Lencia Kebede will take over playing Elphaba on Broadway this spring, becoming the first Black actress to assume the role full time on Broadway. Kebede, who most recently played Angelica in the National Tour of Hamilton,

Wicked is getting a new Elphaba, and she’s about to make history: Lencia Kebede will be the first Black actress to assume the role full time in the Broadway company. Kebede, who recently starred in the touring company of Hamilton,

The Broadway production of “Wicked” has revealed two new lead performers. On March 4, Lencia Kebede will step into the role of Elphaba and Allie Trimm will take over the role of Glinda at the Gershwin Theatre. The pair will succeed Mary Kate Morrisey and Alexandra Socha, who will depart the musical on March 2.

Kebede takes on the role after Erivo starred as the green witch in the film adaptation. Erivo previously commented on the lack of Black actresses playing Elphaba in her 2024 ELLE cover story.