Key Release Timeline
Wicked is conceived by Stephen Schwartz and Winn Holzman, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and book by Winn Holzman. It is based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. The musical is presented in collaboration with Universal Pictures. This overview covers development, pre-Broadway tryouts, original Broadway production, original London production, and notable original casts.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| January 7, 2002 | First developmental reading in New York | Early table read with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth; signals commitment to a major new project. |
| May 28, 2003 | d>World premiere at the Curran Theatre, San Francisco | Pre-Broadway tryout; allows creators to refine songs, book, and staging before Broadway investment. |
| October 30, 2003 | Original Broadway opening at the Gershwin Theatre | Official Broadway launch; marks the start of the long-running commercial production. |
| April 8, 2006 | Original London production opens at the Apollo Victoria Theatre | UK launch; brings the show to a major international market with a largely transferred creative team. |
| November 10, 2006 | 1st Anniversary Cast Recording released | Commemorates the Broadway cast recording; includes tracks from the London production. |
What Is Wicked?
Wicked is a stage musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winn Holzman. It reimagines the story of Oz from the perspective of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her complex relationship with Galinda, who becomes Glinda the Good. The show explores themes of friendship, identity, prejudice, and power within the magical Land of Oz. It is based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel and engages with the 1939 MGM film The Wizard of Oz, offering a revisionist backstory that has become central to contemporary musical theatre.
Development and Pre-Broadway Process
Following the success of previous Schwartz collaborations, producer David Geffen, director Joe Mantello, and choreographer Wayne Cilento advanced Wicked from development to a fully staged pre-Broadway tryout. The show underwent extensive rewrites and song adjustments during its workshop phase. Early readings tested the evolving book and score, with adjustments made to balance spectacle with intimate storytelling. The San Francisco tryout allowed the team to refine pacing, scene work, and orchestration, building confidence before the financial commitments of Broadway.
Creative Leadership and Collaborators
Key figures include Stephen Schwartz, whose iconic songs define the show’s emotional core; Winn Holzman, who shaped the book’s narrative drive; director Joe Mantello, known for nuanced character work; choreographer Wayne Cilento, whose vision supports the show’s kinetic style; and set designer Eugene Lee, whose transformative scenic backdrop became an instantly recognized element of the production’s visual identity.
Original Broadway Production Details
The Broadway production opened on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre and has played continuously since then. The opening cast featured Idina Menzel as Elphaba, Kristin Chenoweth as Galinda, Joel Grey as the Wizard, and Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero. The production introduced groundbreaking costume design, orchestration, and stage effects that shaped the modern musical theatre landscape. Its success led to multiple revivals, a First National Tour, and numerous international productions that adapt the original creative framework.
Original London Production
The original London production opened on April 8, 2006, at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. While the creative team largely mirrored the Broadway version, the casting and orchestration were tailored for UK audiences. Strong ticket sales and critical reception affirmed the show’s international viability. The London run contributed to the global recognition of Wicked and demonstrated its adaptability across languages and theatrical traditions.
Notable Original Casts
- Broadway original (2003): Idina Menzel (Elphaba), Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda), Joel Grey (Wizard), Norbert Leo Butz (Fiyero).
- London original (2006): Lucy Durack (Glinda), Kerry Ellis (Elphaba), Nigel Planer (Wizard), Adam Garcia (Fiyero).
- Both casts recorded cast albums that became commercial successes and remain key reference recordings.