Show guide

Wicked

Wicked reimagines the world of Oz from the perspective of its most misunderstood witch, pairing Stephen Schwartz's pop-inflected score with a story about friendship, fear, and how history gets written.

Premiered
2003
Composer
Stephen Schwartz
Genre
Rock/Pop
Setting
Timeless

The story of Wicked

Wicked tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, centering on Elphaba, a green-skinned young woman with remarkable powers, and Glinda, her seemingly opposite classmate at Shiz University. Their unlikely friendship forms the emotional core of the show, set within the fantastical, timeless world of Oz rather than any specific historical era.

As the two young women navigate school, politics, and the machinations of the Wizard, the story reveals how one of them comes to be labeled wicked and the other good, offering a fresh, sympathetic lens on characters audiences thought they already knew from the classic Oz story.

The music and the makers

Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics, crafting a score that blends contemporary rock and pop sensibilities with traditional Broadway showmanship. His songs range from anthemic, belt-driven power ballads to tender duets, giving performers plenty of opportunity to showcase vocal range and emotional depth.

Schwartz's melodies have become some of the most recognizable in modern musical theatre, helping the show build a passionate, multigenerational fan base drawn to its accessible, radio-friendly sound layered over sophisticated storytelling.

Wicked on Broadway

Wicked opened on Broadway in 2003 and quickly became one of the defining musicals of its generation, known for its spectacle, its emotional friendship story, and its rock and pop-leaning score. It has drawn audiences of all ages, from longtime theatre fans to newcomers introduced through its most famous songs.

Its appeal lies in the way it takes a beloved fantasy world and gives it emotional complexity, turning a familiar villain into a fully realized, sympathetic character. Decades after opening, it remains a defining example of Broadway spectacle paired with genuine heart.

Frequently asked

When did Wicked open on Broadway?

It opened on Broadway in 2003.

Who composed Wicked?

Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics.

What genre is Wicked?

Wicked features a rock and pop-influenced score blended with traditional Broadway musical theatre style.

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Characters in Wicked

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