BroadwayWorld has learned that tonight Brittney Johnson makes her Glinda debut in WICKED on Broadway, becoming the first actress of color to play the part in an English-language production of the show.

It was announced back in June that Johnson would be joining the Broadway company as a member of the ensemble and as a Glinda understudy.

Johnson took to Instagram at the time to share the news and her excitement, writing:

"I am beyond humbled and elated to announce that I am joining the Broadway Company of Wicked! I am a member of the fearless and fabulous Ensemble, and I understudy GLINDA!

I cannot begin to explain what it feels like to even be able to write those words.

The magnitude of this moment in history continues to sneak up on me in waves of gratitude and I am truly at a loss for words. I am just so honored, grateful, and I feel so blessed. And EXCITED! God is so good!

This is 15 year old me's (un)attainable dream coming true! I feel like I'm having an out of body experience, and I'm so excited to share this blessing with all of you, spread this hope around, and encourage all of your dreams!"

The Broadway company currently includes Jessica Vosk as Elphaba, Katie Rose Clarke as Glinda, Nancy Opel as Madame Morrible, Kevin Chamberlin as The Wizard, Ryan McCartan as Fiyero, Jamie Jackson as Doctor Dillamond, Kristen Martin as Nessarose, and Jesse JP Johnson as Boq.

The Broadway sensation Wicked looks at what happened in the Land of Oz...but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships...until the world decides to call one "good," and the other one "wicked."

My heart is bursting with gratitude. Thank you, thank you! God is so good! I am so humbled to be the first Black Glinda and honored to fulfill the dreams and hopes of so many! I feel like my feet have yet to touch down. The importance of this moment in history is... pic.twitter.com/503uPIAq1O - Brittney Johnson (@sunnybrittney) January 11, 2019 only amplified by the message of this beautiful show: Love, friendship, and kindness are stronger than any division caused by a fear of "otherness". Love can break down barriers to change the world. I'm so grateful to the Wicked team for trusting me to tell this story... - Brittney Johnson (@sunnybrittney) January 11, 2019 And no dream is too big. I'm living proof! I'm going to keep dreaming big and working hard to continue breaking down doors so that Everyone who wants to has a chance to walk through! Let's do it again tonight! See you at 8! All my love, Brittney - Brittney Johnson (@sunnybrittney) January 11, 2019

Photo: Brittney Johnson on Instagram

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