West End theatre star Rachel Tucker is to join the Broadway cast of Wicked this autumn, leading the New York production of the hit musical as misunderstood witch Elphaba.
The star of the London stage, who holds the record for the most consecutive performances in the West End’s production of the Olivier Award-winning musical, dons the iconic green make up for the first time on the Great White Way on 15 September.
Tweeting about the announcement, the former I’d Do Anything contestant, who made her Broadway debut in Sting musical The Last Ship in 2014, said:
Totally delighted and thrilled that it’s now official! Thank u all for ur beautiful tweets of delight and support! Broadway here we come! ????
— Rachel Tucker (@racheltucker1) August 18, 2015
Excitement about the casting news is spreading faster than distrust of talking animals in Wicked’s magical world of Oz, with friends and colleagues sharing their support:
Huge congrats to the wonderful @racheltucker1 joining @WICKED_Musical ! Xx
— Willemijn Verkaik (@WVerkaik) August 18, 2015
@racheltucker1 congrats on the Broadway gig lovely! @WICKED_Musical are lucky to have you out there! ????????xx
— Michael Xavier (@michaelxavierUK) August 18, 2015
As Tucker heads to Broadway, American’s Tom McGowan heads in the opposite direction. The Frasier and Everyone Loves Raymond star, who first appeared in Wicked in 2009, will play The Wizard from 21 September. He joins a London cast led by Emma Hatton as Elphaba and Savannah Stevenson as Glinda.
Long running London favourite Wicked tells the Oz-set story of two very different magical students who meet at Shiz University, the green-skinned Elphaba and popular, blonde Galinda, following their surprising journey from unlikely roommates to two of Oz’s most powerful yet misunderstood figures.
Wicked is one of many shows currently taking part in Kids Week, our annual promotion offering one free child’s ticket with every full priced adult ticket purchased for performances in August. For more information visit the Kids Week website. Alternatively, for performances from September, or if you don’t have a child to take to Wicked, you can book tickets through us here.