Wicked
The Wicked musical is a magical journey to the land of Oz
Wicked is the enchanting musical by Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz that has been capturing the hearts of audiences young and old. A magical prequel to Frank L. Baum’s classic novel, the Wicked musical tells the story of The Wizard of Oz as you have never seen – or heard – it before. Since opening on Broadway in 2003, the musical has travelled around the world, and has bewitched audiences in the West End for over 15 years at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.
Following Elphaba, an aspiring young witch who stands out because of her vibrant green skin, Wicked is the ultimate tale of friendship, love and acceptance. Inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel of the same name, the musical follows Elphaba as she begins school and meets fellow aspiring witch Galinda. Struggling to fit in because of her peculiar appearance, Elphaba’s powers soon begin to spiral out of control. As Elphaba and Galinda (who renames herself Glinda) join together, they soon begin to learn that everything in the land of Oz may not be as it seems. When the animals begin to lose their voice, Elphaba decides that she must take action.
The Wicked musical first premiered in New York in 2003, with Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoworth as Glinda. It has played at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway ever since. In 2006, the show transferred to the West End and has now celebrated over 15 years at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. With its stunning sets, bold costumes and exciting story of friendship, it is a global success with large-scale productions staged most notably in Germany and Australia. A film adaptation starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo is also in development – although nothing can quite beat the exhilarating thrill of seeing the story live on stage!
Wicked is adapted from Maguire’s book by Winnie Holzmann (My So-called Life) with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Schwartz is a hugely acclaimed lyricist and composer who has worked on Disney films including Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Prince of Egypt; and musicals including Pippin and Godspell. He has won three Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and been nominated for six Tony Awards. His Wicked musical score is as soaring, quirky and magical as the characters themselves, ,with songs such as “The Wizard and I”, “Popular”, “No Good Deed” and the show-stopping “Defying Gravity” bringing this fantastical story to life.
Two-time Tony Award winning director Joe Mantello (The Boys in the Band) directs, with glowing, inventive choreography by Wayne Cilento, and striking set design by Eugene Lee and Susan Hilferty. The creative team also includes designer Kenneth Posner and sound designer Tony Meola.
Wicked has won a huge number of awards including Tonys and Oliviers and has featured countless stars in the lead roles, including Kerry Ellis, Rachel Tucker, Louise Dearman, Emma Hatton and Willemijn Verkaik.
Wicked’s current cast includes Emma Kingston as Elphaba, Zizi Strallen as Glinda, Carl Man as Fiyero, Sarah Ingram as Madame Morrible, Michael Matus as the Wizard, Hannah Qureshi as Nessarose, Ross Carpenter as Boq and David McKechnie as Doctor Dillamond. Laura Emmitt is the standby Elphaba and Lydia Gerrard is the standby Glinda.
Still as “Popular” as it was when it first opened, the Wicked musical is a magical West End show that’s not flying away any time soon!
Child friendly?
Children of 7 years old and above will love this show! Some scenes could be slightly scary for those under the age of 7 and children under the age of 3 will not be admitted into the theatre. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.