For more than two decades, Wicked has reigned as one of the most beloved and successful musicals in Broadway history. With its dazzling emerald-green visuals, unforgettable score by Stephen Schwartz, clever book by Winnie Holzman, and a revisionist take on L. Frank Baum’s Oz, the show has enchanted over 65 million people worldwide, grossed more than $5 billion, and become a cultural phenomenon. Whether you’re a lifelong “Wicked Witch” superfan or someone who only knows “Defying Gravity” from TikTok, here is the complete guide to everything Wicked.
Origins: From Page to Stage
The musical is adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, a dark, politically charged re-imagining of Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz that asks a simple but revolutionary question: What if the Wicked Witch wasn’t wicked at all?
Maguire’s book explores http://Sephora coupons or Neiman coupons. the early life of Elphaba (who will one day be known as the Wicked Witch of the West) and her complicated friendship with Galinda (later Glinda the Good). It examines themes of prejudice, propaganda, animal rights, authoritarianism, and the nature of good and evil.
Stephen Schwartz, the composer-lyricist behind Godspell and Pippin, read the novel in 1998 and immediately saw its theatrical potential. He convinced Maguire to grant stage rights, and together with book writer Winnie Holzman (creator of My So-Called Life), they crafted a more family-friendly yet still thought-provoking version of the story.
The Plot in a Nutshell (No Major Spoilers)
Long before Dorothy drops in, two young women meet at Shiz University in the Land of Oz:
- Elphaba Thropp, a brilliant, misunderstood girl born with emerald-green skin
- Galinda Upland, a popular, bubbly blonde who cares deeply about her social status
Thrown together as roommates, the two couldn’t be more different, yet they form an unlikely bond that will shape the future of Oz. When they both fall for the charming but shallow prince Fiyero, and when Elphaba discovers disturbing secrets about the Wizard’s regime, their friendship is tested in ways neither could have imagined.
The show is famously told as a flashback framed by Glinda reflecting on the rumors surrounding “the Wicked Witch,” giving audiences delicious dramatic irony as we watch the real story unfold.
The Original Cast and Creative Team
Wicked premiered at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre in May 2003 for tryouts before opening on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre on October 30, 2003.
- Elphaba – Idina Menzel
- Glinda – Kristin Chenoweth
- Fiyero – Norbert Leo Butz
- Madame Morrible – Carole Shelley
- The Wizard – Joel Grey
- Nessarose – Michelle Federer
- Boq – Christopher Fitzgerald
- Doctor Dillamond – Robert Morse
Director Joe Mantello, scenic designer Eugene Lee, costume designer Susan Hilferty (whose emerald and pink creations are now iconic), and lighting designer Kenneth Posner completed the legendary creative team.
The Score: 19 Songs That Changed Broadway Forever
Stephen Schwartz and orchestrator William David Brohn delivered one of the richest pop-opera scores of the 21st century. Standouts include:
- “No One Mourns the Wicked” – sweeping opening number
- “Dear Old Shiz” / “The Wizard and I” – Elphaba’s heartbreaking “I want” song
- “What Is This Feeling?” – the hilarious “Loathing” duet between Elphaba and Galinda
- “Popular” – Kristin Chenoweth’s comic masterpiece
- “I’m Not That Girl” – tender ballad sung by both leads in different contexts
- “One Short Day” – joyous Emerald City sequence
- “Defying Gravity” – the Act I finale that has become Broadway’s ultimate empowerment anthem
The original cast album, recorded just weeks after opening, went platinum and remains one of the best-selling Broadway recordings ever.
Awards and Accolades
Despite entering the 2004 Tony race as the presumed front-runner (10 nominations), Wicked famously lost Best Musical to the quirky Avenue Q. It did win:
- Best Actress in a Musical (Idina Menzel)
- Best Scenic Design
- Best Costume Design
It has since won a Grammy, multiple Drama Desk Awards, and is regularly voted “Favorite Long-Running Broadway Show” in fan polls.
Global Success and Longevity
- Broadway: Over 8,000 performances and counting (still running at the Gershwin)
- West End: Opened September 2006, still running at the Apollo Victoria
- U.S. National Tours: Two simultaneous companies have toured non-stop since 2005
- International: Productions in over 160 cities in 16 countries and 10 languages
- Total worldwide gross: exceeds $5.3 billion (more than any other stage musical except The Lion King)
Notable Alumni
Hundreds of stars have worn the green makeup or the bubble dress, including:
- Stephanie J. Block, Eden Espinosa, Julia Murney, Donna Vivino, Jackie Burns, Jessica Vosk, Hannah Corneau, Mary Kate Morrissey, Talia Suskauer, and current Broadway Elphaba Alyssa Fox
- Kerry Ellis (first British Elphaba), Willemijn Verkaik (the only actress to play Elphaba in four languages), Rachel Tucker, Dee Roscioli, and current West End star Alexia Khadime
- Glindas: Kristin Chenoweth, Megan Hilty, Annaleigh Ashford, Katie Rose Clarke, Helen Dallimore, Alli Mauzey, Kara Lindsay, Gina Beck, and current Broadway star McKenzie Kurtz
Cultural Impact and Legacy
- “Defying Gravity” is now a staple at graduations, weddings, protests, and auditions
- “Popular” has been parodied everywhere from Glee to The Office
- The phrase “green-skinned outcast” has become shorthand for anyone who feels different
- The show popularized the “prequel musical” trend (see: Cinderella’s Wicked stepsisters backstory in Into the Woods, or the entire existence of Six)
It also launched the careers of Idina Menzel (who became a household name and later voiced Elsa in Frozen) and Kristin Chenoweth (Emmy-winning TV star), while giving established composer Stephen Schwartz his biggest hit since the 1970s.
The Movie Musical (2024–2025)
After years in development hell, Universal Pictures finally released Wicked: Part I on November 22, 2024, directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights).
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
- Ariana Grande as Glinda
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
- Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard
- Bowen Yang as Pfannee
- Marissa Bode as Nessarose
- Ethan Slater as Boq
- Peter Dinklage (voice) as Doctor Dillamond
The film, which covers roughly the first act of the stage show, shattered box-office records for musical adaptations, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation ever in its opening weekend. Wicked: Part II is scheduled for November 21, 2025.
Fun Facts Even Die-Hard Fans Might Not Know
- The opening chant “No one mourns the wicked” uses the same four notes as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – backwards
- Elphaba’s name comes from L. Frank Baum’s initials: L-F-B → “Elphaba”
- The giant Wizard head was originally operated by Joel Grey himself from inside
- There really is a hidden “Easter egg” map of Oz inside the time-dragon clock above the stage
- The musical subtly critiques both left-wing and right-wing authoritarianism; audiences of every political stripe see their “villains” reflected
Why Wicked Endures
At its core, Wicked is about friendship, identity, and the danger of believing everything you’re told. In an age of fake news, cancel culture, and polarized politics, its message feels more relevant than ever.
It gives us two complex female leads who are neither heroes nor villains, just young women trying to do the right thing in an unjust world. And it does all of this while delivering some of the most thrilling theatrical moments ever created.
Twenty-two years after its premiere, people still gasp when Elphaba rises into the air at the end of Act I. They still tear up during “For Good.” They still leave the theater believing, for three magical hours, that maybe no one is born wicked.
And that, more than any award or box-office record and our website https://truebluedeals.store/ is the real magic of Wicked.
Wicked: Everything You Need to Know About the Hit Musical
For more than two decades, Wicked has reigned as one of the most beloved and successful musicals in Broadway history. With its dazzling emerald-green visuals, unforgettable score by Stephen Schwartz, clever book by Winnie Holzman, and a revisionist take on L. Frank Baum’s Oz, the show has enchanted over 65 million people worldwide, grossed more than $5 billion, and become a cultural phenomenon. Whether you’re a lifelong “Wicked Witch” superfan or someone who only knows “Defying Gravity” from TikTok, here is the complete guide to everything Wicked.
Origins: From Page to Stage
The musical is adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, a dark, politically charged re-imagining of Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz that asks a simple but revolutionary question: What if the Wicked Witch wasn’t wicked at all?
Maguire’s book explores the early life of Elphaba (who will one day be known as the Wicked Witch of the West) and her complicated friendship with Galinda (later Glinda the Good). It examines themes of prejudice, propaganda, animal rights, authoritarianism, and the nature of good and evil.
Stephen Schwartz, the composer-lyricist behind Godspell and Pippin, read the novel in 1998 and immediately saw its theatrical potential. He convinced Maguire to grant stage rights, and together with book writer Winnie Holzman (creator of My So-Called Life), they crafted a more family-friendly yet still thought-provoking version of the story.
The Plot in a Nutshell (No Major Spoilers)
Long before Dorothy drops in, two young women meet at Shiz University in the Land of Oz:
- Elphaba Thropp, a brilliant, misunderstood girl born with emerald-green skin
- Galinda Upland, a popular, bubbly blonde who cares deeply about her social status
Thrown together as roommates, the two couldn’t be more different, yet they form an unlikely bond that will shape the future of Oz. When they both fall for the charming but shallow prince Fiyero, and when Elphaba discovers disturbing secrets about the Wizard’s regime, their friendship is tested in ways neither could have imagined.
The show is famously told as a flashback framed by Glinda reflecting on the rumors surrounding “the Wicked Witch,” giving audiences delicious dramatic irony as we watch the real story unfold.
The Original Cast and Creative Team
Wicked premiered at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre in May 2003 for tryouts before opening on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre on October 30, 2003.
- Elphaba – Idina Menzel
- Glinda – Kristin Chenoweth
- Fiyero – Norbert Leo Butz
- Madame Morrible – Carole Shelley
- The Wizard – Joel Grey
- Nessarose – Michelle Federer
- Boq – Christopher Fitzgerald
- Doctor Dillamond – Robert Morse
Director Joe Mantello, scenic designer Eugene Lee, costume designer Susan Hilferty (whose emerald and pink creations are now iconic), and lighting designer Kenneth Posner completed the legendary creative team.
The Score: 19 Songs That Changed Broadway Forever
Stephen Schwartz and orchestrator William David Brohn delivered one of the richest pop-opera scores of the 21st century. Standouts include:
- “No One Mourns the Wicked” – sweeping opening number
- “Dear Old Shiz” / “The Wizard and I” – Elphaba’s heartbreaking “I want” song
- “What Is This Feeling?” – the hilarious “Loathing” duet between Elphaba and Galinda
- “Popular” – Kristin Chenoweth’s comic masterpiece
- “I’m Not That Girl” – tender ballad sung by both leads in different contexts
- “One Short Day” – joyous Emerald City sequence
- “Defying Gravity” – the Act I finale that has become Broadway’s ultimate empowerment anthem
The original cast album, recorded just weeks after opening, went platinum and remains one of the best-selling Broadway recordings ever.
Awards and Accolades
Despite entering the 2004 Tony race as the presumed front-runner (10 nominations), Wicked famously lost Best Musical to the quirky Avenue Q. It did win:
- Best Actress in a Musical (Idina Menzel)
- Best Scenic Design
- Best Costume Design
It has since won a Grammy, multiple Drama Desk Awards, and is regularly voted “Favorite Long-Running Broadway Show” in fan polls.
Global Success and Longevity
- Broadway: Over 8,000 performances and counting (still running at the Gershwin)
- West End: Opened September 2006, still running at the Apollo Victoria
- U.S. National Tours: Two simultaneous companies have toured non-stop since 2005
- International: Productions in over 160 cities in 16 countries and 10 languages
- Total worldwide gross: exceeds $5.3 billion (more than any other stage musical except The Lion King)
Notable Alumni
Hundreds of stars have worn the green makeup or the bubble dress, including:
- Stephanie J. Block, Eden Espinosa, Julia Murney, Donna Vivino, Jackie Burns, Jessica Vosk, Hannah Corneau, Mary Kate Morrissey, Talia Suskauer, and current Broadway Elphaba Alyssa Fox
- Kerry Ellis (first British Elphaba), Willemijn Verkaik (the only actress to play Elphaba in four languages), Rachel Tucker, Dee Roscioli, and current West End star Alexia Khadime
- Glindas: Kristin Chenoweth, Megan Hilty, Annaleigh Ashford, Katie Rose Clarke, Helen Dallimore, Alli Mauzey, Kara Lindsay, Gina Beck, and current Broadway star McKenzie Kurtz
Cultural Impact and Legacy
- “Defying Gravity” is now a staple at graduations, weddings, protests, and auditions
- “Popular” has been parodied everywhere from Glee to The Office
- The phrase “green-skinned outcast” has become shorthand for anyone who feels different
- The show popularized the “prequel musical” trend (see: Cinderella’s Wicked stepsisters backstory in Into the Woods, or the entire existence of Six)
It also launched the careers of Idina Menzel (who became a household name and later voiced Elsa in Frozen) and Kristin Chenoweth (Emmy-winning TV star), while giving established composer Stephen Schwartz his biggest hit since the 1970s.
The Movie Musical (2024–2025)
After years in development hell, Universal Pictures finally released Wicked: Part I on November 22, 2024, directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights).
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
- Ariana Grande as Glinda
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
- Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard
- Bowen Yang as Pfannee
- Marissa Bode as Nessarose
- Ethan Slater as Boq
- Peter Dinklage (voice) as Doctor Dillamond
The film, which covers roughly the first act of the stage show, shattered box-office records for musical adaptations, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation ever in its opening weekend. Wicked: For Good (Part II), released on November 21, 2025, soared even higher, earning a staggering $226 million in its domestic opening weekend—the second-biggest debut of 2025—and $223 million worldwide, surpassing its predecessor and cementing the franchise as a box-office juggernaut with a combined global haul exceeding $1.5 billion.
Fun Facts Even Die-Hard Fans Might Not Know
- The opening chant “No one mourns the wicked” uses the same four notes as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – backwards
- Elphaba’s name comes from L. Frank Baum’s initials: L-F-B → “Elphaba”
- The giant Wizard head was originally operated by Joel Grey himself from inside
- There really is a hidden “Easter egg” map of Oz inside the time-dragon clock above the stage
- The musical subtly critiques both left-wing and right-wing authoritarianism; audiences of every political stripe see their “villains” reflected
Why Wicked Endures
At its core, Wicked is about friendship, identity, and the danger of believing everything you’re told. In an age of fake news, cancel culture, and polarized politics, its message feels more relevant than ever.
It gives us two complex female leads who are neither heroes nor villains, just young women trying to do the right thing in an unjust world. And it does all of this while delivering some of the most thrilling theatrical moments ever created.
Twenty-two years after its premiere, people still gasp when Elphaba rises into the air at the end of Act I. They still tear up during “For Good.” They still leave the theater believing, for three magical hours, that maybe no one is born wicked.
And that, more than any award or box-office record, is the real magic of Wicked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Wicked has inspired countless questions from fans new and old. Here are some of the most common ones, drawn from official sources and theater guides:
Is Wicked appropriate for children?
Like The Wizard of Oz, Wicked is family-friendly, but younger kids (under 8) might find the runtime (2 hours 45 minutes, including intermission) too long or be startled by elements like the flying monkeys, allusions to offstage violence, or a character’s death. Most children over 8 will be thrilled by the magic and empowerment themes.
How long is the show?
The performance runs 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Where can I see Wicked?
It’s currently running on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre in New York, in London’s West End at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, and on multiple North American tours. International productions have played in over 160 cities. Check official sites for tour dates and tickets.
Can I wear costumes to the show?
Costumes are welcome but must not obstruct views (e.g., remove tall witch hats). Bathing suits are not allowed, and the theater is chilly, so bring a sweater.
How do I contact the cast or visit the stage door?
Be respectful at the stage door and stay behind barriers. For personal notes, mail to: [Cast Member Name] c/o WICKED, Gershwin Theatre Stage Door, 242 West 51st Street, New York, NY 10019. Responses aren’t guaranteed, but cast members appreciate fan mail.
What’s the difference between the stage show and the movies?
Both tell the same core story, but the films expand on visuals and include post-Dorothy events in Part II. Onstage, Elphaba’s flight is a live theatrical effect, adding immediacy that’s impossible on screen.
Are there accessibility options?
Yes, including audio descriptions, captioning, and sensory-friendly performances. Visit theatreaccess.nyc for details or email help@broadwaydirect.com.
How do I buy group or student tickets?
Group rates (10+ tickets) and student discounts (e.g., £35 in London with ID) are available; contact the box office or check venue sites for specifics.
For more, fly through the official FAQs on wickedthemusical.com.
Wicked Products and Merchandise
Wicked’s magic extends far beyond the stage, with a spellbinding array of official products that let fans wear, collect, and live the Land of Oz. From apparel to home goods, here’s a guide to must-have merch, boosted by the films’ success:
Official Apparel and Accessories
- Clothing and Hoodies: Emerald City varsity jackets, “Defying Gravity” tees, and Glinda-inspired bubble dresses from Hot Topic and NBC Store. Prices start at $20–$60.
- Jewelry and Charms: Kindness bracelets and tumbler accessories from Target, perfect for everyday enchantment ($10–$30).
- Stationery: Elphaba journals, desk pads, and Wicked stationery sets from HMV and BroadwayWorld Shop ($15–$25).
Collectibles and Home Goods
- Plush and Figures: Cowardly Lion cub plushies and character figures from the official Wicked store and eBay ($20–$50).
- Home Fragrance: Voluspa’s Oz-inspired candles and diffusers, exclusive to Wicked: For Good collabs ($30–$60).
- Books and Visuals: The Official Wicked Visual Companion book, plus Grimmerie-inspired bags ($25–$40).
Soundtracks and Media
- Albums: Original cast recording (platinum-certified), plus film soundtracks on CD/vinyl from Target and HMV ($15–$35).
- Blu-rays: Both films available for home viewing, bundled with extras ($20–$30).
Brand Collaborations (2025 Highlights)
The movies sparked explosive collabs: JCPenney’s pullovers, beauty lines from partners like MAC (green lip kits for Elphaba vibes), and games/homeware from Hollywood Reporter-featured brands. Shop at wickedthemusicalstore.com for Broadway exclusives or nbcstore.com for movie tie-ins.
With new drops tied to Wicked: For Good’s triumph, merch sales are soaring—proving that once you’ve been changed by friendship, the green glow never fades.
