Lencia Kebede, Wicked’s latest actor who stepped into the role of Elphaba, might be new to the cast, but she’s already making history.
The longstanding Broadway show has found its first full-time Black Elphaba in the Los Angeles native, and it’s an empowering start to Women’s History Month and conclusion to Black History Month in the theater world.
The 2016 Occidental College graduate originally had set her sights on a career in politics and international relations before she found her way to the stage. According to her alma mater, she starred in her school’s production of Hairspray in 2013 before taking her love of theater off-campus after graduation. She performed at Tokyo Disney, toured with Hamilton as Angelica Schuyler, and yes, found herself on stage with the queen — singing back-up for Beyonce’s Coachella rehearsals.
Now, following Cynthia Erivo’s footsteps in the 2024 Wicked film, Kebede is stepping into the sparkly shoes of one of Broadway’s most beloved characters, all while wearing her Ethiopian roots proudly.
“Everyone deserves a chance to fly,” she told The Associated Press. “I’m projecting this message that no matter who you are, what you look like, where you come from, you deserve liberation and you deserve empowerment in the way that the character feels in that moment. It just feels like I’m taking the entire audience in my arms.”
We can’t wait to meet our new Wicked Witch of the West. Get tickets for Wicked on Broadway to see Kebede shine in her new role. Be sure to check out great Off-Broadway performances as well.