Wicked The Musical: Ultimate Guide to Plot, Characters & More
Wicked the Musical is one of those shows that just keeps drawing people back. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, there’s something magical about the story of Elphaba, the so-called Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch.
With incredible performances, stunning special effects, and unforgettable songs like Defying Gravity, it’s no surprise that the show has become a massive hit worldwide.
Whether you’re planning to see it in London, Broadway, or as part of one of its international tours, this guide will give you everything you need to know about Wicked.
Key Takeaways
- The Story of Wicked: See how Wicked the Musical gives us a different side of the Wicked Witch of the West, focusing on Elphaba’s journey from outcast to powerful witch.
- Iconic Songs: With show-stoppers like Defying Gravity and For Good, we’ve got the full song list from both acts, giving you a sense of what to expect from the soundtrack.
- Tour Dates: Find out where you can watch Wicked, whether it’s in London, Broadway, or a city near you as part of the UK and North American tours.
What is Wicked the Musical About?
Wicked the Musical takes us back to a time before Dorothy arrived in Oz, offering a fresh perspective on two familiar characters: Elphaba and Glinda. Elphaba, born with green skin, is treated as an outsider from the start, while Glinda is admired by everyone for her beauty and popularity. Despite their differences, they meet at Shiz University and unexpectedly form a close friendship.
The story centres on Elphaba’s struggles with being accepted and her battle against the corrupt rule of Oz, particularly the manipulative Wizard. As she uncovers the Wizard’s cruel treatment of the talking animals in Oz, Elphaba takes a stand, which ultimately leads to her being labelled the Wicked Witch of the West. At the same time, Glinda rises to fame and power, but this success comes at the cost of her relationship with Elphaba.
The musical touches on themes of friendship, power, and the fine line between what is considered good and evil, challenging the audience to question the labels we assign to others.
Characters in Wicked the Musical
The characters in Wicked the Musical are essential to the story’s depth and emotional complexity. Each one has a unique journey, contributing to the larger themes of friendship, power, and how we label people. Let’s take a look at all characters that make Wicked so unforgettable.
Elphaba
Elphaba is the misunderstood heroine of the show. Born with green skin, she has been judged and mistreated all her life. Despite this, she remains driven by a strong sense of justice and a desire to do good. Her time at Shiz University marks the beginning of her journey toward becoming the Wicked Witch of the West.
Throughout the musical, Elphaba faces rejection and betrayal, but it’s her discovery of the Wizard’s manipulation that leads her to stand up against him. Unfortunately, her good intentions are misinterpreted, and she’s branded as wicked. Elphaba’s solo, Defying Gravity, is one of the most powerful moments in the show, where she embraces her power and decides to rise above society’s expectations.
Glinda
Glinda, also known as Glinda the Good, starts out as Elphaba’s opposite in every way. She’s blonde, popular, and adored by everyone. However, as the story unfolds, we see that Glinda is not just a superficial character. Her friendship with Elphaba challenges her to question what’s really important in life.
While Glinda is initially focused on maintaining her perfect image, her journey becomes more complex. By the end of the show, Glinda has risen to a position of power, but she also has to live with the choices she made along the way. Her solo, Popular, is a playful, light-hearted moment in the show, but it also reveals her insecurities.
Fiyero
Fiyero is the charming, carefree prince who initially catches Glinda’s eye. At first, Fiyero seems more interested in having fun than anything else. However, as he gets to know Elphaba, his character deepens. He begins to see the world differently, realising there is more to life than appearances.
Fiyero’s relationship with Elphaba transforms him. He starts to take responsibility for his actions and stand up for what he believes in. His internal conflict between following the easy path and doing what’s right makes him a more dynamic character.
The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz is seen as a powerful and benevolent leader by the citizens of Oz. However, as Elphaba discovers, the Wizard is not the hero he appears to be. Instead, he manipulates the people of Oz and hides behind his image to maintain control.
The Wizard’s deception is a driving force behind Elphaba’s rebellion. He uses his influence to turn the people of Oz against her, leading to her being branded as the Wicked Witch. His character represents the corrupt leadership that Elphaba fights against.
Madame Morrible
Madame Morrible is the ambitious headmistress of Shiz University and plays a crucial role in the futures of both Glinda and Elphaba. At first, she seems like a mentor, especially to Glinda, but her true nature is revealed later in the show.
Madame Morrible aligns herself with the Wizard’s regime and uses her power for her own benefit. Her betrayal of Elphaba is a key turning point in the musical, and her character embodies the theme of ambition at any cost.
Nessarose
Nessarose is Elphaba’s younger sister, born without the ability to walk, and she relies on a wheelchair. At first, Nessarose is kind and dependent on Elphaba, but her character darkens as the story progresses. Elphaba gives her magical ruby slippers, which allow her to walk, but instead of gratitude, power goes to her head.
Nessarose becomes the Wicked Witch of the East and takes control of Munchkinland. Her unrequited love for Boq leads her to act cruelly, showing how power can corrupt even those with good intentions.
Boq
Boq is a Munchkin who has a crush on Glinda but, following her encouragement, ends up with Nessarose. Boq doesn’t truly love her and stays with Nessarose out of obligation, leading to resentment. His story takes a tragic turn in Act Two, when Nessarose’s spell backfires and turns him into the Tin Man.
Boq’s character shows how small actions can have significant consequences, as his unrequited love for Glinda and Nessarose’s obsession with him lead to his transformation.
Doctor Dillamond
Doctor Dillamond is a talking goat and professor at Shiz University. He faces discrimination because he’s an animal, and his mistreatment is one of the reasons Elphaba becomes passionate about fighting for justice.
Doctor Dillamond’s fate serves as a turning point for Elphaba. When he loses his ability to speak and is removed from his position, it pushes her to stand up against the Wizard’s regime. His character highlights the theme of discrimination and the injustices in Oz.
The Flying Monkeys
The Flying Monkeys, led by Chistery, start off as regular animals who Elphaba tries to help. However, when a spell goes wrong, they are given wings and transformed into flying servants.
The monkeys symbolise Elphaba’s good intentions gone awry. Although she aims to free them from oppression, her actions lead to unintended consequences, which adds to the complexity of her character.
Songs in Wicked the Musical
The music in Wicked is one of its biggest draws, and each song plays an important role in telling the story. From powerful solos to catchy ensemble numbers, the soundtrack is packed with emotion, humour, and drama.
Here’s a full list of all the songs from Act One and Act Two, organised in tables for easy reference.
Act One Songs
| Song | Characters |
|---|---|
| No One Mourns the Wicked | Glinda and Ensemble |
| Dear Old Shiz | Ensemble |
| The Wizard and I | Elphaba and Madame Morrible |
| What is This Feeling? | Elphaba, Glinda, and Ensemble |
| Something Bad | Dr. Dillamond and Elphaba |
| Dancing Through Life | Fiyero, Glinda, Boq, Nessarose, Elphaba, and Ensemble |
| Popular | Glinda |
| I’m Not That Girl | Elphaba |
| One Short Day | Elphaba, Glinda, and Ensemble |
| A Sentimental Man | The Wizard |
| Defying Gravity | Elphaba, Glinda, and Ensemble |
Act Two Songs
| Song | Characters |
|---|---|
| No One Mourns the Wicked (Reprise) | Ensemble |
| Thank Goodness | Glinda, Madame Morrible, Ensemble |
| The Wicked Witch of the East | Elphaba, Nessarose, Boq |
| Wonderful | The Wizard and Elphaba |
| I’m Not That Girl (Reprise) | Glinda |
| As Long As You’re Mine | Elphaba and Fiyero |
| No Good Deed | Elphaba |
| March of the Witch Hunters | Boq and Ensemble |
| For Good | Elphaba and Glinda |
| Finale | Glinda, Elphaba, Ensemble |
Where You Can See Wicked the Musical
Whether you’re based in the UK, the US, or elsewhere, there are plenty of opportunities to catch Wicked live. The show has been a long-running success in both London and Broadway, and it continues to tour across the UK and North America. Here’s where you can watch it.
London
- Theatre: Apollo Victoria Theatre
- Address: 17 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1LG, UK
If you’re in London, Wicked the Musical is performed at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London’s West End. The show has been running there since 2006, and it remains one of the most popular shows in London. It’s a great option for anyone looking to experience the magic of Wicked without needing to travel far.
Tickets can sell out fast, especially on weekends, so it’s best to book early.
Broadway
- Theatre: Gershwin Theatre
- Address: 222 West 51st Street, New York, NY 10019, USA
On Broadway, Wicked has been playing at the Gershwin Theatre since 2003. Located in the heart of New York City, this theatre is one of the largest on Broadway, seating over 1,900 people.
The scale of the theatre, combined with the special effects and performances, makes seeing Wicked on Broadway a truly unforgettable experience.
UK Tour
For those who can’t make it to London, Wicked is also on tour across the UK. Here are the upcoming UK tour dates and venues:
| Venue | Dates |
|---|---|
| Sunderland Empire | 24th September 2024 – 20th October 2024 |
| Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre | 24th October 2024 – 23rd November 2024 |
| Manchester Palace Theatre | 3rd December 2024 – 12th January 2025 |
If you want better availability and cheaper tickets, consider attending a midweek performance, as weekends tend to book out faster.
North American Tour
If you’re in the US or Canada, the North American Tour of Wicked is your chance to catch the show without travelling to New York. Here are the upcoming tour dates in US date format (MM/DD/YY):
| City | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | Orpheum Theatre | 08/28/24 – 10/13/24 |
| Portland, OR | Keller Auditorium | 10/16/24 – 11/03/24 |
| Seattle, WA | Paramount Theatre | 11/06/24 – 12/01/24 |
| Los Angeles, CA | Hollywood Pantages Theatre | 12/04/24 – 02/02/25 |
| San Diego, CA | San Diego Civic Theatre | 02/05/25 – 03/02/25 |
| Tempe, AZ | ASU Gammage | 03/04/25 – 03/30/25 |
| Boise, ID | Morrison Center | 04/02/25 – 04/13/25 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | Eccles Theater | 04/16/25 – 05/25/25 |
| Tulsa, OK | Tulsa Performing Arts Center | 05/28/25 – 06/15/25 |
| Indianapolis, IN | Murat Theatre at Old National Centre | 06/18/25 – 07/06/25 |
| Madison, WI | Overture Center | 07/09/25 – 07/27/25 |
| Milwaukee, WI | Marcus Center | 07/30/25 – 08/17/25 |
| Peoria, IL | Peoria Civic Center Theater | 08/20/25 – 08/31/25 |
| Charlotte, NC | Belk Theater | 09/24/25 – 10/26/25 |
The tour covers a wide range of cities, so be sure to check for a date near you and book your tickets early to avoid missing out.
Overall
Whether you’re seeing it in London, New York, or on tour, Wicked the Musical is an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression.
With a powerful story, spectacular performances, and songs that stick with you, it’s no wonder that Wicked has been a global hit for so long.
FAQs
What is Wicked the Musical about?
Wicked the Musical tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West, focusing on her friendship with Glinda before the events of The Wizard of Oz.
Where is Wicked playing in London?
Wicked is playing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London’s West End, where it has been running since 2006.
How long is Wicked the Musical?
The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
What are the top songs in Wicked the Musical?
Some of the most popular songs include Defying Gravity, For Good, and Popular. We’ve listed all the songs from Act One and Act Two in the tables above.
Where is Wicked touring in the UK?
The UK tour is currently stopping at Sunderland, Cardiff, and Manchester.
How can I get tickets for Wicked the Musical?
Tickets are available through the official Wicked the Musical website and ticket platforms like Ticketmaster.
Where is Wicked the Musical touring in the US?
The North American Tour covers cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and many more. Dates are listed above in US date format.
When did Wicked the Musical premiere?
Wicked premiered on Broadway in 2003 and has been a massive success ever since.
What’s the best time to see Wicked in London?
Midweek performances often have better availability, and tickets are usually cheaper than on weekends.
Can I see Wicked the Musical in other countries?
Yes, Wicked has toured internationally and been performed in countries including Germany, Japan, Australia, and more.
