Wicked Star Menzel: Audition Was 'Crazy'

Idina Menzel, the original Elphaba on Broadway, recently shared details about her "kind of crazy" audition process for the role.

Menzel joined an early workshop for Wicked, which took about four years to develop into a full Broadway production. She recalled reading Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," which gave her a very different impression of the character, envisioning her as more of a goth figure with unusual nails.

For her audition, Menzel wore Doc Martins, a black dress, and green lipstick, aiming for her interpretation of Elphaba. However, she later had to learn "Defying Gravity," a song that proved challenging, particularly its high note. Menzel admitted to cracking during one attempt but resolutely asked the accompanist to let her try again, which she successfully executed. This moment of "strength and ferocity" impressed director Joe Mantello.

Menzel's portrayal earned her the 2004 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She left the Broadway production in 2005 but has maintained a strong connection to the character. In 2024, she and her original co-star Kristin Chenoweth reunited for cameos in "Wicked: Part One," starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.