Brittney Johnson Makes History As First Glinda of Color in Wicked On Broadway #BlackGlinda

Brittney Johnson

Last night, January 10, 2019, Brittney Johnson (Les Mis, Motown, Beautiful) stepped on to the stage at the Gershwin Theatre and made history as the first Black woman, or any woman of color for that matter, to play Glinda in Wicked the musical on Broadway.

The announcement of Johnson joining the company as a member of the ensemble and the understudy for Glinda elated friends and fans back in June of 2018. However, no one knew exactly when she’d be taking the stage as Glinda. Shortly before the show yesterday she took to her Instagram and let the world know “Simply Grateful. See you at 7! #BlackGlinda”

It seems unreal that after 15 years of the musical Wicked on Broadway not one woman of color has been appointed to the leading role in the zany world of Oz until now. Congratulations to Brittney Johnson for knocking down that door with incredible tone, skill, and grace. Take a look at the behind the scenes photos and video of the magical occasion!

The Broadway company currently includes Jessica Vosk as Elphaba, Katie Rose Clarke as Glinda, Nancy Opel as Madame Morrible, Kevin Chamberlin as The Wizard, Ryan McCartan as Fiyero, Jamie Jackson as Doctor Dillamond, Kristen Martin as Nessarose, and Jesse JP Johnson as Boq.