'Wicked' to become fourth-longest-running show in Broadway history
On April 11, the Wizard of Oz-inspired musical, which has been playing the Gershwin Theatre since 2003, will surpass Cats in number of Broadway performances.
It's defying gravity — and records! On Tuesday, April 11, Wicked will become the fourth-longest-running musical in Broadway history after playing nearly 20 years at the Gershwin Theatre.
The April 11 show will mark Wicked's 7,486th Broadway performance, officially surpassing Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats. That show's world-premiere production ran for the 7,485 performances between 1982 and 2000.
When Wicked takes fourth place, all four of the longest-running Broadway shows will be currently running shows. In third is The Lion King, which opened in 1997; in second is the 1996 revival of Chicago; and first is Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, which closes April 16 after a 35-year Broadway run.
Wicked celebrates this milestone as it also prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The show's first performance was on October 8, 2003, ahead of an official October 30 opening.
Composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz and book writer Winnie Holzman adapted the Wicked musical from Gregory Maguire's same-named novel. The story, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, follows the unlikely friendship of Glinda and Elphaba, who are torn apart when one is called the Good Witch and the other, the Wicked Witch of the West.
The current Wicked Broadway cast includes Alyssa Fox as Elphaba, McKenzie Kurtz as Glinda, Michele Pawk as Madame Morrible, John Dossett as The Wizard, James D. Gish as Fiyero, Kimber Elayne Sprawl as Nessarose, Michael Wartella as Boq, and original cast member William Youmans as Dr. Dillamond.
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Photo credit: Alyssa Fox as Elphaba in Wicked. (Photo by Joan Marcus)
Frequently asked questions
What is Wicked about?
The Tony-winning musical Wicked made Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth household names, and nearly 20 years later, Wicked remains a popular audience favorite. This prequel to The Wizard of Oz flips everything you know about good and bad witches, centering on Glinda and Elphaba's long-lost friendship. Defy gravity and learn more about Wicked tickets on Broadway today.
Where is Wicked playing?
Wicked is playing at Gershwin Theatre. The theatre is located at 222 West 51st Street (between Broadway & 8th Avenue), New York, 10019.
How long is Wicked?
The running time of Wicked is 2hr 45min. Incl. 15min intermission.
What's the age requirement for Wicked?
The recommended age for Wicked is Ages 8+. Children under 5 will not be admitted..
How do you book tickets for Wicked?
Book tickets for Wicked on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote Wicked?
Wicked is written by Winnie Holzman (book) and Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics). Holzman's book is based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked.
What songs are in Wicked?
Wicked's Tony-nominated score includes songs such as "Defying Gravity," "Popular," "For Good," "No Good Deed," and "Dancing Through Life." Learn more about all the songs in Wicked on Broadway.
Is Wicked appropriate for kids?
Wicked is recommended for children ages 8 and older. The show is a popular family-friendly Broadway show that audiences of all ages enjoy. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
What is the Wicked musical based on?
The Wicked musical is based on Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, a novel by Gregory Maguire published in 1995.
When did Wicked open on Broadway?
Wicked opened in October 2003. It is the fourth-longest-running Broadway show of all time as of 2023.
Who directed Wicked on Broadway?
Two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello directed Wicked on Broadway. He has directed more than 30 Broadway shows and is known for Assassins, Take Me Out, 9 to 5, and The Odd Couple.
Is Wicked good?
Wicked is one of Broadway's longest-running shows and is among the best-reviewed shows on New York Theatre Guide.
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