Taye Diggs Recalls Hilarious Onstage Mishap While Performing in “Wicked ”with Ex-Wife Idina Menzel: ‘Everybody Laughed’ (Exclusive)

Taye Diggs, a familiar face on the Broadway stage, recently recounted a humorous incident from his time in the musical Wicked during an interview at the opening night of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. Diggs joined the cast of Wicked in December 2003, playing the role of Fiyero alongside his then-wife, Idina Menzel, who portrayed Elphaba.

Reflecting on his time in the production, Diggs shared a particularly memorable mishap that left the audience in stitches. He recalled an instance where he was meant to swing onto the stage and toss a broomstick to Menzel. However, the execution did not go as planned. “I threw the broomstick and it almost went offstage,” Diggs said, noting the stunned reactions from both Menzel and the audience. The blunder turned into a moment of comedy, as laughter erupted throughout the theatre. “I will never forget that,” he added, encapsulating the joy of performing alongside his wife.

Diggs’s journey to Broadway began in 1994 when he joined the ensemble cast of the revival of Carousel. However, it was his role as Benjamin Coffin III in the original production of Rent that truly catapulted him to stardom, opening numerous doors in both television and film. His temporary stint in Wicked was necessitated by the departure of Norbert Leo Butz, who had to take a leave due to a back injury.

The original cast of Wicked also featured notable actors such as Kristin Chenoweth, who played Glinda, as well as Joel Grey and Carole Shelley in pivotal roles. The production has since become a beloved staple of American theatre, drawing audiences with its fantastical storyline and captivating performances.

Diggs and Menzel’s marriage, which lasted from 2003 until their separation in 2014, produced a son named Walker. Despite their split, the couple continues to share a fondness for their time together in both their personal lives and their professional pursuits.

After a decade-long hiatus from the stage, Taye Diggs made his return in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, where he portrayed The Duke of Monroth. Speaking with PEOPLE, he candidly admitted that he felt “way more scared than I thought I would be.” The long absence from the stage contributed to his nerves, but the thrill of performing for a live audience reignited his passion for theatre.

Diggs expressed a renewed appreciation for the craft, stating, “There’s nothing like being in front of a live audience,” while recognising the challenges that come with stepping back into the spotlight after a significant break. He remarked that once he was well-rehearsed and performing, he could fully embrace the role and the love he has for theatre.

Now, Diggs is eager to take on new roles and experiences in the theatre world. He emphasised that, although fear is an element of performing, it is essential to be prepared for whatever may come. “That love for theater, there’s nothing like it,” he said, hinting at his desire to pursue more opportunities on the stage.

With a blend of nostalgia and anticipation, Taye Diggs’s reflections illustrate the joyous unpredictabilities of live performance and highlight his enduring commitment to theatrical artistry. His anecdotes serve as a reminder of the memorable moments that make Broadway performances so unique and cherished by both performers and audiences alike.