Photo credit: www.broadwayworld.com
Lencia Kebede took to social media to share a heartfelt rendition of “Defying Gravity,” marking the announcement of her groundbreaking role in the Broadway production of Wicked. Set to make her debut on March 4, Kebede will be the first Black actress to portray Elphaba in the longstanding show, a significant milestone in its history.
In her emotional video, Kebede reflects on her childhood, recalling how she often sang this iconic song in her youth. The video further captures the moment she receives her official offer for the role, showcasing the joy and support from her family and friends.
A graduate of Occidental College, Kebede majored in Diplomacy & World Affairs with a minor in Politics. Her journey prior to Wicked includes a notable five-year tenure as Angelica Schuyler and Woman 5 in Hamilton, along with roles in a national and international tour of Rent as Joanne. Additionally, she has had the unique experience of singing backup for the renowned artist Beyoncé.
Kebede will join Wicked alongside Allie Trimm, who previously served as the standby for Glinda and will now assume the role full-time. The current Elphaba, Mary Kate Morrisey, and Glinda, Alexandra Socha, are scheduled to perform their last shows on Broadway on March 2, with further casting announcements anticipated in the near future.
About Wicked
Ranked as the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history, Wicked is currently celebrating its 21st year on the Great White Way.
With a wealth of accolades, including over 100 international awards such as a Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, Wicked has captivated audiences in more than 100 cities across 16 countries, including the U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, Japan, Germany, and Australia. The musical has been translated into six languages—Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, Korean, and Portuguese—and has been enjoyed by over 70 million people globally, generating over $6 billion in ticket sales.
The North American run of Wicked has also set records through extended engagements, featuring a nearly four-year stint in Chicago, a two-year run in Los Angeles, and another nearly two years in San Francisco, in addition to two North American tours.
Wicked offers a fresh perspective on the story of Oz, focusing on the life of a young woman born with emerald-green skin, who is intelligent, passionate, and often misunderstood. Her journey intertwines with that of a popular blonde, evolving from rivalry to a deep friendship, before society labels one as “good” and the other as “wicked.”
Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, Wicked features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. The production, under the direction of Tony Award winner Joe Mantello and with musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento, is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone.
The film adaptation of Wicked debuted on November 22, 2024, achieving record-breaking success as the highest-grossing film based on a Broadway musical.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com