From the most obvious to the most hidden, Wicked is packed with cameos that will delight fans of the original Broadway musical. While many theater lovers know the songs by heart, these subtle nods to the stage version might have slipped by unnoticed.
With the first part of Wicked already casting its spell, it’s time to dive into spoilers and uncover these nostalgic appearances. Here’s a guide to who made it into the film and where you can spot them!
Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel
Fans of the Broadway original will know that Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel originated the roles of Glinda and Elphaba.
In the film, the duo makes a special appearance during the Wiz-o-Mania sequence, a show-within-the-film that recounts the origins of the Emerald City. As Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) sing “One Short Day” upon arriving in the city, Chenoweth and Menzel appear as the Wiz-o-Mania headliners—a fitting tribute to their iconic roles.
Dana and Ceci de la Cueva
While not a visual cameo, it’s worth noting that the Spanish voices for Elphaba and Glinda were performed by Dana and Ceci de la Cueva, who portrayed the same characters in the Spanish-language production of Wicked 11 years ago.
Dana, often regarded as one of the top Elphaba performers in history, adds an extra layer of nostalgia for fans familiar with her celebrated portrayal.
More Hidden Broadway Cameos
The Wiz-o-Mania sequence is a treasure trove of Broadway legends making subtle appearances:
Kerry Ellis: A beloved Elphaba from 2006–2009 and 2014, she appears briefly during the musical scene.
Dianne Pilkington: Known for playing Glinda from 2007–2010, she also pops up in this sequence.
Michael McCorry Rose: One of the early Broadway Fiyeros lends his male vocals to “One Short Day.”
In another scene, during Glinda’s arrival at Shiz University, fans can spot Alice Fearn, who played Elphaba from 2017–2019, appearing as Glinda’s mother.
Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz
The creators of the Wicked musical also make cameos:
Winnie Holzman, co-writer of the musical and the film adaptations, sings a line in “One Short Day.”
Stephen Schwartz, the legendary composer and lyricist with six Tony Awards to his name, appears as the royal guard who announces Glinda and Elphaba’s arrival at the Wizard’s castle.
Wicked isn’t just a magical cinematic experience—it’s also a heartfelt homage to the original production and the talents that brought it to life. Now that you know where to look, it’s the perfect excuse to rewatch the film and spot these Broadway icons for yourself!
This article was originally written in Spanish by Alan Cruz in Cultura Colectiva
