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Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. Wicked tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

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After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event... Read all After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.

• L. Frank Baum
• Winnie Holzman
• Gregory Maguire
• Cynthia Erivo
• Ariana Grande
• Jonathan Bailey
• 2 nominations

• Madame Morrible

• Miss Coddle

• Glinda's Father

• Dr. Dillamond

• Girls Brigade

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• Trivia The name of the Wicked Witch, Elphaba, was created by taking the phonetic pronunciation of the original "Wizard of Oz" author L. Frank Baum 's initials, L-F-B, which became Elphaba.

Glinda : Don't be afraid.

Elphaba : I'm not afraid. It's the Wizard who should be afraid of me.

• Connections Featured in AniMat's Crazy Cartoon Cast: Chip n' Dale: A New Legacy (2022)
• Soundtracks No One Mourns the Wicked Written by Stephen Schwartz Performed by Ariana Grande

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Your home for information about the touring broadway productions in north america, ‘wicked’ national tour welcomes new cast citizens of oz.

The Broadway sensation Wicked will welcome new cast members to the National Tour beginning performances Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at the  Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts  in Orlando, FL.

Biographies

Timothy Shew  (The Wizard) is new to the Wicked family.  On Broadway, he was in the original company of  Les Misérables , and played Jean Valjean for six years both on Broadway and in Australia. Timothy has had numerous leading and/or featured roles in Funny Girl ,  The Visit ,  Evita ,  Bye Bye Birdie ,  Wonderful Town ,  The Scarlet Pimpernel ,  Sunset Boulevard  and  Guys and Doll .  On tour, he has appeared in  The Light in the Piazza  and  Hello, Dolly!  Timothy was a soloist for the Grammy-nominated Bernstein  Mass Project at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and The Vatican. He has had guest starring or recurring roles in “Madame Secretary,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “FBI: Most Wanted” and “Ryan’s Hope.”

Boise Holmes (Doctor Dillamond) is a Los Angeles actor, singer, writer, voiceover artist and licensed minister. His Broadway and National Tour credits include Tonton in Once on This Island  and Mufasa in Disney’s  The Lion King (Germany). Boise can be seen and heard on television and radio as Exxon Mobil’s “Mr. Supremium.”  Some of his television credits include “NCIS,” “Law & Order,” “Chicago Fire,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Blackish.” Boise is a NAACP/Ovation Award winner.

Tara Kostmayer will be joining the National Tour of Wicked as Nessarose, after recently touring in Disney’s Aladdin . Off-Broadway, she was in the NYCC Encores! production of A Chorus Line . Tara has also appeared in Chicago  (The MUNY),  Pride and Prejudice  (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) and  Ojo  (La Jolla Playhouse).

Kyle McArthur  (Boq) is thrilled to be joining his first National Tour. He originated the role of Simon in the Off-Broadway musical  Superhero at Second Stage and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. His television credits include Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels” as Brian Koenig and HBO’s “The Deuce.”

Christian Thompson  is living out his childhood dream by joining Wicked and playing Fiyero. Originally from Ft. Lauderdale, he has appeared in Thoughts of a Colored Man ,  Ain’t Too Proud  (Original Broadway Company and First National Tour), and toured in the  Rent  20 th  Anniversary Tour (Benny and Roger understudy). His Regional credits include the world premiere of  The Devil Wears Prada  and  Catch Me If You Can  at Arena Stage

They join a cast which currently includes  Lissa deGuzman  as Elphaba,  Jennafer Newberry  as Glinda,  Natalie Venetia Belcon  as Madame Morrible, with Emily Kristen Morris, Alexia Acebo, Jennifer Mariela Bermeo, Remmie Bourgeois, Kyle Brown, Anthony Lee Bryant, Matt Densky, Marie Eife, Jenny Florkowski, Sara Gonzales, Chelsea Cree Groen, Courtney Iventosch, Kelly Lafarga, Marina Lazzaretto, Ryan Mac, Brittany Marcell Monachino, David Scott Purdy, Jackie Raye, Andy Richardson, Jenna Nicole Schoen, Derek Schiesel, Wayne Schroder, Paul Schwensen, Ben Susak, Brion Marquis Watson and Justin Wirick.

Currently the 5th longest-running show in Broadway history,  Wicked is the winner of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards.  Since opening in 2003, Wicked has been performed in over 100 cities in 16 countries around the world (U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, The Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Switzerland and China) and has thus far been translated into six languages: Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, Korean and Portuguese. Wicked has been seen by over 60 million people worldwide and has amassed over $5 billion in global sales.

In addition to the Broadway production, Wicked in North America   has enjoyed unprecedented record-breaking sit-down engagements in Chicago, where it ran for nearly four years; Los Angeles, where it ran for two years; and San Francisco, where it ran for nearly two years, as well as two North American Tours.

The Broadway sensation Wicked looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle.  Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”

With a thrilling score that includes the hits “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good,” Wicked has been hailed by  The New York Times  as “the defining musical of the decade,” and by  Time Magazine  as “a magical Broadway musical with brains, heart, and courage.”  NBC Nightly News calls the hit musical “the most successful Broadway show ever.” 

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Winnie Holzman.  The production is directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantello with musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento. Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

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Wicked Tickets

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Wicked , the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another girl, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”

Know Before You Go

Visually stunning, Wicked boasts a soaring score from Stephen Schwartz ( Godspell , Pippin ) that includes the hits “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good, Tony Award-winning sets and costumes and some of the most gravity-defying moments on the Great White Way.  Wicked has been hailed by The New York Times as “the defining musical of the decade.” 

"The most complete, and completely satisfying, musical I've come across in a long time." USA Today Elysa Gardner

"Winnie Holzman's script keeps the gags coming as it cleverly subverts the film that spawned it. Packed with spectacular coups de theatre and magical effects." The Daily Telegraph Charles Spencer

"What a spectacle this is! Keep your eye on the witches. These wonderful girls from Oz are a delight." Newsday Linda Winer

"Built on songs by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, the show is steeped in talent." The New York Times Ben Brantley

""Wizard of Oz" fans will be fascinated by all the back stories, answering such questions as "Is Glinda really that good?" and "Where did the flying monkeys come from?" But the best thing about Wicked is its stars, whose talents cast a poweful spell." NY1 Rome Torre

"There are flying monkeys, flying witches and flying scenery, but the musical itself truly soars when one of its marvelously talented leading ladies...unleashes the kind of vocal magic that needs no supernatural or even technical assistance." Variety Charles Isherwood

Frequently Asked Questions

Like The Wizard of Oz, Wicked is the definition of family-friendly. But like the classic 1939 movie, younger children may find it too long or be frightened by the show's flying monkeys, allusions to offstage violence and death of a character. Most children over eight, however, will be delighted by the world of Wicked .

There is no specific dress code at the theatre. For all performances, attire should be comfortable and appropriate for the occasion. Please remember the theatre is air conditioned during the summer months; sweaters are recommended.

The Gershwin Theatre offers soft drinks, water, cocktails and candy 45 minutes before the show and during intermission. Bars are located on the front orchestra and mezzanine levels. Visit the bar before the show to pre-order your intermission drinks! Please note that no food or drinks are allowed into the theater and must be consumed in the lobbies.

Devices are available free-of-charge on the second level of the Gershwin theater, as well as hand-held captioning devices for the deaf and audio descriptions devices for the blind.

Audien™ Translation System devices are available for $10 on the second level of the theatre – currently offered in Japanese, German, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Mandarin and Korean. You can rent a headset and get a running synopsis of the show in any of these seven languages.

The seating procedure for latecomers varies by seat section. Generally speaking, late patrons who are seated in the orchestra may be held in the lobby until approximately twenty minutes after the performance begins. They are then escorted directly to their seats by an usher.

The cast members love to hear from you, but we cannot guarantee that all letters will receive a response. You may send correspondence to:

[Cast Member Name] c/o Wicked Gershwin Theatre Stage Door 242 West 51st Street New York, NY 10019

No. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will star as Elphaba and Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked , but they do not appear in the Broadway production. 

Cast & Creative

MK is honored to be the 25 th  woman to play Elphaba full time on Broadway. MK spent a decade touring through 92 cities with  Wicked  (Elphaba),  Mean Girls  (Janis), and  Hair  (Sheila), before making her Broadway debut last year as the Elphaba Standby. She is a graduate of Syracuse University.

Broadway credits include Head Over Heels, Brighton Beach Memoirs , and Spring Awakening . Encores!: Mabel in Mack & Mabel, Paint Your Wagon . Off-Broadway credits include Actually (MTC), Fun Home (The Public, Lortel nomination), Death Takes a Holiday and Dream of the Burning Boy (Roundabout, Drama League nomination). Regional: Papermill Playhouse, Williamstown, Yale Repertory. Television: Skye on Amazon’s Red Oaks, Mrs. Maisel, Evil, The Big C , and many more.

Broadway debut! Jordan comes directly from the national tour after playing the Winkie Prince for over a year and a half. Credits:  Radio City Christmas Spectacular ,  Legally Blonde,  numerous productions with   Walt Disney World .  Jordan   hails from California where he was a competitive swimmer, winning collegiate national championships and competing in the 2012 US Olympic Trials. Forever thankful for his family, Josh and darling wife, Julie.

Jake Pedersen is made his Broadway debut in Parade . National tours:  Wicked  (Boq),  Escape to Margaritaville  (Ensemble). Regional:  Writing Kevin Taylor  (Meadow Brook Theatre),  Newsies  (Crutchie, NLBP). New works:  The Last Day  (Sarah Schlesinger/Mike Reid),  The Lucky Boy  (Kristen Childs). BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State.

Donna McKechnie received a Best Actress Tony Award for her performance in A Chorus Line . Other Broadway shows include How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying ; The Education of Hyman Kaplan ; Sondheim – A Musical Tribute (which she also choreographed); Promises, Promises; Company ; On The Town; State Fair (Fred Astaire Award); and The Visit . She has starred in and choreographed numerous productions regionally as well as productions in London's West End, Paris, and Tokyo. Her TV credits include Hullaballoo, Fame, Cheers, Dark Shadows , and HBO Specials. Films include The Little Prince and Every Little Step. Donna's memoir, Time Steps, was published by Simon and Schuster. In 2021, Ms. McKechnie was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame.

William Youmans is thrilled to return to Wicked . He originated the role of Dr. Dillamond on Broadway. Also on Broadway: Billy Elliot , Farnsworth Invention, The Little Foxes (with Elizabeth Taylor), Big River, Titanic, Pirate Queen, Finian’s Rainbow , Baz Luhrmann’s La Boheme, Carousel, To Kill a Mockingbird . Movies & TV: Birdman, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Nadine, Mrs. Soffel, Fresh Horses, Ten Minutes to Midnight, Compromising Positions , Law and Order .

Brad Oscar has been seen on Broadway in Mrs. Doubtfire ,  Something Rotten!  (Tony nomination),  Big Fish ,  Nice Work..., The Addams Family ,  Spamalot ,  The Producers  (Tony nomination),  Jekyll & Hyde and  Aspects of Love . National Tours:  The Phantom of the Opera ,  Young Frankenstein ,  Jekyll & Hyde . West End:  The Producers.  Off Broadway:  Broadway Bounty Hunter ,  Nassim ,  Sweeney Todd  (Barrow Street Theatre),  Forbidden Broadway  (Theater East). Regional credits:  The Gods of Comedy ( McCarter/Old Globe),  Hairspray  (KC Starlight),  The Squirrels  (La Jolla Playhouse),  Fiddler on the Roof  (Barrington Stage),  Barnum  (Asolo Rep, Maltz Jupiter Theatre; Carbonell Award for Best Actor, Musical),  The Mystery of Irma Vep ,  Cabaret ,  Damn Yankees  (Arena Stage). Film:  Ghost Town ,  The Producers.  TV:  Madam Secretary, Smash, The Good Wife , three Law & Order . 

Natalie Ortega is making her Broadway debut. Regional: In the Heights; Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (The Kimmel Center). Film/TV: Search Party (Max),  Maybe I Do .

Holzman is best known for creating the acclaimed, but short-lived ABC television series My So-Called Life , which earned her an Emmy nomination for her writing.

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Wicked On Tour

Wicked the musical is going on tour in 2023/24 and official tickets for all ten venues across the UK and Ireland are available here and selling fast! The spectacular, multi-record-breaking and critically acclaimed touring production will open at the Edinburgh Playhouse in December 2023 and travel to Bristol, Birmingham, Bradford, Southampton, Liverpool, Dublin, Sunderland, Cardiff and Manchester, where it will conclude at the Palace Theatre for Christmas 2024/5.

 The incredible cast of 33, led by Laura Pick and Sarah O’Connor as Elphaba and Glinda, will form part of the 100+ company delivering all the spectacle and magic of this critically acclaimed, award-winning touring production at every performance.

Official tickets for all venues on the Wicked Tour can be purchased here on the official Wicked UK website.

The spectacular, multi-record-breaking and critically acclaimed touring production continues to Southampton, Liverpool, Dublin, Sunderland, Cardiff and Manchester, where it will conclude at the Palace Theatre for Christmas 2024/5.

Official tickets for the Wicked Tour are available here for all venues.

Southampton Mayflower Theatre

23 May 2024 – 16 June 2024

Book with Venue

Liverpool Empire

20 June 2024 – 14 July 2024

Book with Wicked

Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

23 July 2024 – 14 September 2024

Sunderland Empire

24 September 2024 – 20 October 2024

Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre

24 October 2024 – 23 November 2024

Manchester Palace Theatre

3 December 2024 – 12 January 2025

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'Wicked' Trailer Shows First Look at 'Popular' and More: Everything We Know About the Films

'wicked' trailer no. 2, why patrick mahomes wants 'credit' as taylor swift and travis kelce’s matchmaker, watch courteney cox recreate monica's famous 'friends' frizzy hair scene, chris hemsworth's star on hollywood walk of fame ceremony: watch the best moments, 'southern charm's kathryn dennis says thomas ravenel 'ruined my life' in police video, watch chris hemsworth get roasted by robert downey jr. as he receives his star on the walk of fame, kelly rowland addresses viral cannes moment, ‘love undercover' stars spill on keeping lies straight and their celeb crushes (exclusive), why chris pratt has a special message for usher (exclusive), vanessa hudgens reflects on ‘the masked singer’ being a ‘freeing’ experience for her (exclusive), sean kingston’s florida home raided amid ‘numerous fraud and theft charges', celine dion promises ‘if i can’t run, i’ll crawl’ in new doc about stiff person syndrome battle, why chris hemsworth's daughter was disappointed by his walk of fame honor (exclusive), watch jennifer lopez shut down reporter who asked about ben affleck split rumors, kim kardashian meets gypsy rose blanchard in surprise 'the kardashians' moment, cassie breaks silence after diddy assault video and apology, 'beetlejuice beetlejuice' official trailer, 'i am: celine dion' official trailer, 'rhonj's jenn fessler explains off-camera promise to margaret josephs before teresa giudice drama, vanessa hudgens on her 'masked singer' win and the support of hollywood pals in pregnancy, jelly roll's wife bunnie xo catches daughter bailee ann sneaking out, the jon m. chu-directed adaptation will be released in two parts in november 2024 and 2025..

The first official trailer for the  Wicked  film adaptation is here!

The full-length preview of the upcoming two-part musical movie event was released on May 15, giving fans a first look of iconic songs from the musical like popular "Popular" and pivotal moments from the plot -- like when Galinda "gifts" Elphaba her infamous pointy hat.

Director Jon M. Chu is bringing the beloved musical to the big screen in a two-part adaptation of Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman's beloved Broadway musical. The show is a prequel story to The Wizard of Oz , with the plot following the early years of the Wicked Witch of the West, named Elphaba, and Glinda the Good Witch, aka Galinda.

As it turns out, Elphaba wasn't always so wicked, and Galinda wasn't always so good. Before the twister brought Dorothy into their lives, the pair were unlikely roommates-turned-friends at school -- but heartbreak, opportunity and circumstance ultimately pulled them apart and set them on the adversarial paths.

The adaptation stars Tony winner Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, opposite Ariana Grande as Galinda. Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey plays Fiyero, the himbo love interest who finds himself caught between the two, recent Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh plays their reigning headmistress, Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 

The Wicked adaptation is scheduled to be released in two parts. Wicked: Part One hits theaters on Nov. 27, 2024, while  Wicked: Part Two  will be released on Nov. 26, 2025.

Here's everything we know so far about the upcoming films.

Wicked is based on the Wicked musical, which takes its story from the 1995 novel  Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West  by Gregory Maguire. The plot is based on the 1900 novel  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz  by L. Frank Baum and its 1939 film adaptation, but focuses on the story of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Elphaba, born with green skin that most see as a curse, is a reserved new student at Shiz University, who is fiercely protective of her wheelchair-using sister, Nessarose. Upon moving into her dorm, she finds herself rooming with the bubbly, popular Galinda, who quickly embraces her as a friend and social project, though the pair could not be more different.

However, the new friends find themself at odds over Fiyero, a Winkie prince who ends up besotted with Elphaba, despite the fact that he and Galinda are the epitome of "class couple" and seemingly destined to be together -- if Galinda gets her way. Elphaba also dreams of working alongside the magical Wizard of Oz, and works to prove her skills.

When the Wizard is proven to be a fraud who is suppressing the animals of Oz in order to grow his own power, Elphaba turns against him, and is forced to go on the run from his loyal followers who are trying to hunt her down. 

Throughout a series of magical mishaps, the characters of the Wizard of Oz come into play as Elphaba tries her best to protect those she loves -- though her efforts are often in vain. Ultimately, she embraces her reputation as the Wicked Witch, faking her own death and bidding a tearful farewell to her friend Galinda as she departs Oz, never to return.

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba

The Broadway star and Tony winner plays Elphaba, a young woman born with green skin, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.

Ariana Grande as Galinda/Glinda, the Good Witch

Grande is perfectly cast as Galinda, the bubbly, popular, people-pleasing counterpart to Elphaba, who is revealed to have much more depth that she initially shows on the surface.

Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero

Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey laces up his dancing shoes to play Fiyero, the carefree Winkie prince who finds himself in a love triangle with Elphaba and Galinda. Through Elphaba's efforts to protect him, he ultimately becomes the Scarecrow that befriends Dorothy.

Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Goldblum plays the Wizard, who is revealed to be not quite as "wonderful" as advertised, prompting Elphaba to go rogue in an attempt to save the animals of Oz.

Ethan Slater as Boq

Grande's real-life beau plays the besotted Boq, a fellow Shiz student who pines after Galinda. When Elphaba's sister, Nessarose, miscasts a spell to try and make him fall in love with her instead, Elphaba's solution is to turn him into a creature that doesn't need a heart to live -- leading to his ultimate fate as the Tin Man.

Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible

Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh plays Madame Morrible, the headmistress of Shiz University, who initially sees promise in Elphaba. However, when the citizens of Oz turns against the "wicked" witch, Morrible helps lead the charge to try and tear her down.

Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond

Emmy winner Peter Dinklage is set to voice the character Dr. Dillamond, ET can confirm. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news on April 10, reporting that Universal closed out its CinemaCon presentation by sharing new footage of Wicked with the reveal. According to the outlet, Dr. Dillamond, a goat, is a professor of history at Shiz University who warns Elphaba about rising dark forces that threaten the speaking animals of Oz, including himself.  

Marissa Bode as Nessarose

Hollywood newcomer Marissa Bode makes her feature film debut in Wicked as Nessarose, Elphaba's wheelchair-using younger sister. After her ill-fated attempt to make Boq fall in love with her ends with him becoming the Tin Man, Nessa turns cold, blaming her sister for her broken heart and ultimately becoming the Wicked Witch of the East.

Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James as Pfannee and ShenShen

Yang and James play Pfannee and ShenShen, college friends of Galinda's. The characters were created for the movie and do not appear in the stage show, so not much is known about them yet.

The Wicked films also star  The Greatest Showman star Keala Settle, Aaron Teoh, Colin Michael Carmichael, Adam James and more.

THE TRAILERS

During  Super Bowl LVIII , Universal Pictures finally shared a first look at the film adaptation of the Broadway musical which has taken more than a decade to bring to the big screen. In the promo, fans got their first peek at Emerald City as audio of Grande and Erivo singing "Defying Gravity" played in the background.

In May 2024, the first full trailer was released, giving fans a preview of iconic songs like "Popular" and pivotal moments from the musical -- like when Galinda "gifts" Elphaba her infamous pointy hat:

The film is set to include plenty of songs from the Tony-winning musical, which Erivo told ET were some of her favorite parts of filming.

"I want to say 'For Good' is one of the most... like it's really special to us," she shared. "It just -- it was a really special day. We filmed it over a week [and] we felt like it was a lot for the both of us, in our hearts, you know?"

"And I'm really, really excited for 'The Wizard and I' 'cause, like, it's a full epic moment," the actress added. "There's so much in there that feels good... There are all really special moments within this movie and even the numbers without songs are really special as well."

THE RELEASE DATES

The Wicked adaptation is scheduled to be released in two parts. Wicked: Part One  is scheduled for release on Nov. 27, 2024, while  Wicked: Part Two  will be released on Nov. 26, 2025.

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Your Ultimate Guide to the Wicked Movies

Get ready to dance through life with director Jon M. Chu’s forthcoming film adaptation

One of Broadway’s most beloved musicals is finally getting the Hollywood treatment.

Universal is set to adapt Wicked , the Tony Award–winning Stephen Schwartz musical based on Gregory Maguire 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West , which offers an alternative perspective on the events of The Wizard of Oz , through the eyes of the witch, Elphaba. The show debuted on Broadway to critical acclaim in 2003.

Ahead, everything you need to know about the Wicked film adaptation.

The trailer shows a sneak peek of “Defying Gravity” and “Popular.”

The first full-length trailer for Wicked , which arrived on May 15, gives fans a closer look at Oz and Shiz University, as well as a sneak peek at fan favorite songs like “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” sung by Grande and Erivo respectively. The trailer also includes our first look at Bridgerton 's Jonathan Bailey as love interest Fiyero.

The first teaser dropped in February 2024.

The first-ever teaser trailer for Wicked premiered during Super Bowl LVIII . The nearly minute-long clip gives us glimpses of the magical world of Oz, as well as a brief look at Erivo’s and Grande’s performances as Elphaba and Glinda.

The movie musical will be split into two separate films, hitting theaters in 2024 and 2025.

In April 2022, Chu announced that the Wicked adaptation will be split into two separate movies. The first will premiere on November 27, 2024, and the second will be released on November 26, 2025.

“As we prepared this production over the last year, it became increasingly clear that it would be impossible to wrestle the story of Wicked into a single film without doing some real damage to it,” Chu wrote in a statement posted to Twitter. “As we tried to cut songs or trim characters, those decisions began to feel like fatal compromises to the source material that has entertained us all for so many years. So we decided to give ourselves a bigger canvas and make not just one Wicked movie but TWO!!!”

The director added that he, the cast, and the crew are all committed to creating “nothing less than an experience that honors its foundations for all the fans who’ve waited for this movie, and to offer a thrilling, fantastical world full of dynamic characters that invites in those who are unfamiliar.”

In March 2023, he confirmed the release date for the first film on Twitter.

“We are deep into production on WICKED and everyday we get more and more excited to share with u the mischief we’ve been up to. So…We’ve decided to get it to you all a little earlier than planned,” he wrote to fans. “Our new release date is November 27th 2024! A little Thanksgiving treat!”

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have been cast as the leads.

Actor Erivo and pop star Grande will play the musical’s frenemy protagonists, Elphaba (otherwise known as the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch). Their casting was announced in November 2021.

Erivo and Grande are taking over roles made famous by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the characters in the Broadway production.

Erivo has an extensive and successful background in musical theater, having won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the Broadway revival of The Color Purple , in which she played Celie Harris Johnson.

And prior to her pop career, Grande also dabbled in musical theater. She previously starred in the 2008 Broadway production of the musical 13 .

Jon M. Chu will direct the films.

Chu has some experience adapting beloved Broadway musicals for the big screen. He was previously charged with helming the In the Heights adaptation, which premiered in June 2021. He also directed the 2018 rom-com Crazy Rich Asians , adapted from the 2013 novel by Kevin Kwan.

“What really has hit me is the power of music and why musicals exist in the first place when words aren’t sufficient,” the director told Collider in June 2021. “Nowadays, words really aren’t sufficient for what we’re going through. So for me, it’s finding the truth of each song and working our way inside out of why that exists.”

Jonathan Bailey will play Fiyero.

Chu confirmed on Twitter in September 2022 that the Bridgerton star will take on the lead love-interest role in the Wicked movies.

“He’s perfect, they’re perfect. They’d be perfect together. Born to be forever,” Chu wrote. “I am too excited to pretend this hasn’t been happening. We have a Fiyero!!!!”

Bailey is best known for his performance as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s beloved period romance series .

We’ve gotten our first looks at Elphaba and Glinda.

On Twitter in April 2023, the director released the first-ever images of Erivo and Grande in full costume as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. One shows Erivo in the all-black costume and full green makeup, looking away from camera as she stands in a clock tower clutching a broom. Meanwhile, Grande wears a pink princess gown as she climbs a tall staircase, presumably in the same tower.

In response to a fan’s comment that the images are noticeably dark, Chu wrote, “Don’t worry, color is in my DNA… this is just the first tease. Plenty of time to show more… stay tuned.”

Ariana Grande says portraying Glinda is an experience that will stay with her “forever.”

In an April 2023 update shared on Instagram, Ariana Grande said Wicked was halfway finished with filming and penned a poetic ode to the role she had dedicated the previous year to.

“Savoring every millisecond left with my Galinda (although she’ll be with me irrevocably, forever). she shows me so many new things every day. I am so grateful, I don’t know what to do or say… to be here in Oz where everyday is a life changing one… to be feeling, learning and growing so much at such a disarming speed… to feel so much love around me, to begin each day before the sun is up and to end after it sets,” she wrote. “To hold my brilliant twin flame / sister Cynthia’s beautiful, green hands every day… to work in the safest, most beautiful and loving, biggest-yet-most-intimate/tiny-feeling spaces…”

Read her message in full, below.

The singer also shared a photo with Erivo in March 2023, simply captioning the black-and-white image “up to (no) good 🫧 🧹.”

Michelle Yeoh will play Madame Morrible.

The Everything Everywhere All at Once star has joined the Wicked cast to play Madame Morrible, headmistress of Crage Hall at Shiz University, Variety reported in December 2022. In the musical and the book, Madame Morrible acts as a devoted follower of the Wizard.

The movies will look different from the musical.

In a February 2022 interview with Entertainment Tonight , Erivo explained why fans shouldn’t expect a 100 percent faithful adaptation of the musical.

“I think it’s going to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before,” she said. “I think we’re going to enjoy the magic of it. We’re going to try and put our own spin on what we know already and show you a story about two women [who] are sisters.”

Stephen Schwartz, who composed the show’s original music and is returning for the movies, also teased new Wicked music.

“I can tell you that at least as of now there will be probably four new songs in the movie,” he told Playbill in 2016.

Grande shared a behind-the-scenes look at her transformation into Glinda.

In October 2022, Grande teased her blonde transformation into the Good Witch on Instagram.

Sharing a photo of herself in profile, the “Positions” singer sported honey-blonde locks, which she pulled up into her signature high ponytail.

“New earrings,” she casually captioned the photo.

As an associate editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com, Chelsey keeps a finger on the pulse on all things celeb news. She also writes on social movements, connecting with activists leading the fight on workers' rights, climate justice, and more. Offline, she’s probably spending too much time on TikTok, rewatching Emma (the 2020 version, of course), or buying yet another corset. 

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Review Roundup: What Did Critics Think Of WICKED On Tour?

The tour is back on the road and the reviews are in!

Wicked is back on the road across the country, and the reviews are in! The cast includes Talia Suskauer (Elphaba), Allison Bailey (Glinda), Sharon Sachs (Madame Morrible) and Tony Award and Drama Desk Award winner Cleavant Derricks (The Wizard).

The Broadway sensation Wicked looks at what happened in the Land of Oz...but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships...until the world decides to call one "good," and the other one "wicked."

With a thrilling score that includes the hits "Defying Gravity," "Popular" and "For Good," Wicked has been hailed by The New York Times as "the defining musical of the decade," and by Time Magazine as "a magical Broadway musical with brains, heart, and courage." NBC Nightly News calls the hit musical "the most successful Broadway show ever."

Now the 5th longest running show in Broadway history, Wicked is the winner of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards. Since opening in 2003, Wicked has been performed in over 100 cities in 16 countries around the world (U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, The Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Switzerland and China) and has thus far been translated into six languages: Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, Korean and Portuguese. Wicked has been seen by over 60 million people worldwide and has amassed over $5 billion in global sales.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire , Wicked has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz , and a book by Winnie Holzman . The production is directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantello with musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento . Wicked is produced by Marc Platt , Universal Stage Productions , The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone .

Ovens Auditorium - Charlotte, NC

Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer : The show itself, for the few uninitiated, depicts the intertwined lives of the two witches. There's Bailey's Glinda "the good," a soprano who hits all the right notes, but brings her character down to earth in the melancholy reprise of "I'm Not That Girl." She also gets the timing just right on several throwaway comic bits. And Talia Suskauer 's green-hued "wicked" Witch of the West, Elphaba, simply owns the role from the start, whether it's her yearning softly that "I'm Not That Girl," or the crowd-pleasing, first act finale belting "Defying Gravity." No one is gonna bring her down.

Music Hall at Fair Park - Dallas, TX

Emily Short, BroadwayWorld : It was an incredible experience to be back in a theater watching a live performance. The cast and crew of Wicked delivered a show that we all desperately needed. The acting was flawless, the singing was striking, the costumes were perfect, the set transported us directly to the heart of Oz, and the lighting was the tool that brought everything together. I would like to say a big "CONGRATULOTIONS!" to everyone who was involved in this performance. I know because I saw it, "I have been changed for the better," and you will be, too.

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center - Appleton, WI

Warren Gerds, We Are Green Bay : Two personalities drive the story, and the performers playing those personalities are top-flight talent for all they do and how they do it. Glinda is goody-two-shoes sweet until push comes to shove. She's portrayed by Allison Bailey, who molds special bits of voice and body, like a swift leg kick to accent a cute word. Elphaba automatically off-turns people in the story with her green skin and bristly, straightforward mouth until she lets known her warmth. She's played by Talia Suskauer, a spitfire all around. Whether in solo or as a duet, Allison Bailey and Talia Suskauer sing in tight and sensational ways. They make a compelling team. The roles are huge, requiring energy akin to that delivered by pro athletes performance after performance. Elphaba literally rises above with full-out, heart-torn singing, notably in "Defying Gravity" that ends Act I in a wowing rush. Wednesday, the house filled with a roar.

Playhouse Square - Cleveland, OH

Howard Gollop, The Chronicle : This production is a cut above the previous tour that came through Cleveland a few years back. But even in a lesser effort, "Wicked" remains the kind of celebration preteen girls (and older women) can savor. Only this time, the magic may transcend into a much broader appreciation.

Sheri Gross, Cleveland Jewish News : As Elphaba, Suskauer embraces her vulnerable side and her admirable strength as her character develops from a "green" teen to a mature advocate for the underdog. Her incredible vocal prowess is showcased in all of her musical numbers, but especially in "Defying Gravity," when her body and soul are lifted into the air, and her big booming voice carries us with her.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Costa Mesa, CA

Michael Quintos, BroadwayWorld : What helps the show feel as relevant and as entertaining now as it did during its early years is certainly helped by a fresh cast bringing new and exciting life to these now familiar characters. This post-lockdown relaunched national tour is headlined by two spectacular leads: the intriguing Talia Suskauer as Elphaba and the effervescent Allison Bailey as G(a)linda.

Christopher Smith, The Orange County Register : Elphaba is the brainy counterpoint, and Talia Suskauer's treatment of this older-and-wiser-than-her-years woman - one burning with a social conscience and an acute understanding of all the ways she fails to fit in - was sourced in acting that that is affectingly internalized. Not an easy feat is as joyfully noisy a show as "Wicked" is.

Spokane Arena - Spokane, WA

Carolyn Lamberson, The Spokesman-Review : As Elphaba, Talia Suskauer brings an intriguing combination of awkwardness and determination to the future Wicked Witch of the West. We empathize with her because we can see she is kind and loveable. And Suskauer has a lovely voice, too, fully on display whether she's singing the lovely first-act number "I'm Not That Girl" or the soaring anthem "Defying Gravity." As Glinda, Allison Bailey has the showy part. Sure, she plays the ditzy (but not really dumb) blonde, but Bailey shows that she is a deft comic. Aside from possessing a pretty soprano voice, Bailey can make even Glinda's really awkward dance moves look hilarious, and her timing is impeccable when Glinda drops her patented one-liners.

SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center - Sacramento, CA

Courtney Symes, BroadwayWorld : Admittedly, this was my first time seeing Wicked (a sensitive subject for a theatre-goer). They had me hooked with the flying monkeys before the curtain even opened but, when it did, I was immediately transported to another world. A world of magical steampunk-meets-Beetlejuice-meets Sweeney Todd costumes, wondrous characters, and settings that inspired open-mouthed awe. If I had thought that was enough (I did!), they had much more in store!

Orpheum Theater - Omaha, NE

Courtney Brummer-Clark, Omaha.com : No one may "mourn the wicked" witch, but there are certainly reasons to celebrate her. Or at least the version of her portrayed by tour actress Lissa deGuzman. As Elphaba, deGuzman's performance could equal, if not surpass, those who wear the same black hat on the Broadway stage. To say her vocal range in songs like "The Wizard and I," "Defying Gravity" and "No Good Deed" was powerful is an understatement.

Columbus Theatre - Columbus, OH

Christina Mancuso, BroadwayWorld : Lissa deGuzman is fairly new to the Wicked world, landing her dream role of Elphaba and joining the tour in late March after playing Jasmine in the touring production of ALADDIN. While very technically precise vocally and endearingly awkward, deGuzman really got her rhythm going in the second Act. She showed her tenderness and vulnerability with Jordan Litz (Fiyero) in "As Long as You're Mine," and belted out a triumphant "No Good Deed," officially claiming her title as Wicked Witch of the West.

Boston Opera House - Boston, MA

Don Aucoin, The Boston Globe : As the opening notes to "Wicked" sounded on Thursday night, a little girl seated in front of me excitedly reached over and clasped her mother's hand. There it was, the old "Wicked" magic, undimmed. That snapshot instant - and the palpable joy the girl evinced throughout the ensuing performance at the Citizens Bank Opera House - told the larger story of this singular musical.

Orpheum Theatre - Minneapolis, MN

Jared Fessler, BroadwayWorld : It may have been my twelfth time seeing this show, but it's been over a few years since I last saw it. I know the production, songs, story, etc but every time that I have seen it, I always catch something new and especially with this production, the show that I went to had. I also enjoy how each of the talented cast members in this production in particular stays true to their characters but also puts their spins on their characters. There were moments when I was like "oh I don't remember that line, was that added recently?" It was just so good to see the electrifying staging, costumes, set, and the very talented cast!

Basil Considine, Twin Cities Arts Reader : If those are the bones of the show, what will you get from seeing the national tour of Wicked ? For starters, killer performances by Lissa deGuzman as Elphaba (better know as the Wicked Witch of West) and Jennafer Newberry as her foil Galinda (better known as Glinda the Good). Their comedic repartee and duetting are standout features of the show. Another standout is the special effects, particularly the use of lighting in combination with practical effects to create engrossing, rippling tableaus of color. When Elphaba takes to the skies at the end of Act 1, it is simply cool .

Chrysler Hall - Norfolk, VA

Page R. Laws, Daily Press

James M. Nederlander Theatre - Chicago, IL

Dennis Polkow, New City Stage : Despite the atemporal quality that "Wicked" exudes, coming back to it is a reminder that it was always a traditional Broadway musical in form. Stephen Schwartz's remarkably clever and melody-driven songs are character-driven and move the action forward. We feel what they feel. We have empathy even when many Ozians and even the Wizard himself cannot. The one-liners and gags are almost vaudeville-like in their simplicity, although are never oversold.

Sheri Flanders, Chicago Sun Times : The camaraderie between deGuzman and Newberry is palpable, and they're a fun pair to watch, sparring and sniping across the stage as Elphaba is brutally bullied by, well, everyone. Eventually Galinda's minuscule conscience catches up with her, and she befriends Elphaba, going against her superficial instincts. Although there were several children in attendance in the audience, I caution parents that this play is not a morality tale for kids, as the duo's friendship is ultimately more "frenemy" than friend.

Dr. Phillips Center - Orlando, FL

Aaron Wallace, BroadwayWorld : Its songbook is the sonic equivalent of Technicolor, a veritable Emerald City of songs that slap. You undoubtedly know "Defying Gravity," a song to which approximately 99.3% of the Dr. Phillips audience gratefully resisted adding their unsolicited voices on Thursday night. That left room for the star of the show, Lissa deGuzman , to belt that ballad on a broom like nobody's business - and like nobody's Elphaba.

Quinn Rosebook, Attractions Magazine : While this was my fourth time seeing the show, it was my fiancé's first! He said it was a fun, energetic show that had everything he expected, but also that he was surprised by some of the plot, and really loved the callbacks and references to the original Wizard of Oz story and the 1939 film. I say that it remains one of my favorites and that "Wicked" is a quintessential musical must for any theater fan.

Straz Center - Tampa, FL

Deborah Bostock-Kelley, BroadwayWorld : While Jennafer and Lissa were spellbinding opposites, Natalie Venetia Belcon, as Madame Morrible, stole the stage with her huge booming vocals in "The Wizard and I." Timothy Shew , as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was the perfect fraudster. When he sings, "Cause I think everyone deserves the chance to fly and helping you with your ascent allows me to feel so parental," little does he know to whom he's singing.

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts - West Palm Beach, FL

Mary Damiano, Palm Beach Daily News : As Glinda, Newberry has the showier role and wrings hilarity out of her dialogue. But DeGuzman is a powerhouse. Whether lamenting that the handsome new student won't see her as anything but the green outcast on "I'm Not That Girl," or looking toward a bright future and fulfilling her potential on "The Wizard and I," or literally soaring to new heights on the show's signature song "Defying Gravity," DeGuzman portrays Elphaba's many facets with spunk and poignancy.

Fox Theatre - St. Louis, MO

Tina Farmer, Riverfront Times : Jennafer Newberry, as Glinda, and Lissa deGuzman, as Elphaba, fill their characters with distinct personalities without missing a note in the cleverly constructed but often vocally challenging score. Newberry shows Glinda's heart while making the most of every ditzy, goofy moment, and her misuse of oddly combined words gets laughs without ever demeaning the character. DeGuzman gives us an Elphaba, who occasionally reveals her pain and vulnerability in ways that are compelling and relatable. The performers give us fully formed characters to embrace, and their exceptional vocals were textured, emotional and powerful in every part of their ranges. It is so satisfying to hear rich, pure alto tones that perfectly complement the soprano notes.

Wharton Center - East Lansing, MI

David Winkelstern, City Pulse : Every cast member in the 30-plus troupe gives an outstanding performance. (That includes Sharon Sachs, who replaced Natalie Venetia Belcon in Thursday night's (May 11) show as Madame Morrible.) Oz's Munchkins, ensemble townspeople and exquisite principals demonstrate rare talent in singing, dancing and athleticism in the constantly evolving musical by Stephen Schwartz.

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts - Houston, TX

Armando Urdiales, BroadwayWorld : The cast of the current Wicked tour is truly exceptional, bringing the beloved characters of Elphaba ( Olivia Valli ) and Glinda ( Celia Hottenstein ) to life with extraordinary talent. Their chemistry on stage is palpable, as they navigate the complex relationship between the misunderstood green-skinned Elphaba and the popular and bubbly Glinda. The vocal prowess and emotional depth of the actors truly shine through, capturing the hearts of the audience from the opening number to the final bow.

Fox Theatre - Atlanta, GA

Wendell Brock, AJC : Time can reshape how some emotional material lands, and I can’t help but notice how “Wicked” ricochets in new and unexpected ways. For instance, when the nasty business about animals being stripped of their dignity and their ability to speak rears its head, you may recognize something akin to the culture wars of the present day. Hate is omnipresent, as are pretenders hiding behind curtains.

Sammie Purcell, Rough Draft Atlanta : But as soon as the curtain rises, it doesn’t really matter if you’ve never seen “Wicked’ or if you’ve seen it 100 times. The magic and strength of Stephen Schwartz’s music is still as potent today as it was 20 years ago, the story just as winkingly sly and emotionally resonant. And with two dynamite leading ladies at the helm, this production is not one to miss. 

Peace Center - Greenville, SC

Paul Hyde, Greenville Journal : The current cast of the national tour is stunning. Olivia Valli, who knocked our socks off a mere 18 months ago when she visited the Peace Center as Vivian Ward in “Pretty Woman,” returns in this tour as Elphaba, the green Wicked Witch of the West who is loathed by the people of Oz for the sin of being different.

Durham Performing Arts Center - Durham, NC

Nicole Ackman, BroadwayWorld : The national tour’s cast does a splendid job of breathing new life into the story, from  Tara Kostmayer ’s earnest Nessarose to  Kyle McArthur ’s enthusiastic Boq.  Olivia Valli  has all the pluck and inner fire an Elphaba needs, in addition to great vocals that make “The Wizard and I” and “No Good Deed” highlights of the show. But  Celia Hottenstein ’s Glinda is also excellent, perfectly hitting all the subtle acting points that make her a rather tragic character. In the opening “No One Mourns the Wicked,” she seems to be trying to convince herself as she tells the munchkins her “good news.” 

Saenger Theatre - New Orleans, LA

Keitha Spera, NOLA.com

Historic Tennessee Theatre - Knoxville, TN

Alan Sherrod, Arts Knoxville : The producers, keenly aware of past successes, have built on the fact of Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda and Idina Menzel as Elphaba in those original leading roles by subsequently casting replacements with singer/actresses that can bring their own big, distinctive voices and dramatic abilities without challenging the success of the original characterizations. In this production, Olivia Valli as Elphaba and Celia Hottenstein as Glinda have embraced the legacies of their characters with vocal and dramatic strength, but have also imbued those characters with fresh twists and shadings that are keenly contemporary.

Detroit Opera House - Detroit, MI

Carmichael Cruz, Click On Detroit:   Olivia Valli, who last graced Detroit in  Pretty Woman: The Musical  in 2021, is misunderstood green girl Elphaba. The granddaughter of Frankie Valli, Olivia flies high in the role both figuratively and literally (see: ‘Defying Gravity’). Valli hits every note with confidence and her version of “No Good Deed” will be permanently etched into my mind. Valli also isn’t afraid to be goofy. Her playfulness in the beginning of Act I makes her even more likeable, and she has one of the best solo dances in “Dancing Through Life.” Celia Hottenstein is a firecracker Glinda. Never missing a beat, Hottenstein’s comedic timing had the audience erupting with laughter. She makes the role her own and is just a pure joy to watch in “Popular.” Her high sopranos are beautiful and Hottenstein makes it part of her comedy.

Civic Center Music Hall - Oklahoma City, OK

Lillie-Beth Brinkman, The Journal Record : Visually, the show is also amazing, and some of those involved are worth noting here: elaborate set designs from Eugene Lee, glittery costumes from Susan Hilferty and interesting lighting from Kenneth Posner, sound from Tony Meola, projections by Elaine J. McCarthy, wigs and hair by Tom Watson and special effects by Chic Silber. Elphaba breaking free of expectations in The “Defying Gravity” scene was especially poignant.

Bass Concert Hall - Austin, TX

Dani Dudek, Austin.com :  In addition to being a story of female friendship, it also focuses on much bigger issues like discrimination and governmental corruption. It’s done in such a fun and entertaining way, taking the story of The Wizard of Oz to a whole new level.

Lynn Beaver, BroadwayWorld : his production is here for us to enjoy because of an spectacularly talented cast and crew. The WICKED tour is so well-tuned, one can believe that one has been transported straight to Broadway. The only slight flaw comes from the venue itself. The sound system at Bass Concert Hall is a continuing problem I have found on my many visits. Some of the chorus songs sound muddy, lacking the crisp clarity needed to hear every lyric clearly. 

Orpheum Theatre Memphis - Memphis, TN

AniKatrina Fageol, BroadwayWorld : The show is visually stunning as well as magical.  Susan Hilferty 's and  Eugene Lee 's award winning costume design and scenic design make the show fun and whimsical for all ages. Audiences will immediately notice the Great Dragon Clock (look up) overhead and the images of the Emerald City are some of my favorite in musical set design. The costumes, make-up, and wigs make you feel like you have stepped into the Hunger Games's Capitol and we are left wondering why on earth Elphaba is considered the strange one (although she fits right in in the Emerald City, as she proclaims during "One Short Day". 

Bushnell Theater - Hartford, CT

Christopher Arnott, The Hartford Courant : The bottom line is that “Wicked” has everything going for it, from characters that great musical theater actors clamor to play to awesome sets where a giant metal dragon is just a subtle detail to the sinuously sweet Stephen Schwartz score to the tart Winnie Holzman dialogue. Familiar Oz characters are spread out carefully so they get big crowd-rousing entrances, and the unfamiliar Oz characters (spoiler alert) become familiar ones.

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