Stacey Addo| Arts and Entertainment Editor
"Wicked" 20th Anniversary/ 2023
On Oct. 30, "Wicked" celebrated the 20th anniversary of the opening on Broadway becoming the fourth longest-running production in Broadway history. To celebrate, original cast members Idina Menzel, who played Elphaba, and Kristin Chenoweth who played Galinda, visited the Gershwin Theater. While it is currently on Broadway, the show will be going on tour this spring and will make a stop at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford.
"Wicked" began its Broadway previews on Oct. 8, 2003, and officially opened on Oct. 30. The musical acts as a prequel to the beloved Wizard of Oz story. It follows the origin stories of Galinda, The Good Witch, and Elphaba, better known as The Wicked Witch of the West and their friendship. But throughout the show, you begin to see that maybe everything we thought about Oz, may not be what it seems.
The show is best known not only for the green associated with the wicked witch, but the powerful musical ballad, Defying Gravity made well known by Menzel. On top of the critically acclaimed views that the show has gotten throughout the years, the musical won three Tony Awards in 2003 for Best Actress in a Musical by Menzel, Best Scenic Design by Eugene Lee, and Best Costume Design by Susan Hilferty.
If you’ve been waiting to see the show, now may be your chance. "Wicked" will be shown at the Bushnell Theater from April 24 - May 12, 2024. Tickets have not gone on sale yet but if you’re looking to get your hands on some before the show leaves, visit Bushnell’s website to stay up to date.