How many Elphaba's have there been?

Answer 1

Thus far, there have been 21 actresses who have played the role of Elphaba Thropp, by way of a total of 10 productions of Wicked by Stephen Lawrence Schwartz [b. March 6, 1948], who based his musical on the earlier novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire [b. June 9, 1954]. The productions thus far have been those on Broadway; as part of the 1st and 2nd National Tours; and in Chicago, London, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Stuttgart, Melbourne, and San Francisco. Every production other than that in Tokyo had standby, or alternate, actresses to the role of Elphaba. Many went on to hold the role in their own right. But 15 thus far are down on record as participating only in the standby or alternate status.

Answer 2

An unlimited number of lives may be available to Elphaba Thropp in "Wicked."

Specifically, Elphaba is thought to have died in the original 1995 book edition by author Gregory Maguire (b. June 9, 1954). But Elphaba has special powers and becomes known as the Wicked Witch of the West. The book ends with the suggestion that witches never die and that, as a witch, Elphaba will be back.

Answer 3

Thirty-two (32) actresses have played Elphaba in "Wicked" as of July 18, 2011.

Specifically, of that total, twenty-one (21) different singer/actresses have interpreted the role thus far in North American productions in Canada and the United States of America. Four* singer/actresses have interpreted the role in London, England, and three in Germany. Additionally, another four have played the young green skinned witch in Australia as well as two in Japan.

North American productions in Canada and the United States of America (20)

Shoshana Bean

Stephanie J. Block

Lee Brescia

Anne Brummel

Jackie Burns

Kristy Cates

Carmen Cusack

Marcie Dodd

Kerry Ellis

Eden Espinosa

Ana Gasteyer

Mandy Gonzalez

Caissy Levy

Victoria Matlock

Julia Murney

Idina Menzel

Vicki Noon

Nicole Parker

Dee Roscioli

Donna Vivino

Teal Wicks

West End, London, England (4 but 2 previously involved in North American productions)

Kerry Ellis

Alexia Khadime

Idina Menzel

Rachel Tucker

Oberhausen and Stuttgart, Germany (3)

Roberta Valentini

Willemijn Verkaik

Sabrina Weckerlin

Melbourne, Sydney and National Tour, Australia (4)

Pippa Grandison

Amanda Harrison

Jemma Rix

Patrice Tipoki

Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo, Japan (2)

Ebata Masae

Hamada Megumi

*But two are not counted because of previous involvement in North American productions: Kerry Ellis and Idina Menzel.

Answer 4

There have been seven Glinda's on Broadway. The singer/actresses have been the following: Kristi Dawn ka Kristen Chenoweth [b. July 24, 1968], 2003-2004; JenniferLaura Thompson [b. December 5, 1969], 2004-2005; Megan Kathleen Hilty [b. March 29, 1981], 2005-2006; Kate Reinders, 2006-2007; Kendra Kassebaum [b. May 12, 1973], 2007-2008; Annaleigh Swanson Ashford [b. June 25, 1985], 2007-2008; and Alli Mauzey, 2008-Currently. The standby singer/actresses have been as follows: LauraAshley Bell Bundy [b. April 10, 1981], 2003-2004; Megan Hilty, 2004-2005; Stacie Morgain Lewis, 2005; Katie Adams, 2005-2007, 2007-2009; Alli Mauzey, 2007; and Laura Woyasz, 2009-Currently.