New York City
The original ”Dreamgirls” star is back on Broadway.
Original Dreamgirls Tony nominee Sheryl Lee Ralph joins the cast of Wicked beginning November 1, and the production has just released photos of the actress in costume as Madame Morrible.
Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones in Dreamgirls, opposite current The Color Purple star Jennifer Holliday. She returned to Broadway in 2002, originating the role of Muzzy Van Hossmere in the Tony-winning musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. Ralph takes over in Wicked for two-time Tony winner Judy Kaye, who gave her final performance on Sunday, October 30, at the Gershwin Theatre.
Based on the novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is set in the land of Oz and tells the story of young girls Glinda and Elphaba, who grow up to become Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West, respectively.
Featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, the production is directed by Joe Mantello with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. The show opened October 30, 2003, making it currently the 10th-longest-running production in Broadway history.