Opened: October 30, 2003

Book by: Winnie Holzman

Music & Lyrics by: Stephen Schwartz

Original Broadway Cast: Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Joel Grey, Carole Shelley, Norbert Leo Butz, Michelle Federer, Christopher Fitzgerald, William Youmans, Ioana Alfonso, Ben Cameron, Cristy Candler, Kristy Cates, Melissa Bell Chait, Marcus Choi, Kristoffer Cusick, Kathy Deitch, Melissa Fahn, Rhett G. George, Manuel Herrera, Kisha Howard, LJ Jellison, Sean McCourt, Corinne McFadden, Jan Neuberger, Walter Winston O’Neill, Andrew Palermo, Andy Pellick, Michael Seebach & Eden Espinosa

Ever wonder what the witches of Oz were like before Dorothy dropped in?

Glinda (Kristin Chenoweth) answers Ozians questions about how the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba (Idina Menzel) came to be. Her green skin is offputting, but her magical talents entrance the Wizard (Joel Grey). When her attempt at good deeds leads the Wizard to denounce her, she vows never to be good again.

Wicked is the prequel that we never knew we needed. And it is much better than its successor. The music, costumes and sets will transport you to a wonderful new world.

Stephen Schwartz brings some of the best musical theater of modern day to the stage. Glinda’s “Popular” will make you howl with laughter, while Elphaba’s “Defying Gravity” soars to the heavens.

Final say: It’s no wonder the Broadway show is always sold out. ★★★★★