Boots worn by Idina Menzel as Elphaba in Wicked thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Boots worn by Idina Menzel as Elphaba in Wicked

Theatre Costume
2003 (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown (makers)
Place of origin
New York (made)

These boots were made for the actress Idina Menzel (b.1971) for her role as Elphaba in the original Broadway production of Wicked that opened at New York's Gershwin Theatre, 30 October 2003, and were worn by her in the London transfer that opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, 27 September 2006. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, Wicked is based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, an alternative adult perspective on the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, and Frank Baum's original 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.


Object details

Categories
Entertainment & Leisure
Theatre
Theatre Costume
Footwear
Object type
Theatre costume
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.
(Some alternative part names are also shown below)
  • Theatre Costume
  • Theatre Costume
  • Theatre Costume
  • Theatre Costume
TitleBoots worn by Idina Menzel as Elphaba in Wicked (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Leather with rubber soles
Leather
Rubber
Shoe-Making
Brief description
Boots worn by Idina Menzel as Elphaba in the original production of Wicked, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman, Gershwin Theatre, New York Apollo Victoria Theatre, 30th October 2003, and in the London transfer, Apollo Theatre Victoria, 27th September 2006. Designed by Susan Hilferty
Physical description
Pair of laced leather ankle boots with rubber soles.
Dimensions
  • Length: 33.5cm
  • Width: 8cm
  • Shoe size: 9.5 (USA)
Gallery label
  • Re:Imagining Musicals, 15 October 2022 - 4 February 2024 Costume for Elphaba in Wicked 2006 Currently the fifth longest running musical on Broadway, Wicked explores the relationship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Good Witch Glinda. Designer Susan Hilferty took the land and sky as metaphors for the ‘friends’. Elphaba’s dress was inspired by coal and mica, with layers of fabric and gems resembling a cross-section of rock. The canonical silhouette makes her appear constantly rooted to the ground. Designed by Susan Hilferty Bodice and skirt: Sewn, beaded and painted mixed fabrics including lace, lurex, net, velvet, satin, cotton, cotton braid, chenille, chiffon and organza. Wig: synthetic hair on net base Museum nos. S.502:1 to 3, 503, 504:1 to 2-2016 Given by Wicked London Productions Ltd(2022)
  • Costume – Hat and boots Wicked 2003 Made for Idina Menzel as Elphaba for the original Broadway production, 2003 and worn by her in the 2006 London transfer. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, Wicked is based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, an alternative adult perspective on the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz and Frank Baum’s original 1900 novel. Designed by Susan Hilferty Gershwin Theatre, & Apollo Victoria Theatre Given by Wicked London Productions Ltd. S.503-2016; S.504:1&2-2016 Label for complete costume, T&P Gallery rotation, 2022: COSTUME FOR ELPHABA IN WICKED 2003 and 2006 Stephen Schwartz’s musical Wicked opened on Broadway in 2003 and transferred to London in 2006. Idina Menzel wore the hat and boots of this costume in New York and London. The bodice and skirt were worn by Menzel’s ‘standby’, Kerry Ellis, in London. A standby in musical theatre must always be ready to play the role whenever necessary. Ellis took over the role in 2007. Designed by Susan Hilferty Cotton, satin, lace, Lurex, net, velvet, cotton braid, chenille, chiffon, organza and synthetic hair (costume), cotton rep (hat), leather (boots) Given by Wicked London Productions Ltd. Museum nos. S.502:1 to 3-2016, S.503-2016, S.504:1, 2-2016(29/09/2016)
Credit line
Given by Wicked London Productions Ltd.
Summary
These boots were made for the actress Idina Menzel (b.1971) for her role as Elphaba in the original Broadway production of Wicked that opened at New York's Gershwin Theatre, 30 October 2003, and were worn by her in the London transfer that opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, 27 September 2006. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, Wicked is based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, an alternative adult perspective on the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, and Frank Baum's original 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Collection
Theatre and Performance Collection
Accession number
S.504:1, 2-2016

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Record createdMay 25, 2016
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1356490/boots-worn-by-idina-menzel-theatre-costume-unknown/
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