Why Now Is the Perfect Time to See Wicked on Broadway: A Must-See After 15 Years
As the lights dim in the iconic Gershwin Theatre, the green glow of the Oz map, intricate gears of the epic clock, and massive dragon overhead captivate the audience. Having seen Wicked on Broadway six years prior, my recent visit—mere weeks after the 15th anniversary performance—revealed something extraordinary.
This prequel to The Wizard of Oz felt grander, more enchanting, and strikingly relevant.
With 15 years as an entertainment journalist, I've attended premieres with Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, navigated opening nights past Orlando Bloom, and interviewed stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Jeremy Jordan, and Vanessa Hudgens.
Yet Wicked's impact surpassed them all. As the glowing map rose, I was immersed in Oz's vivid world, blurring lines between reality and fantasy—perhaps heightened by today's political landscape. For 2 hours and 45 minutes, I lived Elphaba and Glinda's journey.
As Broadway's second-highest grossing show ever, Wicked has enchanted millions. Whether it's your first visit or a return, here's why now is ideal to follow the Yellow Brick Road.
Appreciating its storied legacy elevates the experience.
For 15 years, Wicked has anchored 51st Street in Manhattan. Some elements, like the pitchfork in "March of the Witch Hunters," remain unchanged, while roles have become legendary.
"I always knew it was something special in the beginning," original Elphaba Idina Menzel told Playbill. "But I had no idea that it would become this phenomenon." Her immersive performance fostered deep audience empathy despite the green makeup.
Playing Elphaba is a Broadway honor, with stars like Ana Gasteyer, Stephanie J. Block, and Teal Wicks donning the hat. Current star Jessica Vosk, post-touring production, now performs with Katie Rose Clarke as Glinda, after Amanda Jane Cooper.
New releases will make you crave the live soundtrack.
The February Wicked: The 15th Anniversary Special Edition features four bonus tracks from NBC’s anniversary special: Ariana Grande's "The Wizard and I," Pentatonix's "What Is This Feeling?," Adam Lambert and Ledisi's "As Long as You’re Mine," and an all-star "For Good" with Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, and 18 past Glindas/Elphabas.
The #OutOfOz Wicked Studio Sessions on YouTube, including Jennifer Nettles and Aaron Tveit, further stoke demand.
Each rendition, like the NASA wake-up "Defying Gravity," underscores the urgency to experience it live—first time or 150th.
Timeless themes resonate more profoundly today.
Bullying and good vs. evil endure, but lines feel prescient through a modern lens. Stephen Schwartz's music/lyrics and Winnie Holzman's book remain unaltered.
Act 1: The Wizard to Elphaba, "When I first got here, there was discord... the best way to bring folks together is to give them a really good enemy." Her retort: "You have no real power! That’s why you need an enemy. And spies. And cages."
Act 2: Elphaba to Glinda, accusing her of lying as a public figure. Eerily timely.
Insider secrets enhance your visit.
Fun facts: Elphaba has a dedicated makeup team (face, neck, hands; 25 minutes typical, record 7). Nessarose uses three wheelchairs. Elphaba's Act II dress requires 29 yards of 37 fabrics.
Learn more via the Behind the Emerald Curtain tour (select Saturdays). Cast-led, it explores the museum, costumes, and props—perfect for Broadway insight and potential star-spotting.
Whether touring or not, Wicked's curtain rise delivers immersive magic: dazzling stagecraft, electrifying music, profound themes.
