Ailing Norbert Leo Butz Sidelined from Wicked

Wicked leading man Norbert Leo Butz is out of the hit musical for at least a week. Butz's absence is due to a recent aggravation of a previously existing back injury. According to a production spokesperson, Butz saw a doctor and believes a week of bed rest and physical therapy will help alleviate the problem. In the meantime, understudy Kristoffer Cusick will play the role of Fiyero.

Cusick is usually in the Wicked ensemble. He previously appeared on Broadway in Saturday Night Fever. His other theatrical credits include the first national tour of Rent.

Butz is the second Wicked principle to miss a series of performances since the show opened on October 30. Acclaimed star Kristin Chenoweth was out most of last week with a cold.

Wicked continues to star Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Joel Grey, Carole Shelley, Michelle Federer, William Youmans and Christopher Fitzgerald.