Lencia Kebede is set to make history as the first Black actress to take on the role of Elphaba in the Broadway musical "Wicked."
Scheduled to debut on March 4, Kebede will share the stage with Allie Trimm, who has transitioned from her role as the Glinda standby, per The Hollywood Reporter.
In her recent portrayal of Angelica during the National Tour of "Hamilton," Kebede showed a depth of experience that truly shines through in her performance.
With a five-year tenure in "Hamilton," she has also graced the stage in a national and international tour of "Rent," playing the character Joanne. Her role as a backup singer for the Beyoncé is also noteworthy, adding to her impressive repertoire in the entertainment industry.
In a moment that echoes Brittney Johnson's groundbreaking feat in 2022 as the first Black actress to take on the role of Glinda in "Wicked," Kebede's appointment arrives hot on the heels of the success "Wicked" movie adaptation, featuring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
Since its premiere in October 2003, the musical has been captivating crowds at the Gershwin Theatre and remains a top-grossing production on Broadway.
This globally acclaimed musical, playing in 16 different countries and translated into six languages, has garnered an audience of over 70 million viewers worldwide.
Incorporating music by Stephen Schwartz, a script by Winnie Holzman, and under the direction of Joe Mantello, the show is brought to life by a collaborative effort involving Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone.
