Alexandra Billings makes history in Wicked on Broadway

Billings assumes the role of Madame Morrible in the smash hit Broadway musical at the Gershwin Theatre.

Time for "a change in the weather" perhaps? "Transparent" standout Alexandra Billings makes history today, becoming the first openly trans actor to play the role of Madame Morrible in the long-running hit musical Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre.

Ms. Billings is best known for her role as Davina on Amazon's "Transparent" and she previously made her Broadway debut in 2018's The Nap at Manhattan Theatre Club. Her other screen credits include Amazon's "Goliath," as well as "How to Get Away With Murder," "Grey's Anatomy," "ER," "Paddleton," and "Valley of Bones."

Tony Award nominee Nancy Opel played her final performance as Madame Morrible on January 19.

The current principal cast of Wicked includes Hannah Corneau (as Elphaba), Ginna Claire Mason (as Glinda), Jake Boyd (as Fiyero), Alexandra Billings (as Madame Morrible), Michael McCormick (as The Wizard), Riley Costello (as Boq), Shoba Narayan (as Nessarose), and Michael X. Martin (as Dr. Dillamond).

The Broadway musical Wicked officially opened at the Gershwin Theatre on October 30, 2003, following previews from October 8.

Wicked features music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, and is based on the popular novel by Gregory Maguire.

Synopsis: "The Broadway sensation Wicked looks at what happened in the Land of Oz...but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships...until the world decides to call one "good," and the other one "wicked.""

The production is directed by Joe Mantello, with choreography by James Lynn Abbott, and features scene design by Eugene Lee, costume design by Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and sound design by Tony Meola.

Wicked is produced on Broadway by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone.

Wicked Tickets are available now for performances through August 15, 2020.

^{(Photo courtesy of Polk & Co.)}