The fourth longest-running show in Broadway history, "Wicked" has been "defying gravity" on the Great White Way (and beyond) for over two decades. Having won Tony Awards for Best Scenic and Costume Design and Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Musical, Lyrics and Book of a Musical, it's no wonder the show is so "popular." "Wicked" has broken multiple box office records around the world. It holds the weekly-gross-taking records in Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis and London AND has surpassed "The Phantom of the Opera" as Broadway's second-highest-grossing musical (behind "The Lion King"). If you haven't seen "Wicked" yet, it's time to "trust [your] instincts, close [your] eyes and leap," because we're breaking down the top reasons to see this "wonderful" show on Broadway!
Top Reasons to See "Wicked" on Broadway
Whether you're heading to New York or want to see the show when it comes to the city near you, here are four reasons to get "Wicked" tickets.
1. Discoverate what hoppened before Dorothy dropped in
Based on the 1995 novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire, "Wicked" shines a light on Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda (who changes her name to Glinda), the Good Witch of the North. Long before a twister brought Dorothy and Toto to the Land of Oz, the two would-be enemies started out as roommates at Shiz University. While initially repulsed by each other's differences, it wasn't long before they became the best of friends. To find out how things went south? Well, you're going to have to see for yourself.
Not only does this musical tell the origin stories of the famous bubble and broom-riding witches, but you'll also learn the backstories of several other famous characters from L. Frank Baum's classic story, including the Wonderful Wizard of Oz himself. If you think you know what hoppened "somewhere over the rainbow," think again.
2. Witness the most thrillifying effects on Broadway
From the grand and foreboding Oz Head to the fearsome flying monkeys to — of course — the pivotal moment where Elphaba defies gravity, "Wicked" is filled from start to finish with magical special effects. The moment you walk into the Gershwin Theatre and lock eyes with the magnificent Time Dragon Clock, you're transported to a land of magic and mystery where anything is possible — where people can "come and go by bubble" and where houses can miraculously fall out of the sky. There's nothing as magical as live theater, and "Wicked" uses every spell in the Grimmerie to enchant its audiences eight times a week.
3. See stars that shine as bright as the Emerald City
The "wickedly talented" Idina Menzel (who originated the role of Elphaba) and fellow Tony and Emmy-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth (who originated the role of Galinda) aren't the only famous faces who followed the Yellow Brick Road to the Gershwin Theatre.
"Wicked" — both on Broadway and on tour — has been the stomping ground of many well-known Broadway performers. Shoshana Bean ("Hell's Kitchen"), Eden Espinosa ("Lempicka"), Caissie Levy ("Leopoldstadt") and Stephanie J. Block ("The Cher Show") have all gone green as Elphaba. Annaleigh Ashford ("Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"), Kara Lindsay ("Newsies"), Laura Bell Bundy ("The Cottage") and Allie Trimm ("Bye Bye Birdie") have all been "Galindafied" at one point or another. Taye Diggs ("Rent"), Aaron Tveit ("Moulin Rouge"), Andy Karl ("Pretty Woman: The Musical") and Derek Klena ("Jagged Little Pill") have all danced through life as Fiyero. The list of notable names goes on and on. You never know who you're going to see on the roster at Shiz University!
4. Catch it on stage before it comes to the big screen
On Nov. 22, 2024, the first part of a two-part film adaptation of the musical starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Galinda, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero and Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond will be hitting theaters. (Part Two will be released a year later on Nov. 26, 2025.) Directed by Jon M. Chu — the mastermind behind the film adaptation of "In the Heights" — the two upcoming movies are sure to be nothing short of spectacular. However, it's always best to see a story in its original medium first. That way, you can better appreciate any homages and Easter eggs.
Did you know you can score movie tickets through Undercover Tourist for Regal, Cinemark and AMC cinemas? But before you purchase your movie tickets, grab a ticket to see "Wicked" at a theater near you. To see the full schedule of upcoming cities, hop over to our "Wicked" page. The show makes its way to Denver, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle and Los Angeles in the last half of 2024. You can also look ahead to the 2025 "Wicked" touring schedule.
- Wicked Sunday, Sep. 15, 2024, 1:00pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Tuesday, Sep. 17, 2024, 7:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024, 1:00pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024, 7:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Thursday, Sep. 19, 2024, 7:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, 7:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Saturday, Sep. 21, 2024, 1:00pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Saturday, Sep. 21, 2024, 7:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Sunday, Sep. 22, 2024, 1:00pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024, 7:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Wednesday, Sep. 25, 2024, 7:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Thursday, Sep. 26, 2024, 7:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Friday, Sep. 27, 2024, 7:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Saturday, Sep. 28, 2024, 1:00pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Saturday, Sep. 28, 2024, 7:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Sunday, Sep. 29, 2024, 1:00pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Sunday, Sep. 29, 2024, 6:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, 7:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, 7:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Wicked Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, 7:30pm - Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
"Wicked" Broadway Tickets
"Good news!" You can get amazing seats for "Wicked" on Broadway (backed by a 100% buyer guarantee) in just a "clock-tick" with Undercover Tourist. Check out our "Wicked" on Broadway page for a full schedule of dates and times.
Tips for Seeing "Wicked"
We have a few tips for seeing "Wicked" live:
- Buy "Wicked" tickets early for the best selection.
- Use A View From My Seat to find the seats with the best view of the stage.
- Head to the stage door after the show. Though not guaranteed for every performance, you can wait for some of the cast members to come out and sign your Playbill.
- Watch "The Wizard of Oz" before seeing the show.
- Use the official Educators' Guide to learn about the characters, familiarize yourself with Oz-speak, learn about the show's many magical design elements and so much more.
- Use the show's Linguification Library to explore perspectives, language and resources for thoughtful engagement around the show's themes, fostering empowerment and change "for good."
- Consider going Behind the Emerald Curtain for the ultimate behind-the-scenes experience at the Gershwin. You'll get to see an elaborate set model by Tony Award-winner Eugene Lee, take an up-close look at Susan Hilferty's Tony Award-winning costumes, enjoy a candid Q+A session with a few cast members and more!
Are you ready to get "Wicked" Broadway tickets or tickets for the "Wicked" traveling tour? Find great seats for "Wicked" and other Broadway shows (as well as hotels and other NYC attractions) through Undercover Tourist.
Related: The 10 Best Broadway Shows for Kids
