Shoshana then played Elphaba for the evening show that day, and also stepped in for the next day’s performance while Idina recovered.

Fans — some of whom booked tickets for this date especially to see Idina’s last show — were understandably disappointed to be missing out, but the star ended up surprising them with an unprecedented appearance towards the end of the second act. 

Shoshana played Elphaba up until the climactic melting scene, then, right afterward, Idina walked on stage in her tracksuit for the final couple of minutes. 

Unsurprisingly, the crowd went absolutely wild.