Fans Name Original Star Idina Menzel Wicked's Most 'Popular' Elphaba

As Wicked celebrated its seventh Broadway anniversary on October 30, Broadway.com asked readers to vote for their favorite of the 11 actresses who have taken the Gershwin Theatre stage to play green-toned leading lady, Elphaba. In what became our most "popular" weekly poll ever, the show's original star, Idina Menzel, soared to first place. Menzel, winner of a Best Actress Tony Award for creating the role of Elphaba, dominated the poll by pulling in 43% of votes.

Grabbing the runner-up spot was Eden Espinosa, with 14% of votes. Espinosa was a member of the original Wicked cast as a standby for Menzel. She took on the role in 2004 during Menzel's brief leave of absence and went on star in the show's first national tour, then returned to Broadway to take over full time in January 2006.

Following closely in third place came Stephanie J. Block with 13% of votes. Block played the role of Elphaba during Wicked's first readings, headlined the national tour, then flew onto Broadway in 2007.

Thanks for voting!