The Shocking Truth About 'Wicked Act 1' Running Time: Broadway Vs. The 160-Minute Movie

The question "how long is Wicked Act 1" has two wildly different answers in December 2025, depending on whether you are seeing the iconic Broadway musical or the new cinematic adaptation. The stage version of *Wicked* has been a global phenomenon for over two decades, and its first act is a tightly paced, 90-minute theatrical masterpiece that culminates in the show-stopping number "Defying Gravity." This classic runtime is a staple of Broadway and West End scheduling, allowing for a smooth intermission and a total show length of 2 hours and 45 minutes.

However, the highly anticipated movie adaptation, *Wicked: Part One*, has dramatically redefined the length of the first act. The film, which covers the exact same storyline as the stage show’s Act 1, clocks in at a monumental 2 hours and 40 minutes (160 minutes). This means the movie version of the first act is nearly double the length of its theatrical counterpart and is only 5 minutes shorter than the *entire* original Broadway musical, intermission included. This massive expansion is the key to understanding the full, complex story of Elphaba and Glinda.

Wicked: A Tale of Two Timelines (Stage vs. Screen)

The core confusion around the runtime stems from the decision to split the movie into two parts, a strategy that allowed director Jon M. Chu and composer Stephen Schwartz to fully realize the world of Oz. The stage show, by necessity, must be a streamlined experience, but the film is able to delve into the novel's lore, character backstories, and the political climate of the Emerald City in a way the theater simply cannot afford to do.

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Here is a direct comparison of the two experiences:

• The Broadway Musical Act 1 Length: Approximately 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes)
• The Broadway Musical Total Running Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including a 15-minute intermission)
• The *Wicked: Part One* Movie Length: 2 hours 40 minutes (160 minutes)
• The *Wicked: Part Two* Movie Release: Scheduled for December 2025.

This stark difference—a 90-minute Act 1 on stage versus a 160-minute Act 1 on screen—is the single most significant update to the *Wicked* experience in its history. It signals a commitment to a cinematic epic rather than a simple filmed version of the play.

Why the Wicked Movie's Act 1 is Nearly Three Hours Long

The question on every fan's mind is: how does a 90-minute stage act balloon into a 160-minute feature film? The answer lies in the detailed world-building, expanded character arcs, and the nature of cinematic storytelling compared to live theater. The film adaptation, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, utilizes the extended runtime to add depth and context, making the story feel more grounded and less rushed than its stage counterpart.

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Expanded Cinematic Scenes and World-Building

A live musical must rely on quick scene changes and audience imagination, but the film can show rather than tell. The 70-minute addition to Act 1 is largely dedicated to:

• Shiz University Life: The film spends more time establishing the initial, hostile relationship between Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University. This includes more time with supporting characters like Boq and Nessarose, giving their subplots greater emotional weight.
• The Emerald City: The journey to and the initial experience within the Emerald City are significantly expanded. On stage, the city is a single, dazzling set piece; in the movie, it's a vast world to explore, allowing for more detailed political and social commentary on the Wizard's regime.
• Character Backstories: The film has the luxury of showing scenes that are only referenced in the stage production, such as more of Elphaba's early life or Glinda's privileged upbringing, which helps to justify their motivations.

The Power of the Expanded Musical Numbers

While composer Stephen Schwartz confirmed that *Wicked: Part One* does not feature any entirely new songs, the existing Act 1 musical numbers have been cinematically expanded. This means the songs are not just sung; they are integrated into large-scale, elaborate sequences that take up more time. The most notable example is the Act 1 finale:

• "Defying Gravity": The stage version of "Defying Gravity" is an explosive 7-minute climax. The film transforms this number into a monumental, climactic sequence that serves as the final button on *Part One*. This cinematic treatment, with visual effects, extended action, and soaring camera work, naturally extends the sequence's runtime beyond what is possible on a stage.
• "Popular": Glinda's famous song is likely given more comedic and visual scope, allowing Ariana Grande's performance to shine with added physical comedy and set interaction.
• "The Wizard and I": This song, which sets up Elphaba’s initial hope, can be expanded to show more of her inner world and the magnitude of her journey to the Emerald City.

The Full List of Songs in Wicked Act 1

Whether you are watching the 90-minute stage version or the 160-minute film, the narrative backbone of *Wicked* Act 1 is carried by the same sequence of iconic songs. These tracks trace the journey from Elphaba and Glinda's first meeting to their dramatic, world-altering split.

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Here is the definitive list of songs that make up the entire Act 1 of *Wicked*:

1. "No One Mourns The Wicked"
2. "Dear Old Shiz"
3. "The Wizard and I"
4. "What is This Feeling?"
5. "Something Bad"
6. "Dancing Through Life"
7. "Popular"
8. "I'm Not That Girl"
9. "One Short Day"
10. "A Sentimental Man"
11. "Defying Gravity"

The final song, "Defying Gravity," is the emotional and narrative turning point, marking Elphaba's transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West and serving as the cliffhanger for both the stage intermission and the end of the *Wicked: Part One* film. The stage show then continues with Act 2 after a 15-minute intermission, while the film will conclude here, leaving audiences waiting for *Wicked: Part Two* (or *Wicked: For Good*).

The Verdict: Is the Extended Runtime Worth It?

The answer to "how long is Wicked Act 1" has evolved from a simple 90 minutes to a complex 160-minute cinematic event. For fans of the musical, this expansion is a welcome opportunity to experience the story of Elphaba and Glinda with unprecedented depth, detail, and visual grandeur. The extended runtime allows the film to honor the complexity of Gregory Maguire's original novel while retaining the beloved score by Stephen Schwartz.

The stage show remains the definitive 90-minute Act 1 experience—a fast-paced, high-energy theatrical spectacle. The film, however, is positioning itself as a true fantasy epic, using the extra time to develop the intricate relationship between the two witches (Elphaba and Glinda) and the political backdrop of Oz. The nearly three-hour length of *Wicked: Part One* is a promise: a deep, richly detailed journey into the untold story of the Wicked Witch that promises to be a defining cinematic event of the decade.