The Ultimate Guide: How Long Is The Wicked Musical, Act By Act Breakdown, And Movie Runtime Comparison

Planning a trip to Oz and wondering how much time you need to set aside for the spectacular journey? As of this current date in late 2025, the global sensation *Wicked* remains one of the longest-running and most beloved theatrical productions, and its runtime is a consistent factor for theatergoers in New York, London, and on tour. The good news is that the show's length is standard for a major Broadway or West End musical, giving you plenty of time to plan your pre-show dinner and post-show travel. The total running time for the musical *Wicked* is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, which includes one 15-minute intermission. This duration is nearly universal across all major productions, including the flagship show at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway and the Apollo Victoria Theatre in the West End. Knowing this precise timing is essential for coordinating transportation, especially if you’re catching a late train or have other evening plans.

Wicked Musical: Essential Facts and Production Entities

The story of Elphaba and Glinda is a modern theatrical phenomenon, serving as a prequel to L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*. To establish topical authority and provide context for its length, here is a list of key entities and facts that define the production.

• Source Material: The 1995 novel *Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West* by Gregory Maguire.
• Broadway Premiere: October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre.
• Composer & Lyricist: Stephen Schwartz (known for *Pippin* and *Godspell*).
• Book Writer (Libretto): Winnie Holzman.
• Director: Joe Mantello.
• Original Stars: Idina Menzel (Elphaba) and Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda).
• Total Runtime: 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• Intermission Length: 15 minutes.
• Broadway Milestone: *Wicked* is one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.
• Costume Design: Susan Hilferty.
• Set Design: Eugene Lee.
• Key Songs (LSI Keywords): "Defying Gravity," "Popular," "The Wizard and I," "For Good," and "No One Mourns the Wicked."
• Estimated Production Cost: An estimated $14 million to open on Broadway, making it one of the most expensive productions at the time.
• West End Status: It is the 5th longest-running musical currently playing in the West End.

A Detailed Act-by-Act Breakdown of the Wicked Musical

The 2 hour and 45 minute runtime is not a single, continuous performance. It is strategically broken down into two acts, separated by a crucial intermission. Understanding this structure helps you know exactly when the major plot points occur and when you can stretch your legs or grab a snack.

Act I: The Ascent to Defying Gravity (Approx. 90 Minutes)

The first act of *Wicked* runs for a substantial 90 minutes (1 hour and 30 minutes). This lengthy opening act is necessary to introduce the complex world of Oz and the central relationship between the two main characters: the misunderstood Elphaba, who will become the Wicked Witch of the West, and the bubbly, popular Glinda. This act is packed with critical plot and musical moments that establish the core themes of friendship, prejudice, and destiny. It begins with the iconic opening number, "No One Mourns the Wicked," and culminates in one of the most famous and spectacular musical theatre finales of all time: "Defying Gravity." The first act is where the audience meets key characters like The Wizard, Madame Morrible, Fiyero, and Nessarose. Because of its length, it is highly recommended to use the restroom before the show starts to fully enjoy the entire 90-minute journey without distraction.

Key Act I Moments and Songs:

• "The Wizard and I" (Elphaba’s initial aspirations)
• "What Is This Feeling?" (The famous antipathy between Elphaba and Glinda)
• "Dancing Through Life" (The introduction of Fiyero and the Shiz students)
• "Popular" (Glinda’s attempt to makeover Elphaba)
• The dramatic conclusion with "Defying Gravity."

The Intermission (15 Minutes)

The 15-minute intermission is your break between the two worlds. It’s a fast-paced window of time to visit the facilities, purchase a drink or a souvenir, and discuss the incredible spectacle of "Defying Gravity." Given the popularity of the show and the size of the theaters (like the Gershwin Theatre), lines for restrooms and concessions can be long, so plan your movements quickly.

Act II: The Road to Redemption (Approx. 75-80 Minutes)

Following the intermission, Act II is slightly shorter, running for approximately 75 to 80 minutes. This act focuses on the consequences of Elphaba’s actions and the growing rift between her and Glinda. It shifts the tone from collegiate rivalry to a more dramatic, high-stakes political and personal conflict. The second half of the show features powerful ballads and dramatic scenes as Elphaba embraces her destiny as the "Wicked" Witch and Glinda comes to terms with her role in the public eye. The show builds to its emotional climax and resolution, ultimately revealing the true meaning of "wickedness" and friendship.

Key Act II Moments and Songs:

• "Thank Goodness" (Glinda’s new role in Oz society)
• "No Good Deed" (Elphaba's powerful emotional breakdown and transformation)
• "For Good" (The emotional farewell and centerpiece of Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship)
• The final scene, which ties the prequel directly into the events of *The Wizard of Oz*.

Wicked Musical vs. Wicked Movie: A Surprising Runtime Comparison

For those looking ahead to the highly anticipated film adaptation, the runtime comparison between the stage musical and the movie is a fascinating and fresh point of discussion in late 2025. The stage musical is a single, contained story with a total runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes (including intermission). However, the upcoming Universal Pictures film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, has been split into two separate movies. The first film, Wicked: Part One, which covers only the events of the stage musical's Act I, is reportedly a staggering 2 hours and 40 minutes long. This means that the *first part of the movie alone* is nearly the same length as the *entire* stage musical, including the intermission. The expanded runtime for the film is due to the inclusion of new scenes, the expansion of existing musical numbers, and a more detailed exploration of the world of Oz and its characters, adding significant depth that the stage production's time constraints did not allow. This is a critical piece of information for fans: the story you see in 2 hours and 45 minutes on stage will take approximately double the time to watch in its cinematic form across two separate films.

Planning Your Visit: Tips Based on the Show’s Duration

The 2-hour and 45-minute runtime is a firm commitment, and a little planning can ensure a magical experience.

Arrival Time: Plan to arrive at the theater at least 30 minutes before the scheduled curtain time. This allows you to navigate the crowds, find your seat, and read the program before the show begins.

Ending Time: If your show starts at the typical 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM, the final curtain will drop around 9:45 PM or 10:15 PM, respectively. Use this to plan your dinner reservations or public transit connections.

Age Recommendation: The show is generally recommended for ages 8 and up, and children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the theater.

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Hydration and Snacks: While the 15-minute intermission is a good time to grab a drink, remember that you’ll be seated for 90 minutes straight in the first act. Ensure you are comfortable and hydrated before the lights go down.