Wicked Tickets

Wicked the Musical is likely going to finish its Broadway run atop the list of longest running productions in the North American capital of musical theater. Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s novel has been selling out Wicked tickets since debuting at the Gershwin Theatre in 2003 and the open-ended engagement has shown no signs of suddenly stopping in 2012 or announcing a final year in 2013 as a way to celebrate its first decade in New York City. There is no reason to drum up support for the Broadway production or the two concurrent national tours. That is correct; Wicked the Musical has proven so popular that in addition to fixed performances in major theater cities across America, Europe, and Asia, it is able to easily support two different touring casts. 

The story of the misunderstood Elphaba and rival turned best friend (and future Good Witch of the North) Glinda is so popular a recital of the plot is unnecessary. A celebration of the music and its hits, including “What is this Feeling?” and “I’m Not that Girl”, is expected. A mention of the ever in-production film adaptation is predictable. Instead, let’s talk about something far more impressive, how Wicked saved Broadway theater.

Musical theater on Broadway was always going to be able to maintain some level of popularity, but Wicked the Musical saved the industry from becoming reliant on Disney Theatrical adaptations to remain solvent. Wicked drew millions to New York in its first year and proved engaging enough to officially kick off the return of musical theater to Chicago, a city that had become noted for its incredible dramatic works but lacking the big budget productions of something like a musical. It also became a touring production not the result of a failed run on the Broadway stage. It went from city to city and became the catalyst for the bounce back in the return of popularity for the musical format. Heck, Glee would never have become a national phenomenon without this push. Wicked tickets have time and time again demonstrated they are much more than an opportunity to see a great show, but that they are a chance to be a part of a production so inspiring it became the forefront of a cultural movement.