Imagine running a marathon and then performing in two Broadway shows back-to-back—all in one day. Sounds impossible, right? But Jordan Litz, the star of Wicked, just did the unthinkable. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t just about the physical challenge; it was a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and charity. But here's where it gets controversial: can pushing your body to such extremes ever be justified, or is it a risky gamble with your health? Let’s dive into the incredible story of how Litz’s fans and passion propelled him past the finish line of the New York Marathon, and why it’s sparking debates about limits and legacy.
This past weekend, Jordan Litz, who plays Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway, achieved something extraordinary. With just six months of training, he completed the New York City Marathon on November 2nd, clocking in at 3:40:53, and then rushed to the Gershwin Theatre for two back-to-back performances. This feat wasn’t just a personal challenge—it was a fundraiser for Broadway Cares, raising nearly $21,000. Litz’s story went viral, earning him national attention, from The Today Show to Saturday Night Live.
But what drove him to take on such a monumental task? In a candid interview with Playbill, Litz revealed it was about proving his capabilities and reconnecting with his past as an Olympic-level swimmer. ‘I like to test what I’m capable of,’ he said. Yet, balancing marathon training with a demanding Broadway schedule, a two-year-old daughter, and a commute from New Jersey was no small feat. Most of his runs were in the sweltering summer heat, during his daughter’s nap time. ‘I had great heat training under my belt,’ he joked, ‘but I do not recommend training that way.’
What’s truly remarkable is how Litz’s fans became his lifeline. He asked supporters to shout Elphaba’s iconic ‘Fiyero!’ from No Good Deed as he ran, and those cheers carried him through the final grueling miles. ‘Every single time, it was a little jolt of ‘You can do this,’ he recalled. His wife, Julie, whom he calls his ‘superhero,’ was his rock, managing their family while he pursued this dream. And now, with their second child due in December, Litz is preparing for a new kind of marathon—parenthood.
The day of the marathon was a whirlwind. After crossing the finish line, Litz walked 20 blocks to the theatre, sobbing into Julie’s shoulder along the way. His dresser, Stephen Lieboff, had transformed his dressing room into a mini celebration zone, complete with a finish line banner and snacks. Despite the exhaustion, muscle memory took over during the performances, and the cast’s support lifted him through the shows. ‘I’ve done this show in worse condition,’ he told himself, drawing on years of experience as Broadway’s longest-running Fiyero.
But here’s the question that lingers: Is pushing your body to such extremes worth the risk? Litz admits he’s always been driven to test his limits, but at what cost? His story echoes that of Cynthia Erivo, who ran the marathon in 2016 while starring in The Color Purple. Both actors blurred the lines between physical and artistic endurance, leaving us to wonder: Are these feats inspiring, or do they set unrealistic expectations?
Litz’s daughter, Greta, may not fully understand her dad’s achievement now, but he hopes she’ll one day see it as proof that anything is possible. ‘I can do anything,’ he wants her to think. ‘We are not limited.’
So, what do you think? Is Litz’s marathon-Broadway double a triumph of human potential, or a dangerous precedent? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s just getting started.
