WICKED to welcome it’s first trans actor!

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 9/25/19 at 7:25pm

TRANSPARENT star Alexandra Billings is due to take on the role of Madame Morrible from January 20. Billings is noted for being the first trans actor to play a trans role on TV as well as being the first trans actor to originate a role on Broadway when she starred in THE NAP.
As an actress who is trans, living with HIV and a POC this casting is a huge step forward for the queer community. Personally, Im incredibly excited for her and what this means.

http://www.playbill.com/article/transparent-star-alexandra-billings-will-join-broadway-cast-of-wicked

[MollyJeanneMusic]

Posted: 9/25/19 at 7:44pm

This is awesome news!  I was wondering if there were any awkward optics considering the casting of Alexandra as one of the more obvious "villains" in Wicked, or if it's just a great step forward despite that.  I'm cisgender, so I wanted to know the opinion of people actually in the trans community.

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 9/25/19 at 8:34pm

MollyJeanneMusic said: "This is awesome news! I was wondering if there were any awkward optics considering the casting of Alexandra as one of the more obvious "villains" in Wicked, or if it's just a great step forward despite that. I'm cisgender, so I wanted to know the opinion of people actually in the trans community."

I can’t imagine so. Morrible is such a delicious villain who we love to hate. She looks fabulous while doing awful things! It’s not the same as casting a black actor as Judd Fry. I think it’s wonderful casting. 

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 9/26/19 at 12:03am

This casting is inspired, and I'm so excited for Alex.  I've been a huge fan since her days in Chicago killing it in Vampire Lesbians of Sodom back in 1990.  She's an amazingly funny actress, and I hope some of that comes through in Wicked. Guess I'll need to drag myself back to Wicked next year...

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 9/26/19 at 1:08am

I follow her on IG and that’s how I found out she’d been cast. I’m so incredibly excited for her!

[quizking101]

Posted: 9/26/19 at 5:44am

After refusing to see Wicked for decades, I may have to finally go see this.

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 9/26/19 at 9:05am

If only she could play Morrible as Katherine Hepburn!  If you're not familiar with Alex, do yourself a favor and check out Katie's Corner How to Make Pumpkin Pancakes . She's a nut, in the best way.

[BenjaminNicholas2]

Posted: 9/26/19 at 1:38pm

I love Billings.  I couldn't care less about the trans-aspect to the show.

She'll be great! :)

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 9/26/19 at 1:56pm

Wonderful casting! Ive been anxious for my first return trip to Oz after seeing the show for the first time 5 or 6 years ago, looks like my time has come. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 10:02pm

Alexandra’s first performance is tomorrow’s (Monday) matinee. Looking forward to hearing reports. Anyone going tomorrow or this week? I’m considering adding this to my next work trip (probably in February). Wicked is probably my second favorite musical (behind Hamilton) and one of the ones I’ve seen the most (five times, second only to seeing Hamilton six times). However, I’ve only seen it on tour and never been tempted to see it on Broadway because I’ve felt the touring productions to be so complete. However, the casting of Billings (who I loved in Transparent and I follow on IG) is enticing me. Plus Ginna Claire Mason (who I saw and loved the last three times) as Glinda is another strong draw.

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 10:30pm

Miles Go!! First, the show is more “built out” in the Gershwin than it would be on tour! Plus the Gershwin is the home to all the Broadway Hall of Fame stuff and it’s just a fun experience on Broadway! (But like you, I’ve seen the show in Chicago, NYC, and London).

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 10:40pm

SouthernCakes said: "Miles Go!! First, the show is more “built out” in the Gershwin than it would be on tour! Plus the Gershwin is the home to all the Broadway Hall of Fame stuff and it’s just a fun experience on Broadway! (But like you, I’ve seen the show in Chicago, NYC, and London). "

Thanks! A question: I notice Row D Center Orchestra is $42 more than the seats in the center rows before and $52 more than most of the rest of the Orchestra. Any reason why? Is the stage built high or something? 

[suicidalmickeymouse]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 10:59pm

miles, I sat second row center twice last year and loved it. The stage isn’t too tall for the second row so I think any front to frontish center orch seat will be a fabulous view.

[hayleyann]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 11:14pm

quizking101 said: "After refusing to see Wicked for decades, I may have to finally go see this."

Why refuse to see it? Just curious. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 11:54pm

Miles, you must see it on Broadway. As mentioned, it is more built out in The Gershwin. I have seen it on tour twice but really want to see it again on Broadway again.

[magictodo123]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 4:56am

I’m so excited to see her next Friday!

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 1:13pm

I assumed with her college teaching obligations in California, this might be a limited run for her, but I don’t see any reference to that. Is this an open run?

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 6:29pm

Miles2Go2 said: "I assumed with her college teaching obligations in California, this might be a limited run for her, but I don’t see any reference to that. Is this an open run? "

She’s in the show through August. She told me herself. 
 

Did anyone see her first performance? 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 10:41pm

https://www.instagram.com/stories/therealalexandrabillings/