McKenzie Kurtz as Glinda
McKenzie Kurtz is an actress, singer and dancer. She played Glinda in the Broadway production of Wicked.
She made her Broadway debut as Anna in Frozen, replacing Patti Murin and most recently reprised the role in the National Tour alongside Caroline Bowman and Ryan McCartan.
Early life[]
Kurtz grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia. As a teenager, Kurtz was active in the theater program at Milton High School, playing Mary Poppins in the school's 2015 production of Mary Poppins. In 2015, Kurtz was also a finalist for a Jimmy Award. Kurtz is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.
Career[]
Kurtz played Ariel in a production of Footloose at The Muny directed by Christian Borle in 2019. In Kurtz's 2020 Broadway debut, she played the role of Anna in the musical Frozen opposite Ciara Renee as Elsa and Ryan McCartan as Hans. According to Kurtz, her initial audition for the role did not go well, but she was personally offered a second chance by Kristen Anderson-Lopez after the co-songwriter of Frozen saw her sing at a "Women of Broadway" concert. In 2021, Kurtz appeared in the ensemble of Annie Live! on NBC. In 2022, Kurtz originated the role of Penelope in the world premiere musical Trading Places at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. The production was directed by Kenny Leon. From March 17 to April 11, 2022, Kurtz reprised the role of Anna in the Frozen US national tour. During the tour, she reunited with McCartan, her Broadway Hans. In 2024, She is currently originating the role of Cassandra in the new musical The Heart of Rock and Roll alongside Corey Cott as Bobby, Kurtz's Wicked co-star John Dossett and former Fiyero, Billy Harrigan Tighe.
Wicked[]
Kurtz replaced Brittney Johnson as Glinda in the Broadway production of Wicked on February 14, 2023. She starred alongside Talia Suskauer and Alyssa Fox as Elphaba. Kurtz played her final performance in the role on March 3 alongside Alyssa Fox as Elphaba, and they were replaced by Mary Kate Morrissey as Elphaba and Alexandra Socha as Glinda.