Wicked the Musical Production Overview
Wicked is a two-act musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. It is based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The story serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz and explores the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. The Broadway production opened on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City, where it continues to run as one of the longest-running shows on Broadway.
The musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions in association with David Stone and Marc Platt. The show has been staged in multiple major theater markets, including London's West End, where it opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in 2006. The Broadway production has won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has been seen by millions of audience members worldwide.
Current Cast and Creative Team
The current Broadway cast features principal performers in the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, with the ensemble and understudies rotating on a regular schedule. The creative team includes direction by Joe Mantello, choreography by Casey Nicholaw, and scenic and costume design by Eugene Lee and Susan Hilferty, respectively. The musical direction and arrangements are by Stephen Oremus, with lighting design by Kenneth Posner and sound design by Jon Weston.
Replacement casting is a standard practice for long-running Broadway productions, and the roles of Elphaba and Glinda are among the most sought-after in musical theater. The show's casting announcements are managed by the production team in coordination with the Broadway producers and the theater's operating schedule. The Gershwin Theatre, where Wicked is housed, is one of the largest Broadway houses, with a seating capacity of approximately 1,933.
Tickets, Pricing, and Audience Information
Tickets for Wicked on Broadway are available through the official Broadway box office, Telecharge, and authorized resale platforms. Standard ticket prices vary by performance date, seat location, and demand, with premium seats typically priced at the higher end of the range. The show performs eight times per week, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays, as well as Sunday performances.
The average ticket price for Wicked reflects its status as a major Broadway attraction, with prices generally falling within the range typical for long-running Broadway musicals. Audience demographics include tourists, locals, and theater enthusiasts, with the show appealing to a broad age range. For the most current ticket availability and pricing, audiences are directed to the official Telecharge website or the Gershwin Theatre box office.
Performance Schedule and Venue Details
Wicked performs at the Gershwin Theatre, located at 222 West 51st Street in Manhattan's Theater District. The venue is accessible via multiple subway lines and is situated near other Broadway theaters and dining options. The standard performance schedule includes evening shows and matinees, with the full weekly schedule posted on the official production website.
Accessibility and Theater Policies
The Gershwin Theatre provides wheelchair-accessible seating and assistive listening devices for patrons with disabilities. The theater's policies on late seating, photography, and recording are standard for Broadway venues and are communicated to ticket holders prior to the performance. The production maintains a family-friendly atmosphere while addressing themes of identity, acceptance, and power.