Norbert Leo Butz

Intended birth name Timothy was changed to Norbert after his father assisted withhis delivery and wanted a namesake. Began singing in grade school and in state choirs, eventually earning a partial music scholarship to college. Made Broadway debutas anunderstudyfor Adam Pascal's Roger in the rock musical Rent, before eventually taking over the role full-time. Originated the role of Fiyeroin The Wizard of Oz-inspired musical Wicked,which costarredhis future wife Michelle Federer. Turned down the lead role as the mad scientist in The New Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankensteinto take the lead role in the Mark Twain gender-bending farce Is He Dead? Stepped in to replace Jeremy Piven after he abruptly left the revival ofSpeed-the-Plowin 2008.