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Wicked Cast Members — Nicolas Garza and Jada Temple. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to explore new cities as part of a hit Broadway show? Just ask Nicolas Garza and Jada Temple, the talented duo portraying Boq and Nessarose in the national Broadway tour of Wicked!

Bham Now caught up with Nicolas and Jada to find out what they’re loving most about Birmingham so far (spoiler alert: it’s not just the food!)

“Wicked” kicks off the 2025-2026 Broadway in Birmingham series

(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

With show-stopping costumes, captivating performances and an unforgettable score (if you don’t tear up during “Defying Gravity,” don’t talk to me), “Wicked” is the perfect show to launch the 2025-2026 Broadway in Birmingham series. Presented by Broadway in Birmingham, “Wicked” is the untold true story of the Witches of Oz that has won more than 100 international awards—including a Grammy and three Tony Awards.

If you haven’t yet seen “Wicked,” the national Broadway tour will be in Birmingham through Sunday, September 21—click here to view showtimes.

We saw “Wicked” at the BJCC on Thursday, September 4. (Nathan Watson)

On a personal note, I saw “Wicked” last week—in fact, it was my first time seeing a Broadway show in person! I was blown away by the set design and the performances, especially the powerhouse vocals of Jessie Davidson (Elphaba) and Zoe Jensen (Glinda).

Take it from someone who knows very little about Broadway—you owe it to yourself to see “Wicked” at the BJCC.

What “Wicked” cast members love about performing in Birmingham

This week, I got the chance to meet Nicolas Garza and Jada Temple, two “Wicked” cast members. As Boq and Nessarose, they’ve performed in packed theaters across the country—but there’s something about the Magic City that feels (for lack of a more apt word) magical.

Have you seen or heard any memorable reactions from the crowd before, during or after a performance?

“Of the seven cities we’ve performed in so far, Birmingham has had some of my favorite audience moments. On opening night, I could hear the audience gasping at big moments from backstage. As an artist, it’s incredibly rewarding when people are fully immersed in the world we’re creating on stage, especially for a show that we all have such an affinity for.”
Jada Temple, Nessarose, Wicked

How has performing in Birmingham compared to other stops along the tour?

“The cast has loved performing in Birmingham! We love the way the BJCC Concert Hall is set up for this show. We actually snuck into the auditorium space to see the view, and it feels very intimate and easy for the entire audience to be immersed in the show.”
Nicolas Garza, Boq, Wicked

Jada Temple as Nessarose and Nicolas Garza as Boq in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus (0295r) — Jada Temple as Nessarose and Nicolas Garza as Boq in the National Tour of WICKED. (Joan Marcus)

Have you discovered any favorite local spots during your time in Birmingham?

“I’ve really loved getting coffee at Frothy Monkey and June Coffee, but my favorite local restaurant so far has to be El Barrio. I’m picky since I’m from San Diego, so I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed it!”
Jada Temple, Nessarose, Wicked

If your character had to spend a day in Birmingham, where do you think they’d go?

“Boq would definitely go to the Birmingham Museum of Art! He seems like the frugal type and the museum is free—plus, wanting to explore and educate oneself in an artsy way feels very Boq.”
Nicolas Garza, Boq, Wicked