Wicked's Chait Recovering from Minor Stroke

Wicked cast member Melissa Bell Chait had a minor stroke at 3am onTuesday, March 9. She returned home from the hospital today; her speech is not impaired and doctors are expecting a full recovery. "She is happy," a production spokesperson told Broadway.com. "She has been talking with friends and vocalizing."

Chait, the wife of Urban Cowboy star Marcus Chait, is in the Wicked ensemble and serves as an understudy for Kristin Chenoweth's Glinda, a role she played for several performances early in the show's Broadway run. Her other Broadway credits include Titanic, Grease, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Thoroughly Modern Millie. She also originated the role of Kate McGowan in the first national tour of Titanic and the role of Ariele in the world premiere of Maury Yeston's In the Beginning.

Chait is expected to be back in Wicked in "a matter of weeks," according to the spokesperson.