Podcast Summary: Celebrating The Magic of 'Wicked'!
Podcast: The Broadway Show: Uncut
Date: December 18, 2025
Host: Tamsen Fadal, with Paul Wontorek & guest correspondents
Guests: Jenna (plays Nessarose), Ally Trim (Glinda)
Theme: An in-depth celebration of "Wicked" on Broadway—its legacy, inclusion, and the impact of authentic representation both on stage and within the company.
Episode Overview
This episode dives into the sustained cultural impact of "Wicked," highlighting its ongoing Broadway run, the hit movie adaptation, and the fresh perspectives brought by its current stars. The show celebrates inclusion with interviews featuring Jenna (the first ambulatory wheelchair user to play Nessarose) and Ally Trim (current Glinda), covering backstage realities, personal journeys, Broadway accessibility, and the power of visibility on stage.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Home, Decompression, and Life off Stage
(00:32–02:13)
- Jenna shares the importance of a restorative home environment, given the high-energy demands of performing in "Wicked."
- Needs a comfortable couch and cherished art—especially pieces acquired during travels and as Valentine's gifts from her husband.
- Post-show ritual: enjoying a brownie in silence, without TV or music, to decompress.
- Quote (01:46): “Wicked is like the most sensory overload place you could ever be... So I really love my drive home, partly because it gives me a chance to kind of zen out, calm down a little bit.”
2. Representation & Inclusion as Nessarose
(02:13–10:53)
- Jenna is the first ambulatory wheelchair user to play Nessarose—an authentic casting that has only recently occurred on Broadway.
- She reflects on never planning for a Broadway career but following opportunities as they arose.
- Deep gratitude for being included and welcomed into major companies, both in "Wicked" and "Suffs."
- Quote (03:36): “I am as shocked as anybody to have now had two shows on Broadway. It feels so natural… also feels so comfortable. It feels like home.”
Navigating Accessibility and Accommodations
(04:11–11:49)
- Explains the process of advocating for her specific needs, highlighting that accessibility is not binary but a spectrum.
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) sets a minimum standard, but each individual needs unique accommodations.
- Dressing room relocated to avoid unsustainable stair use.
- Adapted stage choreography, particularly for curtain calls, where Jenna uses her personal wheelchair.
- Quote (10:07): “The curtain calls are so fast on Broadway... so I was like, hey, would it be possible for me to do the curtain call in my personal wheelchair?... it started off as an access need, but I also find it really beautiful for the storytelling…”
Backstage Camaraderie and the "Wicked" Family
- Strong bond with cast and crew—warm, vibrant backstage environment, no sense of jadedness despite long run.
- Quote (12:38): “I am obsessed with our company. Like, completely obsessed... it really does feel like a family. It's a very happy, positive backstage experience.”
3. Making Theaters Truly Accessible
(13:35–19:58)
- Comparison of working at the Gershwin (modern, large, somewhat accessible) vs. the Music Box (older, tiny, adapted for accessibility for "Suffs").
- Small changes (ramp, dressing room changes) benefitted everyone, not just Jenna.
- Example: added bathroom on deck level became universally helpful.
- Quote (15:58): “You can take a building 100 years old that completely predates even a glimmer of the Americans with Disabilities act... and make it a completely accessible experience.”
4. Jenna's Personal Journey with Disability
(16:40–26:59)
- Became disabled after an accident at 16 months, but never received a clear diagnosis.
- Learned to embrace her disability, viewing it as a beautiful, integral part of her life.
- “Disability is not something we should be scared of. It's something we should plan for because it is inevitable.” (18:38)
- Early theatrical experiences in Colorado with inclusive companies—especially Family Theatre Company—which shaped her confidence and skills.
- Played many iconic roles, both in and out of her wheelchair, and valued companies willing to adapt for her.
- Discusses the gradual adoption of her wheelchair as a tool for agency and accessibility, not just a last resort.
5. Social Media Advocacy & "Roles That Are Better Disabled"
(27:04–30:05)
- Jenna uses platforms to educate on fashion ("Does it sit?") and disability in casting ("Roles That Are Better Disabled").
- Raises awareness of practical and narrative value of seeing disabled people in leading roles.
- Example: Argued why Cinderella and the Prince could richly be played by disabled actors.
- Quote (29:17): “She sings ‘in my own little corner, in my own little chair, I can be whatever I want to be.’ I love the idea of it being her wheelchair.”
6. ConsultAbility – Building More Inclusive Theater Spaces
(30:05–40:00)
- Jenna and her husband-turned-business-partner Paul operate ConsultAbility, a 501c3 providing consulting for accessible theatre design.
- Services:
- On-site analysis identifying immediate and long-term accessibility improvements.
- Action plans for renovations, and training for staff on inclusion.
- Their toolkit developed from real, lived experience, and knowledge of both expensive and simple fixes.
- Quote (37:40): “You physically cannot open that (step trash can) unless you step on it, right? So that's a problem... Just remove the lid. That's free.”
7. Impact and the Power of Representation
(40:00–44:22)
- Jenna receives regular affirmation from disabled audience members about the power of seeing themselves represented.
- Her presence helps normalize disability in theater and beyond.
- “Disability becomes so normalized on stage and on screen, that they start to accept it more for themselves.” (42:20)
- Hopes to continue performing, advocate for disabled stories, and educate about the still-recent history of the ADA and the ongoing need for advocacy.
8. Practical Accessibility—Getting to Broadway
(44:22–48:45)
- Details the challenge of finding wheelchair-accessible, affordable NYC housing.
- Accessibility is often a ‘luxury’ amenity in NYC real estate.
- Jenna commutes from Westchester, driving herself—a necessity due to unreliable accessible transit and limitations of subway infrastructure.
- “Only 30% of the subways are wheelchair accessible. I think it might be less than that.” (45:57)
- For work, contracts for "Suffs" and "Wicked" included parking accommodations.
- Reflects on the privilege and surreal experience of being part of the “Wicked” legacy.
9. Ally Trim—Becoming Glinda and Passing the Torch
(48:52–59:15)
- Ally Trim shares the personal and professional thrill of playing Glinda, the role’s rich history, and the sense of being part of a living legacy.
- Costume pieces tie her to every Glinda before her: “I can see that I’m wearing Megan Hilty’s corset and Katie Rose Clark’s Act 2 skirt...” (52:45)
- Ally’s own “Stage Door Story”:
- Childhood idol Kendra Kassebaum invited her backstage and profoundly inspired her career path. Ally now pays it forward with flower barrettes for her own young fans.
- Quote (57:42, Ally): “She galindified us... and that has stuck with me throughout my whole life and my career in terms of what I want to bring to any place that I work.”
- Unique full-circle moments: sharing the role’s legacy and reconnecting with Ariana Grande, with whom she debuted on Broadway in "13".
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Jenna: "Access is a universal need, and we all have things that we need to do our jobs well." (05:48)
- Jenna: "My disability has led me to every beautiful thing in my life.” (18:38)
- Paul Wontorek: "You just cannot always stage door. But as a child, I was like, we're waiting. She has to leave at some point." (55:18)
- Ally Trim: "To be a part of a legacy or to be like a step in a lineage feels really special." (52:05)
- Jenna: "Every single night, there are people at the show who have disabilities who tell me how important it is for them to feel represented on that stage..." (40:27)
- Jenna: "Disability is not something we should be scared of. It's something we should plan for because it is inevitable." (18:38)
- Ally (about her first Glinda): "She galindified us. And she put glitter on my eyes, and she let me hold her wand. And just... I remember thinking, like, oh, my gosh, like, I’m in Wicked right now, and I’m 11 years old..." (57:30)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:32–02:13: Jenna on home comfort and post-show rituals.
- 02:46–04:44: Jenna's unexpected path to Broadway and reflection on company inclusion.
- 04:45–10:53: Inclusion, backstage accommodations, and the reality of accessibility in "Wicked."
- 12:08–13:35: Meeting Marissa Boddy (Nesss in film); company camaraderie.
- 14:00–16:40: Adapting historic theaters and universal benefit of access improvements.
- 16:45–19:58: Early life, disability origin, and finding self-reliance.
- 20:21–26:59: Discovering inclusive theater, roles before Broadway, and evolution of wheelchair use.
- 27:12–30:05: Social media advocacy – "Does it sit?" and "Roles That Are Better Disabled."
- 30:12–40:00: ConsultAbility—advocacy, practical solutions for theater accessibility.
- 40:27–44:22: The ripple effect of visibility, audience reactions, future hopes.
- 44:32–48:45: NYC accessibility, housing, Jenna’s commute.
- 48:52–54:08: Ally Trim’s journey, the literal and figurative Glinda legacy.
- 55:04–59:15: Ally’s “Kendra Kassebaum” story, paying it forward, and Broadway friendships.
Final Thoughts
This episode delivers an insightful and moving celebration of "Wicked’s" enduring magic—from groundbreaking disability representation to the emotional heritage of key roles like Glinda. The interviews both highlight progress and gently push for deeper inclusion, offering honest, optimistic perspectives on how the arts can reflect—and mold—a more accessible world for all.