Lencia Kebede Becomes Broadway’s First Black Elphaba in 'Wicked'

Kebede’s historic casting comes as the musical continues its long-running success, joined by Allie Trimm as the new Glinda.

Lencia Kebede will take on the role of Elphaba full-time on Broadway starting March 4, marking the first time a Black actress has played the role in this capacity.
Kebede, a first-generation Ethiopian-American, has previously toured with Hamilton and Rent and sang backup for Beyoncé.
Allie Trimm will also debut as Glinda on March 4, having served as the character’s standby from December 2021 to March 2024.
The casting follows the success of the Wicked film adaptation, which has reignited interest in the Broadway production, currently one of the industry’s top earners.
Wicked, which debuted in 2003, remains a global phenomenon, having been performed in 16 countries and seen by over 70 million people.