Original Broadway Production and Opening Details
The original Broadway production of Wicked, which features the character Glinda the Good Witch, opened on October 30, 2003 at the Gershwin Theatre. The production was developed by Universal Pictures, with the stage adaptation by Winnie Holzman and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The show is produced by Universal Broadway and has been licensed to major theater groups worldwide, with the original Broadway run continuing as a benchmark for commercial and artistic success according to Forbes.
The original Broadway production of Wicked was produced by Universal Pictures in association with Marc Platt Productions and David Stone Productions. The show's initial Broadway investment and ongoing commercial operations are managed under the umbrella of Universal Broadway, a joint venture that handles licensing, touring, and merchandise per SEC filings. The original production set the template for the global Wicked brand, including standardized contracts, royalty structures, and brand guidelines for all licensed productions.
Original Broadway Cast and Principal Performers
The original Broadway cast of Wicked included Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda the Good Witch and Idina Menzel as Elphaba. Other original cast members included Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero, Michelle Federer as Nessarose, and Joel Grey as the Wizard. The original Broadway cast recording was released by Universal Music Group, and the principal performers' contracts and compensation details are part of the show's standard Broadway production agreements as reported by Forbes.
Kristin Chenoweth originated the role of Glinda on Broadway, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her performance. The original Broadway production's casting decisions were made by the show's producers in collaboration with the creative team, with the goal of building a recognizable ensemble that could anchor the long-running commercial viability of the show per SEC filings. The original cast's compensation structures, including base salary and profit participation, are standard for Broadway productions under union agreements.
Financial Performance and Licensing Structure
Broadway Grosses and Revenue Model
The original Broadway production of Wicked has been one of the highest-grossing shows in Broadway history, with weekly grosses regularly exceeding $1.5 million at the Gershwin Theatre. The show's revenue model includes ticket sales, merchandise licensing, and international touring rights, with the original Broadway production serving as the primary source for all subsequent global licensing