With the recent announcement that Penn State Musical Theatre alumna Caroline Bowman (2010) would take over the starring role of Elphaba in Broadway’s "Wicked" starting Dec. 16, Penn State has three Musical Theatre bachelor of fine arts alumni performing in leading roles on Broadway. Matthew Hydzik (2003) is currently playing Buddy in "Side Show," and Carly Hughes (2004) is performing the role of Leading Player in "Pippin."

Bowman, recipient of a 2014 Penn State Alumni Association Alumni Achievement Award, which honors alumni age 35 and under, most recently played Eva Peron in the national tour of "Evita." Previous Broadway credits include the original production of "Kinky Boots" and an earlier stint in "Wicked," as an ensemble member and understudy for Elphaba. "Kinky Boots" won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, when she was part of the cast.

Before "Side Show," Hydzik played the role of Nick in the national tour of "Flashdance the Musical." Other Broadway credits include the revivals of "West Side Story," in which he took over the role of Tony, and "Grease."

Hughes’ previous Broadway credits include "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," "Ghost the Musical," "The Book of Mormon," "Ragtime," "Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "The 25^th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee."

“The musical theatre faculty is so proud of these students,” said Cary Libkin, professor and head of the Musical Theatre program. “The mission of the Penn State Musical Theatre program is to train talented students so that they may compete successfully in the professional musical theatre job market. Caroline, Matthew and Carly, as well as the many other alums on Broadway and at other professional theatres, help us gauge the results of our efforts. It is so exciting for us.”