Nessarose – Originated by Michelle Federer
Michelle Federer-Butz’s biggest claim to fame is from playing Elphaba’s wheelchair-bound younger sister Wicked. She has not done overly much since then, though she has had recurring roles on Smash and New Amsterdam. In 2007, she proved that Nessa truly won Fiyero’s heart when she married fellow cast member Butz.
While a smaller part, Nessa plays a pivotal role in Elphaba’s journey more than once. Zendaya has proven multiple times – see The Greatest Showman and Spider-Man: Homecoming – that she does not need a lot of the script to make an impact. Also, with her Emmy-winning role in Euphoria, Zendaya has shown she has what it takes for Nessa’s decline in the second act.
Thinking of the purity and happiness in act one Nessa, Supergirl star Melissa Benoist easily comes to mind. She has a theatre background – starring in Glee on television and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on Broadway – and could easily handle the two sides of Nessa’s personality.
What would be amazing though would be to see an actual wheelchair-bound actress take on the role. Tony Award-winner Ali Stroker (Oklahoma) would be perfect, though parts in act two may make her confinement an issue.
