The Untold Story: 5 Key Milestones Since Wicked Opened On Broadway

The question of "When did Wicked open on Broadway?" is simple, but the answer only scratches the surface of one of the most successful and enduring theatrical phenomena in history. The musical, which tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, has transcended a mere stage production to become a cultural cornerstone. As of today, December 18, 2025, the show is celebrating its 22nd year, continuing its run as a powerhouse of Broadway theater and breaking records that few shows ever achieve. Its initial opening was the launchpad for a spectacle that has enchanted millions globally, redefined the modern blockbuster musical, and cemented its place in theatrical history.

The official opening night for Wicked on Broadway took place on October 30, 2003, at the legendary Gershwin Theatre. This date marked the beginning of a journey that would see Elphaba and Glinda become two of the most iconic characters in the modern theatrical canon. The show, which began previews on October 8, 2003, quickly established itself as a must-see event, driven by the powerhouse performances of its original stars and the unforgettable score by Stephen Schwartz.

The Genesis of a Phenomenon: From Book to Broadway Stage

The musical's journey to the Gershwin Theatre was a complex and star-studded effort, transforming Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, into a stage marvel. The production team and original cast members are now considered Broadway royalty, having created the foundation for the show's enduring success.

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Key Personnel and Original Cast Biography:

• Official Broadway Opening Date: October 30, 2003
• Venue: Gershwin Theatre, New York City
• Composer & Lyricist: Stephen Schwartz
• Book Writer: Winnie Holzman
• Director: Joe Mantello
• Producer: Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, David Stone
• Original Elphaba: Idina Menzel (Won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical)
• Original Glinda: Kristin Chenoweth (Nominated for the 2004 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical)
• Original The Wizard: Joel Grey
• Original Madame Morrible: Carole Shelley
• Original Fiyero: Norbert Leo Butz (Won the 2005 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, but was the original Fiyero)
• Pre-Broadway Tryout: Curran Theatre, San Francisco (May 28, 2003)

The original production faced mixed initial reviews from some major critics, yet it immediately resonated with audiences, proving that popular appeal and word-of-mouth could overcome critical skepticism. The show’s narrative—a complex tale of female friendship, political intrigue, and misunderstood villainy—struck a chord that continues to draw massive crowds today.

Beyond the Opening Date: 5 Astonishing Broadway Milestones

While the October 30, 2003, opening is the fixed point of its history, Wicked has consistently made headlines for its longevity and financial success. It has become one of the most decorated and financially dominant shows in Broadway history, often referred to as the "billion-dollar musical."

1. Surpassing the Billion-Dollar Mark

In 2016, Wicked joined an elite club of Broadway shows, surpassing $1 billion in total Broadway revenue. This financial milestone cemented its status as a global theatrical brand, placing it alongside titans like The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King. This incredible commercial success is a testament to its consistent ticket sales and worldwide touring productions, which have helped fund countless other Universal Pictures projects.

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2. Becoming the 4th Longest-Running Broadway Show

In a major testament to its staying power, Wicked officially became the fourth longest-running production in Broadway history. This milestone was achieved on April 11, 2023, when it played its 7,486th performance at the Gershwin Theatre, officially surpassing Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical CATS. As of its 22nd anniversary on October 30, 2025, the show had played over 8,559 performances and counting, continuing to climb the list of Broadway's longest-running shows.

3. The Enduring Power of the Original Cast Recording

The Wicked Original Broadway Cast Recording, released on December 10, 2003, is a milestone in its own right. It won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album and has consistently been one of the best-selling cast recordings of all time. Songs like "Defying Gravity," "Popular," and "For Good" have become standard audition pieces and pop culture anthems, ensuring the show’s music lives far beyond the confines of the Gershwin Theatre. The album's continuous sales contribute significantly to the show's overall legacy.

4. The 20th Anniversary Celebration

In October 2023, Wicked celebrated its momentous 20th anniversary on Broadway. The celebration included appearances by original stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, highlighting the show’s enduring legacy and the powerful connection between the original cast and the current generation of performers. This anniversary served as a major cultural moment, reminding the public of the show's two decades of success and its role in shaping modern musical theatre.

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5. The Highly-Anticipated Two-Part Film Adaptation

Perhaps the most current and significant milestone is the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation. The first film, Wicked (Part One), premiered in November 2024. The second and final chapter, Wicked: For Good, is scheduled to hit theaters on November 21, 2025. This cinematic event, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, is set to introduce the story to a massive new global audience, ensuring the musical's themes of friendship, identity, and moral ambiguity continue to resonate for decades to come. The film adaptation is the ultimate validation of the musical's cultural impact.

The Cultural Impact: Why Wicked Continues to Thrive

The longevity of Wicked is not just about record-breaking numbers; it’s about its profound cultural resonance. The story—a prequel to L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz—offers a sophisticated, feminist re-examination of a classic tale. By reframing the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, as a misunderstood activist, and Glinda as a complex, ambitious socialite, the musical taps into universal themes.

The show's success is a perfect storm of theatrical elements: a soaring, emotionally resonant score by Stephen Schwartz; spectacular Tony Award-winning costume and set design; and a narrative that encourages audiences to question the nature of good and evil. The relationship between the two main characters, Elphaba and Glinda, is the emotional core, making the show relatable and deeply moving for millions of theatregoers, especially young women. This enduring connection is the true answer to why, over two decades after its opening night on October 30, 2003, Wicked remains a theatrical powerhouse.