In a heartwarming moment that captured the essence of family and theatre, Broadway star Jordan Litz recently concluded his impressive run as Fiyero in the acclaimed musical “Wicked.” His daughter, two-year-old Greta, made a memorable appearance at one of his final performances, marking a significant milestone in both their lives.
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Litz, who has set a record as the longest-running Fiyero, took his final bow on March 1, finishing a remarkable total of 1,712 performances. His daughter Greta, in attendance with her mother, Julie Litz, provided a source of both excitement and nervousness for the seasoned performer. Ahead of the show, Jordan thoughtfully crafted letters to the audience seated next to his daughter to convey the significance of the night.
“Fellow Ozian, this is my daughter Greta’s first Broadway show, first time seeing me perform, and my last weekend playing Fiyero on Broadway!” Jordan wrote, expressing his gratitude for the patience exhibited by fellow theatre-goers as his daughter experienced this milestone.
What transpired during the show surpassed the expectations of both parents. From the very start of the production, Greta was captivated by the performance. “From the downbeat of the overture, she was locked in,” Litz remarked. Even when offered snacks by her mother, Greta remained focused on the stage, pushing away the treats in her enthusiasm to watch the unfolding drama.
The young audience member made it through the entirety of the first act before successfully staying engaged through the second act. However, the emotional weight of having his daughter in the audience almost affected Litz’s performance. “As they rolled me out for my entrance as Fiyero, I almost forgot my lines because I was just thinking about her watching me,” he confessed, highlighting the balance between his stage duties and paternal pride.
A delightful surprise came amidst the performance when Jordan heard a familiar voice calling out from the audience. “I heard a small little voice about 15 rows back that said, ‘Hey, that’s Elphie hat! Elphie hat!’ and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s Greta, yep. Here we go,’” he recollected, reflecting the joy of having his daughter part of this special occasion.
Before the curtain rose, Greta was treated to a memorable experience backstage, where she interacted with her father’s fellow performers. She met actress Allie Trimm, who plays Glinda, and after the performance, had the chance to greet Lencia Kebede, who portrays Elphaba. As a special touch, Greta donned a custom black frock, designed by the show’s costume designer in homage to the iconic Wicked Witch.
Despite the excitement, Greta seemed to tire by the time the celebration was over. By car, as they headed home to reunite with her baby sister Charlotte, she fell asleep, undoubtedly dreaming of the dazzling world of Oz.
Jordan took to Instagram to share the touching experience, stating, “Getting to perform for her just once was a dream come true and my new favourite moment of this entire journey,” adding that while Greta may not remember the night, it would remain etched in his and Julie’s memory as one of the most beautiful nights of their lives.
Prior to his poignant farewell as Fiyero, Litz made headlines for completing the New York City Marathon earlier last November, only to then perform in two shows of “Wicked” on the same day.
Jordan Litz’s departure from “Wicked” not only marks an end to a significant chapter in his career but also highlights the intertwined nature of family and profession in the world of theatre. With Greta’s enchanting presence in the audience, their journey together has become a story worth sharing, proving that the allure of Broadway can create lasting memories for both performers and their loved ones.