It has been announced that Willemijn Verkaik will play her final performance as Elphaba in Wicked this Saturday 19th July 2014 at 7.30pm. She departs the production in order to have surgery to address an ongoing back condition.
Willemijn said: “To be given the chance to play Elphaba in four different countries is something I am incredibly grateful for. Now I have to cut my West End run short and it’s absolutely devastating to me. I’ve been fighting this injury for a few months but was determined not to let anything get in the way of my West End debut and certainly not wanting to disappoint the audiences. But I have to face the facts.
"I thank producers David Stone and Michael McCabe and our General Managers, Playful Productions, the cast and crew and all of you so much for all your support in this difficult time. I promise I’ll be back on stage soon, in better shape than ever!”
Original British Elphaba, Kerry Ellis, will return to the production from Monday 4th August for a limited season until Saturday 25th October 2014. Nikki Davis-Jones takes over as Elphaba at the Apollo Victoria Theatre from Monday 27th October 2014.
Michael McCabe, Executive Producer of Wicked, said: “We are all so sorry that Willemijn’s truly remarkable international journey with Wicked, that began in Germany in 2007, should end prematurely. It is only her extraordinary determination and professionalism that has enabled her to continue performing to date despite enduring extreme pain and discomfort.
"We are very grateful to her and pleased that many thousands of West End theatregoers did get the opportunity of seeing her wonderful performance as Elphaba since she joined the cast in November 2013. On behalf of the entire company, we wish Willemijn a full and speedy recovery. In the meantime, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome back the incredible Kerry Ellis to the role that won her awards both in the West End and on Broadway for a very special limited season.”
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