Hello, this is Ikeda from the editorial team. This time, four of us went to see Wicked together.
Known worldwide as the prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” this powerful story of friendship first gained fame through productions around the globe before becoming a Broadway sensation. The performances and vocals on Broadway are nothing short of overwhelming. In this report, I’ll share our genuine impressions of why “Wicked” is a must-see during any Broadway visit. Whether you’re planning to see it for the first time or have already experienced it, I hope this conveys the boundless magic of the show.
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Must-see highlights inside the Gershwin Theatre
Here’s a closer look at the Gershwin Theatre, home to the Broadway production of Wicked.
① A theater fully immersed in Wicked
When Wicked first opened, the theater underwent major renovations, with tens of millions of dollars spent just on the stage set. As a result, the entire Gershwin Theatre is filled with the world of Wicked. Murals and maps of Oz cover the walls, and one of the best photo spots is right at the first-floor entrance near the famous dragon clock, so don’t miss it.
*Click images to enlarge
② American Theater Hall of Fame
Directly at the entrance stands a large apple monument, symbolizing the American Theater Hall of Fame. Though less known internationally, this is one of the highest honors in the U.S. theater world, with only a select few inducted. Inside the Gershwin, you’ll find exhibits featuring legendary actors, historic costumes, and rare photographs. It’s a fascinating stop for theater lovers.
*Click images to enlarge
③ Official Wicked merchandise shop
From T-shirts ($30 and up) and hoodies ($65 and up) to socks ($20), mugs ($20 and up), and bottles ($40), the variety is impressive. After enjoying the emerald-green stage, you’ll likely find yourself drawn to the emerald-colored souvenirs too.
You can also purchase the original Broadway cast recording featuring Idina Menzel, famous for “Let It Go” in Frozen, for $28. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album and achieved platinum sales, making it a must-have for fans.
Our seats at the Gershwin Theatre
How to read your ticket: FMEZZ C 7
Row C (3rd row from the front), seat number 7
Our view was slightly to the left of center, looking down at the stage. The mezzanine at the Gershwin is set quite high, so there was a bit of distance from the performers. However, this also meant we could clearly see the full scope of the stage effects and intricate set designs. No blocked views, no tall audience members in front, leaving just a smooth, stress-free theater experience to enjoy.
Waiting for the Wicked cast after the show
We had heard rumors that the main Wicked cast members rarely come out to greet fans, but we decided to give it a try. After about 15 minutes of waiting, the actress who plays Elphaba’s sister appeared and graciously signed autographs. Soon after, staff announced, “That’s it for tonight, no more cast are coming out,” and the crowd dispersed. Meeting the stars depends on the night, so if you want the thrill of not knowing who you might meet, the stage door is worth a try!
Our impressions of Wicked on Broadway
The witches of Oz: good and wicked
The story of Wicked centers on two characters from The Wizard of Oz: Elphaba, the so-called Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the South.
Rather than a simple battle of good versus evil, the show portrays both women as complex individuals with strengths and weaknesses. They face challenges, grow, and search for happiness in their own ways.
As the narrative continues, the audience is encouraged to rethink first impressions and question how easily society labels others without truly knowing them. The show’s deeper themes unfold alongside humor, memorable songs, and the powerful friendship at its heart, creating an unforgettable and uplifting theater experience.
Wicked and themes of racial discrimination
In the U.S., conversations about racial inequality are frequent and ongoing. Elphaba’s green skin felt like a metaphor for those who are marginalized for looking different.
The finale duet “For Good” is often remembered as an uplifting song about the power of friendship: “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” But within those hopeful lyrics lies Elphaba’s line, “My story is rewritten by Glinda.” This nuance hints at sorrow, resignation, and the lasting effects of prejudice beneath the surface of their bond.
The difficulty of connecting with others through the lens of Glinda and Elphaba
Imagine you are planning a trip in a group of three people. Two say they want to go to Paris, but you want to go to New York.
If you choose Paris, everyone will get along with you, but you will not go to the place you truly want. On the other hand, if you choose New York, you can follow your own wish, but you will trigger resentment from those around you.
Thinking about the ending of this show, I could not help but feel that when your opinion differs, there is simply no way for relationships with others to go smoothly.
This constant tension between staying true to oneself and yielding to others is a dilemma many of us recognize. Wicked suggests how difficult it can be to strike a balance, and how easily the two paths can lead to painful consequences.
Watching the ending, I even found myself thinking in extreme terms: if connecting with people who hold different values never truly works, perhaps it means that human relationships themselves might be futile. It is a sobering thought that the show leaves lingering in the mind.
The meaning of For Good
The farewell song “For Good” brings Elphaba and Glinda together one last time. Its message is that human relationships, no matter how complicated, inevitably shape who we become.
In essence, the lyrics express that every encounter leaves its mark, often in ways we cannot control, yet we believe we have been changed for the better because of knowing one another.
Still, when Elphaba once defiantly sang “Defying Gravity,” rising above the rules of the world, did she truly believe she had changed for the better? Or did she feel pushed into choices she could not escape? The song carries a bittersweet question about whether human connections lead to happiness or simply require sacrifice.
What Wicked ultimately conveys
Before seeing the show, its marketing words like “friendship” and “magic” made me expect a lighter, simpler story. Instead, it delivered an intricate tapestry of family, discrimination, loyalty, and love. It is a work of surprising depth.
Just as in real life where there may be principles but rarely absolute answers, in Wicked there is no clear “good or bad,” no definite “right or wrong.”
If I had seen this as a student, I know I would have felt something different than I do now. And I suspect if I return to Wicked years from now, after more life experience, I will discover yet another layer.
Perhaps the true message of Wicked cannot be captured in a single viewing. It invites us back, again and again, to find new meaning each time.
In our previous Wicked report, we shared recommended seating and other impressions from different staff members. If you haven’t read it yet, we invite you to explore that article as well.
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