Wicked (musical)

Wicked is a Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman.

Wicked is a Broadway musical that reimagines the Land of Oz before Dorothy's arrival. It follows the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda and how Elphaba becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.

What it is

The story takes place at Shiz University in Oz before Dorothy arrives. It focuses on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, a green-skinned outcast, and Glinda, a popular student. Their bond and the events that follow shape Elphaba's public image as a villain. The musical is a revisionist retelling from the witches' perspective.

Source material and themes

Wicked is based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, which reimagines L. Frank Baum's Oz world. The musical explores themes of friendship, identity, prejudice, power, and moral complexity. It shows how public narratives can differ from private realities, presenting Oz as a more nuanced place.

Production history and Canadian connection

Wicked premiered on Broadway on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre. It became a long-running hit and has been staged in the West End and internationally. In Canada, major productions have toured to several cities, contributing to its broad popularity with Canadian theatre audiences.