Bethany Weaver: Dorothy in "Wicked" and "Wicked: For Good"!
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In this special episode of Down the Yellow Brick Pod, host MK and co-host Tara Tack welcome British actress Bethany Weaver, who portrays Dorothy in both Wicked Part 1 and Wicked: For Good. Bethany shares her journey from a spontaneous audition—where she arrived unprepared, in a blue jumper and Leducer heels—to landing the iconic role through authenticity and presence. She reflects on the unique challenges of filming over two years with a strike interruption, the emotional weight of stepping into a legacy defined by Judy Garland, and the joy of being part of a film that honors both the stage musical and the original Wizard of Oz. Bethany discusses her experience with the silver slippers, her natural curly hair (perm’d for volume), and the surprising joy of working with Oscar, the dog who played Toto. She also reveals the secrecy surrounding her casting, the viral speculation about her identity, and her deep appreciation for the Wicked fan community. The episode culminates in a fun game comparing Judy Garland’s stand-ins to her own scenes, and Bethany imagines her dream pair of ruby Leducer boots symbolizing peace and unity. Her heartfelt message about Dorothy’s enduring legacy—joy, acceptance, and kindness—resonates throughout.
Authenticity over preparation: Bethany landed Dorothy by being herself during a last-minute audition with no brief.
The silver slippers were custom 4D-scanned for her feet and labeled 'hero'—a symbolic nod to Dorothy’s role as a quiet hero.
Filming spanned nearly two years with breaks due to the actor strike, requiring mental discipline from Bethany as a musical theatre veteran.
Dorothy’s face was concealed in the film to preserve mystery and avoid overshadowing Elphaba and Glinda’s story, a decision Bethany deeply respected.
Oscar, the dog who played Toto, was a vital emotional support on set and was well cared for, with a full basket of treats and water.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Bethany Weaver: From Theatre Kid to Dorothy
“I was like, Tara, Bethany Weaver, look her up, find her, get her on the pod. Like Tara didn't want spoilers, but I was like, I have to tell you this one thing.”
The Silver Slippers & The Yellow Brick Road
“I'm always the silver slippers glistening in the sunlight. That's just my general vibe. I always feel like I'm just skipping through life and what better way to do it than in silver shoes, hey?”
Auditioning as Dorothy: A Spontaneous Moment
“I just thought, oh, do you know what? If it's meant to be, it will be. That's the secret to us. Yeah. And I just thought, you know, I'll just go in and do what they want in the moment.”
The Mystery of Dorothy’s Identity
Bethany shares the secrecy of her casting, the viral speculation (including Hilary Duff and Alicia Weir), and how the marketing strategy of concealment amplified curiosity. She reflects on the joy of being a hidden presence in a global phenomenon.
Dorothy’s Role: Presence Over Performance
Bethany explains how her role was intentionally minimal—moving through the world rather than driving the plot. She discusses the creative decision to conceal her face and how it allowed her to honor Judy Garland’s legacy.
“I would love those shoes to spark a bit more peace. So if I had a superpower and a pair of shoes to represent that, I would just love to bring a bit more of peace and light to the world.”
“My God, I've not screamed since I was eight and I was 29 when I filmed that scene. Screaming is weird as an adult. Shredding my vocal cords. It's also just very loud and startling.”
“I would love to wear those shoes and that to spark that kind of journey to just peace and a bit more humility and celebration of each other.”
Hosts
Guest
Bethany Weaver
person
Wicked
media
The Wizard of Oz
media
Judy Garland
person
Toto
other
Elphaba
other
Oscar
other
Glinda
other
Down the Yellow Brick Pod
media
John M. Chu
person
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