London Elphaba Kerry Ellis Headed to Broadway in Wicked

London star Kerry Ellis will be the next Elphaba in the Broadway company of Wicked. Ellis, who is currently starring in the London production of the hit musical at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, will begin performances at the Gershwin Theatre on June 17. Her final London performance will be on June 7, but she will return to the British production "later in the year," according to a news release.

Ellis was the first British actress to play Elphaba following Idina Menzel, who opened in the London production.

Based on Gregory Maguire's bestselling novel, Wicked tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz. The Broadway company currently features Stephanie J. Block as Elphaba and Annaleigh Ashford as Glinda, with David Burnham, Cristy Candler, Logan Lipton, Miriam Margolyes, Stephen Skybell and Lenny Wolpe.

Ellis has appeared on the London stage in My Fair Lady, We Will Rock You, Miss Saigon and Les Miserables. She will play Svetlana opposite Menzel, Josh Groban and Adam Pascal in two concerts of Chess, to be held at London's Royal Albert Hall on May 12 and 13. Ellis is currently working on her debut album for release later this year.