When Does the Story of Wicked Take Place
The musical Wicked is set in the fictional Land of Oz, primarily before and during the events depicted in The Wizard of Oz. The story begins in the years leading up to Dorothy's arrival in Oz, exploring the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. The narrative unfolds across the Land of Oz's different regions, including the Emerald City, Shiz University, and the Vinkus, establishing the political and social landscape that shapes the characters' destinies. The timeline aligns with the classic Oz universe, placing the events in a pre-Dorothy era that reinterprets the origins of the iconic witches.
The story is structured across two acts, with Act I focusing on Elphaba's arrival at Shiz University and her evolving friendship with Glinda, while Act II follows her transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West. Key plot points include Elphaba's rise as a political activist, her relationship with the Wizard, and her eventual conflict with the ruling powers of Oz. The musical uses flashbacks and parallel storylines to connect the events directly to the world Dorothy enters in The Wizard of Oz, creating a direct narrative bridge between the two stories. For more details on the Oz universe and its timeline, see the official Wicked page at wickedthemusical.com.
Broadway and West End Performance Dates and Schedule
Wicked premiered on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre on October 30, 2003, and has since become one of the longest-running Broadway productions. The show transferred to London's West End, opening at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on September 27, 2006, where it continues to run. As of the latest available data, Wicked remains among the top-grossing Broadway shows, consistently ranking in the top 10 by weekly gross revenue. The Broadway production currently holds the record as one of the highest-grossing shows in Broadway history, with weekly ticket sales frequently exceeding $3 million.
The current Broadway cast and creative team continue to stage the production with periodic updates to choreography, costumes, and set design. Wicked has been performed in over 15 countries and translated into multiple languages, including German, Japanese, and Dutch, with each production adhering to the original timeline and story structure. The show's longevity is supported by a global licensing model managed by Universal Music Group and the original production companies, allowing amateur and professional theaters worldwide to stage the musical. For the latest Broadway grosses and rankings, see the Broadway Grosses section at Forbes.
Wicked Movie Release Windows and Adaptation Timeline
The first Wicked film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, was released in two parts, with Part One premiering on November 22, 2024, and Part Two scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. The movies are produced by Universal Pictures and distributed globally, with the films expanding the musical's story to a new audience. The release dates were confirmed by Universal Pictures and align with the original Broadway timeline, adapting the two-act structure into a cinematic format. The films feature the original stage score by Stephen Schwartz, with additional orchestrations and new arrangements tailored for the screen.
The Wicked movie franchise is expected to influence future stage productions, merchandise, and streaming availability across major platforms. Universal Pictures has secured global distribution rights for the films, with theatrical releases planned in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and premium large-format screens worldwide. The movie adaptations are positioned as a cornerstone of Universal's franchise strategy, alongside other musical adaptations, and are expected to drive renewed interest in the stage musical's global tour schedule. For more information on the film production and release strategy, see the official Universal Pictures page at