A hit musical, which debuted in October of 2003, is still capturing the attention, and ticket sales, of Broadway enthusiasts. Within the first 14 months of production, Wicked made back its entire investment – nearly unheard of for a Broadway production. Regardless of the number of new faces, on the set of Wicked, ticket sales are still through the roof – even five years later. The magical essence of this musical has spread through the performers and to each and every audience.

Wicked is a story about witches and magic; however, it manages to engage the audience in a way that is much more than magical. Broadway enthusiasts are absorbed in the story as it is one that they identify from their own personal experiences. Elphaba faces much scrutiny throughout the story, as she was different than the rest; this part of the story alone makes it personal to audiences.

Elphaba’s experiences throughout the storyline are realistic and mold her into who she is by the end of the story. Spectators of this fascinating musical cannot help but reflect on their own personal roller coasters, and realize that they are who they are because of the ups and downs that life has brought their way.

Marcie Dodd, who has performed in the touring company, was a standby in Los Angeles; she is making her debut by playing the leading role of Elphaba. Audiences have the luxury of seeing many other new faces on the set of Wicked: Katie Adams, Sonshine Allen, Sarah Bolt, Sam J. Cahn, Todd Hanebrink, Lindsay Janisse, Chelsea Krombach, Lindsay K. Northern, Rhea Patterson, Eddi Pendergraft, Amanda Rose, Heather Spore, Charlie Sutton, Cy Tyson, Brian Wanee, Jonathan Warren, Katie Webber, Robin Wilner, and Samantha Zack.

Wicked is so magical, and not only to the audiences, but to the performers themselves. Many performers from the original cast have performed throughout the many venues where Wicked is being shown: Los Angeles, Chicago, Broadway, San Francisco, and even the touring production.

Eden Espinoza, who at one point was an understudy, is now playing the role of Elphaba in Los Angeles along with Carol Kane who is playing the role of Miss Morrible (Miss Morrible was the character that Carole Kane originally played when she was on Broadway). Annaleigh Ashford has resumed her role as Glinda, once played in Broadway and now in Chicago.

Even with all of the new faces in Broadway, Wicked has still casted many beloved performers. Carol Kane, David Garrison, Lenny Wolpe, Jayne Houdyshell, and P.J. Benjamin have all taken breaks in order to play in productions such as Wicked.

This musical is capturing the hearts of many, and not only the audiences, but the performers too. Many of these performers are on stage 7 nights a week, and throughout multiple cities. Regardless, every show is performed as if it’s the first production. The passion these actors portray is nothing short of magical.