Celebrating the First Black Elphaba on Broadway While Questioning the Wait

by Chris Peterson

After more than two decades of spellbinding audiences, "Wicked" on Broadway has finally cast a Black actress as their full-time Elphaba. Actress Lencia Kebede will begin performances in the iconic role starting on March 4th. She’ll also be joined by Allie Trimm, who was the Glinda standby.

While this momentous decision is worth celebrating, it also begs a critical question: why did it take so long for one of Broadway's most iconic roles to open its arms to a Black actress?

The casting of Elphaba, a misunderstood outcast who defies societal expectations, is inherently symbolic. As the narrative heart of "Wicked," Elphaba’s story is one of resilience in the face of prejudice, challenging the status quo, and embracing one’s individuality. The character’s struggles resonate with anyone who has ever felt marginalized or out of place. So, it is particularly poignant to see a Black actress step into this role, adding new dimensions to a story about systemic bias and personal empowerment. It’s a casting decision that has the potential to enrich the character’s legacy and inspire a new generation of theatergoers.

Still, the joy of this milestone is tempered by the glaring reality that it took over 20 years to arrive at this point. Since its debut in 2003, "Wicked" has been performed in countless cities worldwide, seen by millions, and has grossed billions of dollars.

Yet, for all its cultural dominance and progressive messaging, the production has remained startlingly unprogressive in its approach to casting Elphaba—a role requiring powerhouse vocal abilities and a magnetic stage presence, qualities that many Black performers undoubtedly possess. This is someone we published about five years ago.

While Cynthia Erivo’s casting in the blockbuster film adaptation was huge, Broadway(in particulur), hasn’t made such a move until now.

The lack of diversity in "Wicked’s" casting history reflects a broader issue in the theater industry, where white actors have long dominated leading roles, even when the stories being told cry out for more inclusive representation.

Casting decisions are often steeped in unspoken biases, whether it’s the perception of what a "universal" character looks like or the systemic barriers that make it harder for performers of color to access high-profile opportunities. "Wicked," with its themes of challenging prejudice, should have been at the forefront of breaking these barriers—yet it lagged behind.

To truly appreciate the magnitude of this breakthrough, consider the history of Black actresses in theater. While there have been notable trailblazers—Audra McDonald, Heather Headley, and LaChanze, to name a few—Black women have historically been underrepresented in leading roles on Broadway, especially in productions that are not explicitly about Black experiences. By finally casting a Black actress as Elphaba, "Wicked" has taken a meaningful step forward, but it’s a step that feels long overdue.

Representation on stage matters deeply. For young Black girls who see themselves in Elphaba’s struggles and triumphs, this casting decision is more than a milestone—it’s a message that they, too, can be powerful, complex, and worthy of being the star. However, representation should not come as an afterthought or a reaction to societal pressure; it should be a fundamental principle baked into the creative process from the start.

The timing of this casting also coincides with a broader reckoning in the entertainment industry. In the wake of movements like Black Lives Matter and ongoing discussions about racial equity, many institutions are being forced to confront their histories of exclusion and tokenism. For "Wicked," casting a Black Elphaba is a step in the right direction, but it should also spark introspection about why it took so long and how the production can continue to foster inclusivity in the future.

Looking ahead, the theater industry must ensure that this casting is not an isolated incident but part of a sustained commitment to diversity. It’s not enough to celebrate a single milestone; there must be a systemic shift that allows performers of all backgrounds to bring their unique talents and perspectives to iconic roles. Theater is, after all, a mirror to society. To truly reflect the richness and diversity of the world we live in, its stages must be just as inclusive.

As "Wicked" embarks on this new chapter, audiences have an opportunity to witness a moment of overdue progress. Let us applaud this historic casting while also holding the industry accountable to ensure that the magic of representation doesn’t take another 20 years to manifest. In the words of Elphaba herself, it’s time to defy gravity—and the limits of outdated traditions—once and for all.