphaba’s story of being an outsider.

The Green Girls of Broadway and the West End: A Legacy of Power

While Cynthia Erivo is currently the most prominent Elphaba, the character’s magic was built on the shoulders of incredible stage performers. The role demands not only the ability to belt the show-stopping anthem "Defying Gravity" but also to sustain a grueling eight-show-a-week schedule, often while painted completely green. Over two dozen actresses have officially played Elphaba on Broadway alone, but a few have achieved legendary status.

The Founding Mothers and Longest-Running Stars

The lineage of Elphaba actresses is a who's who of musical theatre talent, each bringing a unique texture to the role. Their performances established the topical authority and emotional blueprint for every actress who followed.

1. Idina Menzel (The Original Broadway Elphaba)

Idina Menzel is the definitive Elphaba. She originated the role when *Wicked* opened on Broadway in 2003, winning the 2004 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Menzel’s raw, rock-infused vocal power and her ability to portray Elphaba’s initial awkwardness and eventual transformation set the standard. Her performance is the benchmark against which all others are measured, and she is forever linked with the musical’s success and its themes of friendship and difference.

2. Jackie Burns (Broadway's Longest-Running Elphaba)

For sheer number of performances, Jackie Burns holds the title of Broadway's longest-running Elphaba, having played the role for over 1,300 performances across multiple runs. Her incredible stamina and powerful, consistent voice solidified her as a true Green Girl legend. Burns' longevity in the role demonstrates the immense dedication required to lead a major Broadway production for years.

3. Rachel Tucker (West End and Broadway Veteran)

Rachel Tucker is one of the most celebrated Elphaba actresses, known for her extraordinary run in the West End production and later on Broadway. She has performed the role over 1,000 times on both sides of the Atlantic, making her one of the longest-running performers globally. Tucker’s fiery, emotionally charged interpretation and her distinctive vocal belt have made her a massive fan favorite, particularly in the UK.

4. Stephanie J. Block (The Early Successor)

Stephanie J. Block was one of the first major actresses to take over the role on the First National Tour and later on Broadway. A Tony Award winner herself, Block’s interpretation was noted for its incredible vocal precision and deep, nuanced acting, further proving that the role could be successfully inhabited by different talents immediately following Menzel’s departure.

The Current State of Oz: Who is Wearing the Green Makeup Now?

While the film dominates headlines, the live theatrical productions of *Wicked* continue to enchant audiences worldwide. The current cast lists are constantly updated, a testament to the show’s ongoing success and the rigorous demands of the lead role.

Current Elphaba Actresses on Stage (2024-2025)

The live stage continues to see a rotation of extraordinary talent, ensuring the show’s freshness and vitality. These actresses are the current torchbearers of Elphaba’s legacy:

  • Mary Kate Morrissey: Returned to the role of Elphaba on Broadway in August 2024, continuing her tenure as a fan-favorite.
  • Lissa deGuzman: Was announced as a temporary replacement for Mary Kate Morrissey starting in January 2025, demonstrating the depth of talent needed for the show.
  • Lencia Kebede: Mentioned as a new Elphaba in the current cast, representing the newest generation of performers stepping into the green paint.

These performers are tasked with maintaining the high standard set by the original cast while bringing their own unique energy to the Wicked Witch of the West. Their work ensures that the story of Elphaba and Glinda, the Wizard, Madame Morrible, and Fiyero continues to resonate with live audiences at the Gershwin Theatre and on tour.

Elphaba's Enduring Impact on Actresses and Audiences

The role of Elphaba is more than just a part; it's a career-defining opportunity. For every actress who plays her, the role provides a platform for incredible vocal and dramatic performance, culminating in the triumphant act of "Defying Gravity." The character’s journey—from outcast to powerful figure—is a relatable one, resonating with audiences who have ever felt different or misunderstood.

The anticipation for the second film, *Wicked: For Good* (2025), is immense, promising to complete Cynthia Erivo's arc as the character evolves into a more powerful and self-aware version of the Wicked Witch. The two-part cinematic event not only honors the legacy of the stage production but also expands the universe of Oz, introducing the timeless story of Elphaba Thropp to millions who may never have seen the Broadway or West End show. Whether on the stage or in the cinema, the actresses who embody Elphaba carry the responsibility of delivering one of musical theatre’s most powerful messages: that everyone deserves to be seen, even those who are born green.

From Stage to Screen: The 7 Most Iconic Elphaba Actresses Who Defined the Wicked Witch of the West
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