Playbill On-Line has learned that Thompson has landed the role of Glinda in the Stephen Schwartz-Winnie Holzman musical, which recently won three Tony Awards, including a Best Leading Actress in a Musical prize for co-star Idina Menzel. A Tony nominee for her work in Urinetown, Thompson will replace Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth beginning July 20. Chenoweth ends her Wicked run July 18 when her contract ends and will begin filming the movie version of the classic TV series "Bewitched."

Jennifer Laura Thompson received a 2002 Tony Award nomination for her performance as Hope Cladwell in Urinetown. She also appeared on Broadway as Ariel Moore in the original cast of Footloose as well as in the City Center Encores! production of Strike Up the Band. Off-Broadway Thompson was seen in Tip-Toes, Little Fish and A Doll's Life and in the national tours of Carousel, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

With a score by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and direction by Joe Mantello, Wicked features choreography by Wayne Cilento and plays the Gershwin Theatre, 222 West 51st Street. Tickets are available by calling (212) 307-4100 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.