The Green Girls are making good in the world of Broadway, as three women who have portrayed the iconic character Elphaba in “Wicked” have picked up Tony nominations.
Shoshana Bean, who took on the role in 2005, received a nomination for best featured actress for her performance in “Hell’s Kitchen.” This marks her second Tony nomination, as she was also recognized in 2022 for her role in “Mr. Saturday Night.”
Eden Espinosa, who succeeded Bean as Elphaba in 2006, was nominated for best leading actress for her portrayal of an artistically and sexually adventurous painter in “Lempicka.”
Lindsay Mendez, who became Elphaba in 2013, scored a nomination for best featured actress for her role in the hit revival of “Merrily We Roll Along.”
For those unfamiliar with the character, Elphaba is the Wicked Witch of the West in the musical “Wicked,” which provides an imagined backstory for the character from “The Wizard of Oz.”
The role of Elphaba is known for requiring a powerful belt, with the iconic song “Defying Gravity” showcasing the actress’s vocal prowess.
Meanwhile, “Wicked” is set to hit the big screen, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande taking on the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. The highly anticipated film is scheduled for release in November.
With such talented actresses taking on the role of Elphaba, it’s no wonder that “Wicked” continues to be a beloved and successful production on Broadway.
