Shelley originated the role on Broadway and also appeared in the show's Chicago production. She received a Tony Award for her performance in The Elephant Man. Her other Broadway credits include Stepping Out, Noises Off, Cabaret, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, and the original production of The Odd Couple.

Based on Gregory Maguire's novel, Wicked features a score by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. The production is directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento.

The current cast of Wicked features Julia Murney (Elphaba), Kendra Kassebaum (Glinda), Lenny Wolpe (The Wizard), Sebastian Arcelus (Fiyero), Cristy Candler (Nessarose), Logan Lipton (Boq), and Steven Skybell (Dr. Dillamond).