The Smithsonian Gets Wicked as Iconic Elphaba Costume Goes on Display

The blockbuster Broadway musical Wicked celebrated another landmark on December 17 when Tony winner Susan Hilferty’s gorgeous Elphaba costume was inducted into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Hilferty’s design joined pieces from the musicals Rent, Hello Dolly!, The King and I, Cats and The Lion King in the museum’s permanent entertainment collections. The dress, hat and broom that are featured in the current “American Stories” exhibit were originally made and worn on Broadway by actress Mandy Gonzalez. To commemorate the occasion, Broadway cast members Donna Vivino and Tiffany Haas sang selections from the show. In the photo above, Hilferty is joined by the acting director of the museum, Marc Pachter, and a sketch of the costume. If you are in the DC area check out the costume up close at the Smithsonian, and if you’re near NYC, don’t miss it live on stage at the Gershwin Theatre.