Fashion How Brittney Johnson, Broadway's First Black Glinda, Got Ready for Her 'Wicked' Debut By InStyle Editors InStyle Editors Instagram Twitter InStyle's mantra is "Everybody's in," and that means anyone who finds their way to our stories should find themselves reflected in them. We prioritize bringing the right writer to every story and sometimes collaborate as a team to ensure we're including points of view across race, gender expression, body size, skin and hair type, and more. Our editors and writers comprise decades of expertise across the beauty, fashion, lifestyle and wellness spaces in print and digital. We prioritize journalistic integrity, factual accuracy, and also having fun with every story we share. For more about our team, click here. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on February 16, 2022 @ 11:30AM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Brittney Johnson/ InStyle Although Broadway's first production of Wicked premiered back in 2003, 19 years later, the show continues to make headlines and have historical moments. We squealed with glee upon learning that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo would star in the movie version of the musical, and looked on in awe as Carla Stickler filled in as Elphaba during a recent COVID surge — 7 years after leaving the role and becoming a software engineer. Now, all eyes are on Brittney Johnson, Broadway's first Black Glinda, who took over the role on Feb. 14, to a thunderous welcome from the crowd. Johnson had been an understudy for Glinda since 2019, and previously appeared on Broadway in Les Misérables and the Carole King musical after making her debut in 2014 as an ensemble star in Motown. However, Wicked had been her ultimate goal since graduating from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, and even though, as she recently told The Hollywood Reporter, it took some time to even land an audition, she never gave up on that dream. Clearly, her perseverance paid off. So this role is a longtime coming, and a hot ticket for theater fans and visitors to NYC, alike. But, even if you can't take in the show at the Gershwin Theater, you can get a peek at the action. For her big debut, Johnson took InStyle behind the scenes, showing us how she preps for a performance and giving us a closer look at the costumes. Idina Menzel Thinks She Should Have Been Lea Michele's Sister on Glee — Not Her Mom 01 of 13 How She Starts the Day Jenny Anderson "I like to start my day in meditation and prayer. When I have a lot on my mind, I'll do a brain purge into my journal. I think it's nice to take a moment to be still and remember what you're grateful for before the day begins — especially a busy day like today!" 02 of 13 Taking Some Time for Fitness Jenny Anderson "I love to lift weights at the gym! Being strong and pushing my body beyond what it was capable of even the day before is so empowering to me." 03 of 13 Taking Some Time for Fitness Jenny Anderson Her Broadway bootcamp continues. 04 of 13 Her Pre-Show Outfit Jenny Anderson "Usually, I wear something comfortable and ride my bike to the theatre. But today, I pulled out all the stops!" 05 of 13 An Iconic Moment Jenny Anderson "I got to the theatre early so that I could take my time getting ready and I was overwhelmed seeing my photo outside for the first time! This is a moment I have dreamed about for many, many years!" 06 of 13 A Sweet Family Shot Jenny Anderson "My family came up from Maryland and Virginia to support me!" 07 of 13 Smiles All Around Jenny Anderson "My boyfriend and my best friend were with me all day taking care of me, making sure I had everything I needed so that I could be as relaxed as possible for my big day." 08 of 13 The Getting Ready Process Jenny Anderson "Once I get to my dressing room, it's time to get ready for the show! A lot of people don't know this, but most Broadway performers do our own makeup. It took me a few times to perfect it, but I'm pretty good now if I do say so myself. Haha! I like to warm up my voice while I put on my makeup." 09 of 13 Time to Get Dressed Jenny Anderson "Putting on this legendary dress and crown is when it all feels real, and I start to really get in the zone." 10 of 13 That Pre-Show Feeling Jenny Anderson "It's not so much a 'nervous' feeling [before the show], but more of a focused preparation for the epic story we're about to tell!" 11 of 13 A Quick Change Jenny Anderson "My amazing dresser Tracey is LITERALLY the glue that holds me together during a show. Not only does she make sure that I make all my quick changes, but she is with me the entire show taking complete care of me. My show cannot happen without her!" 12 of 13 A Closer Look at the Costumes Jenny Anderson "One of my favorite costumes in the show is this one that I wear at the top of Act 2. The updo with the fascinator hat, and the cute little bustle behind me make me feel so flirty and feminine!" 13 of 13 After the Show "Today was such an incredible day. I'll never forget it as long as I live. I got to share this historic moment with the people that I love and I am so grateful. I simply 'couldn't be happier!' I hope to see you at the Gershwin Theatre soon! I'll be the one in the bubble."