Wicked – About the Show
Highlights of Wicked – Must-See Moments
An Icon of American Novels and Broadway Shows
Wicked is an alternate story to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a beloved American classic. It’s not a Disney production, but with its vibrant costumes and lighthearted feel, it’s easy to enjoy for all ages. The story is a popular pick for family vacations, student trips, and girls’ getaways.
“Defying Gravity” “Popular” – The Iconic Hit Songs
Wicked features two standout songs. “Defying Gravity,” is the powerful Act I finale where Elphaba delivers breathtaking vocals, and “Popular” is Glinda’s charming, comedic number. Together, they capture the show’s blend of deep emotion and playful humor.
From Broadway Hit to Hollywood Film
Adapted from the iconic Broadway musical Wicked, the 2024 Hollywood film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. After seeing the story on screen, experience the original Wicked on Broadway in New York City with powerful live vocals and breathtaking stage magic!
Show Info of Wicked
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Theater Location
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Gershwin Theatre
Address：222 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019 ( Map)
Accessible from both 50th Street and 51st Street entrances. -
Duration (How Long the Show)
- Running time: 2 hours 45 minutes with an intermission
During intermission, you can browse theater-exclusive merchandise or grab refreshments. -
Age Limit
- 5 years and older *Child pricing not available
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Translation/Subtitles
- French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish（Audien）
English（GalaPro）
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Must-Know Info Before Watching
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- Dress Code: There is no specific dress code. You may want to bring an extra layer, as the theater can feel cool due to air conditioning.
- Bag Policy: Small bags or backpacks that fit under your seat are generally allowed, but large bags and oversized backpacks are not permitted. Please bring only essential items.
- Special Effects Notice: There are scenes with intense flashing lights.
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Type of the Show
- Must-see・Classic Beginner-friendly Adapted into a Movie Stunning Songs Funny Emotional・Touching
Show Time of Wicked
Regular weekly schedule for the Broadway musical Wicked. Click “Book Tickets” to view the full schedule with upcoming show dates and times.
Please scroll to the right to see the complete schedule.| Performanc | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
| Matinee (Daytime)
Soiree (Night) |
2PM
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Closed |
7PM |
2PM
7PM |
7PM |
7PM |
2PM
8PM |
Wicked – Story
The Plot / Summary of Wicked
It takes place in the Land of Oz before Dorothy ever wandered into this world. At that time, Oz was a peaceful and free country where humans and animals spoke the same language and lived together in harmony.
But suddenly, animals throughout the land began to lose their ability to speak.
The main character, Elphaba, was born with striking green skin, which made her an outcast even within her own family. When she entered a boarding school for magic, her sharp mind, fiery personality, and mysterious magical powers made it even harder for her to make friends.
One day, she was assigned to share a dorm room with Glinda, the school’s most popular, beautiful, blonde girl, and the complete opposite of Elphaba in both looks and personality. At first they clashed, but over time they began to understand one another and formed an unexpected friendship.
Then, an invitation arrived for Elphaba from the Wizard of Oz, the powerful ruler said to hold great magical abilities. Elphaba and Glinda traveled to the Emerald City, enchanted by its open-minded and free-spirited atmosphere.
To their shock, however, the Wizard, whom Elphaba had long admired – turned out to be the very one behind the conspiracy, stealing animals’ ability to speak in order to tighten his control over the land.
Angered by the truth, Elphaba decides to fight for the animals’ freedom, stealing a magical book and fleeing the palace. To protect his power, the Wizard and his followers turn the citizens of Oz against her, branding Elphaba as the “Wicked Witch,” while elevating Glinda as the “Good Witch” who would save Oz.
Though they still care deeply for one another, Elphaba and Glinda are forced onto opposite paths, leading to life-changing decisions for both…
Wicked – Cast
Characters in Wicked
Characters in the Broadway musical Wicked. You can check today’s cast in the Playbill booklet, which you can pick up inside the theater.
Elphaba
The main character of Wicked. She was born with green skin and magic powers, known for her fiery spirit and strong sense of justice.
Glinda (Galinda)
Elphaba’s classmate known as the popular and glamorous “Good Witch,” who becomes her friend and roommate.
Fiyero
The handsome prince of the Winkie Kingdom in western Oz, who meets Elphaba and Glinda (Galinda) at Shiz University.
The Wizard of Oz
The ruler of Emerald City and a powerful sorcerer admired by Elphaba, who harbors a secret dark side.
Original Casts & Stars of Wicked
The principal roles of the original Broadway cast of Wicked, which opened in 2003, are as follows:
| Character | Original Cast |
| Elphaba | Idina Menzel |
| Glinda | Kristin Chenoweth |
| Fiyero | Norbert Leo Butz |
| Wizard of Oz | Joel Grey |
Wicked – Theater
Gershwin Theatre – Home of Wicked
The Gershwin Theatre is the largest Broadway venue in Manhattan, with a massive seating capacity of around 1,933 seats. The entrance can be a little confusing because it is part of a large building that actually houses two theatres. Just be sure not to accidentally walk into the “Circle in the Square Theatre” next door. Luckily, the entrance and lobby of the Gershwin Theatre are covered in Wicked’s iconic green decor, making it hard to miss.
Is Gershwin Theatre Area Safe for Visitors?
The Gershwin Theatre is located just a few minutes from Times Square (TSQ), a popular area filled with tourists even late at night. Even after a Wicked performance ends around 10 PM, you can comfortably return to your hotel. The theatre is easily accessible from both the 50th Street and 51st Street entrances.Wicked – Best Seat
The Seating Chart of Gershwin Theatre
*Click to view larger image
The seating at Wicked is divided into three sections: Orchestra on the first floor, Front Mezzanine and Rear Mezzanine on the second floor. Thanks to the designer’s thoughtful layout, there are more seats on the first floor, and the mezzanine is well-tiered for good visibility. Compared to many other theaters, a greater number of seats offer clear sightlines.
Best Seats for Wicked
The center seats in the Orchestra (first floor) offer the best view of the stage. Side sections can feel too close to the wall, creating awkward angles, and some reviews mention sightlines being blocked by the heads of people in front. Mezzanine (second-floor) seats provide an unobstructed view, but because they are higher up, you may feel a bit more distance from the stage.View From Seats at the Gershwin Theatre
You can view real seat photos from inside the the Gershwin Theatre to see the stage from sections. These images help you choose the seating option that best suits your Broadway experience.
Orchestra Center Row U
Mezzanine Side Row A
Wicked – Movie Trailers
The YouTube Trailer of Wicked
Promotional video for the Broadway musical Wicked. Don’t miss the spectacular stage production, especially the powerful live vocals in the show’s iconic finale, “Defying Gravity.”
Wicked – Review
Our Local Team’s Review of Wicked
Our team shares impressions of Wicked, including ratings, seating tips, and details on exclusive merchandise available at the theatre.
Discover the unforgettable Wicked experience with a closer look at its iconic and emotional songs.
Wicked Broadway Show Review #2
A quick look back at “The Wizard of Oz”, with theatre highlights and exclusive Wicked merchandise.
Wicked Broadway Show Review #1
Reviews & Ratings for Wicked
Seen Wicked on Broadway? Rate it with one click voting below! Your vote updates instantly.
Audience Feedback & Testimonials for Wicked
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横尾沙織さんのインタビューを読ませていただいて、ウィキッドを観ようと決めました。日本で劇場関係の仕事をしているため様々な作品を観て来ましたが、ブロードウェイの大胆かつ計算され尽くした演出や奥行きのある豪華なセット、厚みのある音響、演者の動きを邪魔することなく美しく照らす照明には驚かされました。夢のような時間で、3時間弱が一瞬で終わり客席から動けなくなるほど満たされた気持ちになりました。本場のウィキッドを観劇出来て幸せです。有難うございました。
If you want to see a Broadway style musical, I think Wicked is the best. The world is well-crafted and the songs are amazing. I can see why Aladdin is so popular though.
I'm a huge Ariana Grande fan. I saw the Hollywood movie Wicked and loved how adorable Ariana is. The visuals were amazing, with effective use of 3D, and Ariana's singing and dancing were fantastic. The role of Glinda was perfect, and it really suited the cute Ariana.
After learning that the original novel was a musical, I took advantage of my year-end holidays to go to New York for the first time to see the musical I'd been longing to see. It was my first musical, but the volume was so loud, like a concert, and the experience was so exciting. Glinda's costume was the same pink and so cute. Ariana is naturally a great singer, but I was also impressed by the actress playing Glinda on stage, who was such a great singer and truly professional. The actress playing Elphaba also had such a powerful voice that it was truly impressive. I thought the sense of realism was incredible, something you can't get on a big screen. The audience there laughed a lot and played along loudly, so it was a really enjoyable experience. My seats were towards the back of the second floor, but the theater was quite large, so I later regretted buying seats a little further forward. If you're planning to go, I recommend seeing the movie first. It seems a sequel is being planned, so I'll keep my eyes peeled for it. It was worth the trip all the way to New York to see it.
I bought my tickets on this website, but I think it would be a good idea to explain that it's easier to see from the first floor. Please be careful, everyone. Sorry for bothering you...
I saw Wikit because the reviews were good, and it was the right decision 😊 It seems that the children were also very inspired by the authentic stage performance, and it made me want to see more Broadway productions ✨
I'd always wanted to see Wicked, but tickets were so expensive that I never got the chance to go. But this time, I finally decided to go!
As expected, the tickets weren't that cheap, but I'm glad I decided to go. Wicked seemed like something that anyone could enjoy, regardless of age, from children to adults. It was a dreamlike experience, and before I knew it, it was over in a flash. It was a musical that I'd want to see again if I had the time.
If I have the opportunity again, I'll definitely ask Atto New York to arrange my tickets for me.
Wicked – Explore
Behind the Scenes of Wicked
Long-Running Broadway Musical Performed in Over 30 Countries
The musical Wicked premiered in 2003 at New York’s Gershwin Theatre and quickly became a sensation. It is now recognized as one of the longest-running and most beloved Broadway shows in New York City.
Following its massive success on Broadway, Wicked has captivated audiences worldwide, with productions in London’s West End, Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, Singapore, Seoul in South Korea, Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, Hamburg in Germany, and many more. To date, it has been performed in over 30 countries across the globe.
Praised internationally, Wicked remains one of the most popular and iconic Broadway musicals, loved by both first-time theatergoers and dedicated musical fans.
From Novel to Broadway: The Story Behind Wicked
The Broadway musical Wicked is based on multiple iconic works: ① the 1900 children’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, ② the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz, and ③ the novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by American author Gregory Maguire.The original novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, is set in the Land of Oz long before Dorothy arrived from Kansas. It tells the untold backstory of two witches: Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch of the South) revealing a hidden history never explored in the original book or film.
Inspired by the Gulf War and contemporary social issues in America, Gregory Maguire’s novel presents a darker and more somber take on the classic Wizard of Oz story. In contrast, the Broadway musical Wicked reimagines this story with humor, unforgettable songs, and a fast-paced narrative. Exploring themes of justice, morality, and the true meaning of good and evil, Wicked delivers powerful emotions and an experience that captivates both first-time theatergoers and devoted Broadway fans of all ages.
A $14 Million Stage Design Won the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design
The magical Land of Oz, where the Broadway musical Wicked is set, was brought to life by Universal Studios Hollywood, which invested about $14 million USD in set design, stage effects, and costumes. Scenic designer Eugene Lee created a richly detailed world that extends beyond the stage, immersing the audience in the story from the moment they enter the theater.
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
The music and lyrics for Wicked were written by Stephen Schwartz, who was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Original Score with Wicked. Schwartz is also known for creating the groundbreaking rock musical “Godspell”, which reimagines Jesus Christ appearing in modern New York and earned him two Grammy Awards.He has also contributed to Disney classics such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid,” winning multiple Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Tony Awards throughout his career. Among his most beloved Wicked songs are “Defying Gravity,” “The Wizard and I,” “Popular,” and “For Good,” which remain audience favorites.
The Original Elphaba Was Idina Menzel, the Voice of “Let It Go”
In the original 2003 Broadway production, the role of Elphaba was played by American actress and singer Idina Menzel, who later became internationally famous for singing “Let It Go”** in Disney’s hit movie Frozen. The powerful vocals of Elphaba are one of the show’s biggest highlights. While she is widely known as a singer, Idina Menzel is also an accomplished actress. She made her Broadway debut in 1996 as Maureen in the musical “Rent”, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress that same year. And in 2003, she won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her stunning performance in “Wicked.”
Although she left Wicked on Broadway in January 2005, the original cast recording featuring her vocals went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album and achieved the rare distinction of platinum sales for a Broadway album.
Songs and Music from Wicked
Glinda and Elphaba, the two main characters of Wicked, show their contrasting characters through iconic songs. See selected lyrics below.
“Popular” – The Song That Shows Glinda’s Personality
“Defying Gravity” – The Song That Shows Elphaba’s True Character
Original Broadway Cast Recording Soundtrack
The original cast recording of the Broadway musical Wicked. Click the link below to view the album.
Wicked – Buy Show Tickets
Book Tickets for Wicked
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Buy discounted tickets online
$103～
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The ticket link will be sent to the email address you provided when you purchase.
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Group discount ticket order for parties of 10 or more >>
Before You Book: Important Information
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| Cancellation Policy |
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| Notes |
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Wicked – FAQ
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Can I buy tickets for Wicked (Broadway show) on the day of the show?
Yes! Same-day discounted tickets are available online through our booking page. See more details about Wicked tickets.
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How much are tickets for Wicked (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical Wicked start at $103 with our discounted prices. See more details for Wicked tickets.
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Is the English in Wicked (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical Wicked has a slightly higher level of English difficulty. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
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Do you have a summary or synopsis of Wicked (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical Wicked are introduced in the Wicked Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
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Who is in the cast of Wicked (Broadway show)?
You can check the cast of the Broadway musical Wicked in the Playbill distributed at the theater on the day of the show. The characters of Wicked are introduced in the Wicked Characters section.
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