Kristin Chenoweth on returning to 'Wicked' after 15 years
It's good to see her, isn't it? Fifteen years after Kristin Chenoweth first made her entrance in a magic bubble, she's back celebrating Wicked's anniversary. Decked out in pink sparkles, fitting for the good witch, Chenoweth performed her signature song "Popular" for the 15th anniversary celebration, which airs on NBC on October 29.
We caught up with Chenoweth to discuss how the musical shaped her career and whether she'd ever return to Oz.
How do you feel Wicked has shaped your career?
It's kind of a landmark. We have landmarks in our life, whether we make them or somebody else builds them for us.
What's one of your favorite memories from being in Wicked? Do you remember any onstage mishaps?
There're so many, but one that only I seem to find funny is there were lights that moved, very expensive lights. We were lucky to have them. And one time, the lights — instead of getting stuck on us — got stuck on about 20 people in the audience. They looked very uncomfortable.
It went on for 30 minutes, and I got the giggles, and Carol Shelley [who played Madame Morrible] — I know you're listening to this — got the giggles so hard. She was looking at me like, concentrate. I couldn't stop laughing until she got the giggles and then Norbert [Leo Butz, who played Fiyero] got the giggles. The 20 people were uncomfortable in this lighting. They just wanted to come see a show. They didn't want to be there, but they were.
Would you ever do Wicked again?
Oh gosh, I don't know if I would do it. I have this little compartment in my mind and that's what it was. People say it's hard to revisit something. You go back. You're always disappointed. I just want to keep it just like that.
What advice would you give to a future Glinda?
I would say: Don't look for the easy way out. Work your butt off; train for it. Don't look for how to become a star. If you want to be a star, go make a reality show. If you want longevity, train yourself.
Photo courtesy of NBC
Frequently asked questions
What is Wicked about?
The Tony-winning musical Wicked made Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth household names, and nearly 20 years later, Wicked remains a popular audience favorite. This prequel to The Wizard of Oz flips everything you know about good and bad witches, centering on Glinda and Elphaba's long-lost friendship. Defy gravity and learn more about Wicked tickets on Broadway today.
Where is Wicked playing?
Wicked is playing at Gershwin Theatre. The theatre is located at 222 West 51st Street (between Broadway & 8th Avenue), New York, 10019.
How long is Wicked?
The running time of Wicked is 2hr 45min. Incl. 15min intermission.
What's the age requirement for Wicked?
The recommended age for Wicked is Ages 8+. Children under 5 will not be admitted..
How do you book tickets for Wicked?
Book tickets for Wicked on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote Wicked?
Wicked is written by Winnie Holzman (book) and Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics). Holzman's book is based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked.
What songs are in Wicked?
Wicked's Tony-nominated score includes songs such as "Defying Gravity," "Popular," "For Good," "No Good Deed," and "Dancing Through Life." Learn more about all the songs in Wicked on Broadway.
Is Wicked appropriate for kids?
Wicked is recommended for children ages 8 and older. The show is a popular family-friendly Broadway show that audiences of all ages enjoy. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
What is the Wicked musical based on?
The Wicked musical is based on Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, a novel by Gregory Maguire published in 1995.
When did Wicked open on Broadway?
Wicked opened in October 2003. It is the fourth-longest-running Broadway show of all time as of 2023.
Who directed Wicked on Broadway?
Two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello directed Wicked on Broadway. He has directed more than 30 Broadway shows and is known for Assassins, Take Me Out, 9 to 5, and The Odd Couple.
Is Wicked good?
Wicked is one of Broadway's longest-running shows and is among the best-reviewed shows on New York Theatre Guide.
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