50 Fun Facts About Wicked

What record did Wicked set during Thanksgiving week 2024 at the box office?

The 2024 Wicked film had the largest opening weekend ever for a movie musical, earning approximately $114 million domestically in its opening weekend (November 22-24, 2024), surpassing previous records held by films like Into the Woods and Les Miserables.

Who designed the original scenic/set design for the Broadway production of Wicked?

Eugene Lee designed the scenic design for the original Broadway production and won the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design. His steampunk-inspired set, featuring a giant mechanical dragon above the stage and a massive map of Oz, became iconic.

In what month and year did the London West End production of Wicked open?

The West End production of Wicked opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London on September 27, 2006. Idina Menzel reprised her role as Elphaba for the London opening, with Helen Dallimore as Glinda.

What was the title of the sequel to Gregory Maguire's original Wicked novel?

"Son of a Witch" (2005) is the second book in Maguire's Wicked Years series, following the story of Liir, Elphaba's son. The series continued with "A Lion Among Men" (2008) and "Out of Oz" (2011).

In what city did Wicked have its pre-Broadway tryout run before opening on Broadway?

Wicked had its pre-Broadway tryout at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco from May to June 2003 before transferring to Broadway in October. Significant changes were made during this period, including restructuring several scenes.

Which famous song from the musical Pippin was also composed by Wicked's Stephen Schwartz?

"Corner of the Sky" from Pippin (1972) was composed by Stephen Schwartz, who went on to write the music and lyrics for Wicked. Schwartz's other works include Godspell and songs for Disney's Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Enchanted.

What is the name of Elphaba's father, who is the Governor of Munchkinland?

Frexspar (also known as Frex) is Elphaba's father and the Governor of Munchkinland. He resents Elphaba for her green skin and favors her younger sister Nessarose, creating deep emotional wounds in Elphaba.

Which country was the first outside of North America to produce a staging of Wicked?

Germany was the first country outside North America to stage Wicked, opening at the Palladium Theatre in Stuttgart in November 2007. The German-language production was a major success, and Germany has continued to produce Wicked in various cities.

What is the name of the Grimmerie in Wicked?

The Grimmerie is an ancient book of spells that plays a crucial role in the plot of Wicked. Elphaba is the only person who can read and use it, which is what draws the Wizard's attention to her magical abilities.

Who originally played Madame Morrible on Broadway in the first cast of Wicked?

Carole Shelley originated the role of Madame Morrible on Broadway. The British-American actress portrayed the manipulative headmistress and press secretary with a blend of charm and menace.

What is the name of the song Elphaba sings when she first imagines meeting the Wizard?

"The Wizard and I" is Elphaba's first big solo, sung early in Act One when Madame Morrible tells her she has the talent to meet the Wizard. In it, Elphaba dreams of the Wizard accepting her and making her special.

Who plays Madame Morrible in the 2024 Wicked movie?

Michelle Yeoh plays Madame Morrible in the 2024 Wicked film. The Oscar-winning actress (Everything Everywhere All at Once) brought gravitas and menace to the role of the manipulative headmistress.

The 2024 Wicked movie covers roughly which portion of the stage musical?

The 2024 Wicked film covers approximately Act One of the stage musical, ending with "Defying Gravity." The story was split into two films, with the second part (Wicked: For Good) scheduled for release in 2025.

Who designed the original Broadway costumes for Wicked, including Elphaba's iconic black dress and hat?

Susan Hilferty designed the costumes for the original Broadway production and won the Tony Award for Best Costume Design. Her designs, including Elphaba's ragged black dress and pointed hat, became iconic images of the show.

Who directed the original Broadway production of Wicked?

Joe Mantello directed the original Broadway production of Wicked. His staging, including the iconic "Defying Gravity" moment at the end of Act One, became definitive and has been replicated in productions worldwide.

What type of makeup is traditionally used to create Elphaba's green skin on stage?

The Broadway production uses MAC Cosmetics Chromacake in the shade Landscape Green for Elphaba's skin. The application process takes approximately 30 minutes before each show and requires a specific technique to ensure it doesn't smear.

What is the opening number of the Wicked musical?

"No One Mourns the Wicked" opens the show with the citizens of Oz celebrating the death of the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda then arrives to tell the crowd the true story, launching the flashback that makes up the rest of the musical.

In which year was Gregory Maguire's novel 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' published?

Gregory Maguire's novel was published in 1995. The book is significantly darker and more politically complex than the musical adaptation, exploring themes of good versus evil, political corruption, and the nature of identity.

Who choreographed the original Broadway production of Wicked?

Wayne Cilento choreographed the original Broadway production of Wicked. His choreography blended contemporary dance with theatrical storytelling, particularly in numbers like "Dancing Through Life" and "One Short Day."

Which actress was the first replacement Elphaba on Broadway after Idina Menzel?

Shoshana Bean took over the role of Elphaba on Broadway on January 11, 2005, becoming the first actress to succeed Idina Menzel in the role. Bean had previously served as Menzel's understudy.

Who plays the Wizard in the 2024 Wicked movie?

Jeff Goldblum plays the Wizard of Oz in the 2024 film adaptation. His distinctive charismatic persona brought a unique interpretation to the deceptive ruler of Oz.

In the Wicked musical, which character does Boq eventually become?

Boq, a Munchkin student who is hopelessly in love with Glinda, is accidentally turned into the Tin Man by Nessarose. She casts a spell to shrink his heart so he can't leave her, and Elphaba saves his life by turning him to tin.

What song does Elphaba sing when she decides to embrace being labeled wicked and fight back?

"No Good Deed" is Elphaba's furious Act Two solo where she decides that trying to do good only causes suffering, so she might as well embrace the "wicked" label. It's one of the most vocally demanding songs in the show.

Who wrote the book (script) for the Wicked musical?

Winnie Holzman wrote the book (libretto) for the musical adaptation. She adapted Gregory Maguire's novel into a stage-friendly narrative, significantly changing the tone from the darker source material to a more accessible story.

In Wicked, what does the Wizard use to maintain power over Oz?

The Wizard has no real magical powers. He maintains control through fear, propaganda, and deception — including spreading lies about Animals being dangerous and branding Elphaba as "wicked" to keep the citizens compliant.

Which Wicked song includes the lyric 'I'm not that girl'?

"I'm Not That Girl" is a melancholy ballad sung by Elphaba as she watches Fiyero with Glinda, accepting that she's not the kind of girl he would choose. A reprise is later sung by Glinda when Fiyero leaves her for Elphaba.

What happens to Fiyero at the end of Wicked?

In the musical, Elphaba casts a spell to save Fiyero's life when he is being tortured, which inadvertently transforms him into the Scarecrow — connecting to the character in The Wizard of Oz.

How many Tony Awards did Wicked win when it was first nominated in 2004?

Wicked won 3 Tony Awards at the 2004 ceremony: Best Actress in a Musical (Idina Menzel), Best Scenic Design (Eugene Lee), and Best Costume Design (Susan Hilferty). It was nominated for 10 but lost Best Musical to Avenue Q.

Which musical famously beat Wicked for Best Musical at the 2004 Tony Awards?

Avenue Q won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Musical over Wicked in one of the biggest upsets in Tony history. Despite Wicked's massive commercial success, the intimate puppet comedy won the top prize.

Who plays Fiyero in the 2024 Wicked movie?

Jonathan Bailey plays Fiyero in the 2024 film. Bailey is known for his role as Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix series Bridgerton. His casting brought significant attention to the film.

What is the name of the school that Elphaba and Glinda attend in Wicked?

Elphaba and Glinda meet as reluctant roommates at Shiz University, a prestigious institution in the Land of Oz. Their initial rivalry at the school eventually transforms into an unlikely friendship.

Who directed the 2024 Wicked movie?

Jon M. Chu directed the 2024 film adaptation of Wicked. Chu was previously known for directing Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, making him a strong choice for a large-scale musical adaptation.

Who wrote the novel that the musical Wicked is based on?

Gregory Maguire wrote the 1995 novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," which reimagined the land of Oz from the perspective of the Wicked Witch. The musical adaptation was based on this novel.

What is the duet that Elphaba and Glinda sing about their mutual dislike when they first meet?

"What Is This Feeling?" is the comedic duet where Elphaba and Glinda sing about their instant "loathing" for each other after being forced to become roommates at Shiz University.

Who wrote the music and lyrics for the Wicked musical?

Stephen Schwartz wrote both the music and lyrics for Wicked. Schwartz was already known for composing Godspell and Pippin, as well as writing songs for Disney films like Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

In the musical Wicked, who is the love interest of both Elphaba and Glinda?

Fiyero Tigelaar, a carefree Winkie prince, becomes the love interest of both Elphaba and Glinda. He initially dates Glinda but eventually falls in love with Elphaba, creating a central love triangle.

At which Broadway theatre did Wicked have its original run?

Wicked opened at the Gershwin Theatre on October 30, 2003 and played there for its entire original Broadway run. The Gershwin is one of the largest theatres on Broadway, with approximately 1,900 seats.

What emotional duet do Elphaba and Glinda sing near the end of Wicked about how they have changed each other?

"For Good" is the poignant duet where Elphaba and Glinda acknowledge how their friendship has transformed them both. The lyric "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good" is one of the most quoted lines in modern musical theatre.

What is Elphaba's relationship to Nessarose in Wicked?

Nessarose is Elphaba's younger sister. Born without green skin but confined to a wheelchair, Nessarose is their father's favorite. She eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the East in the Wizard of Oz mythology.

Which character in Wicked is a talking goat professor who loses his ability to speak?

Dr. Dillamond is a Goat professor at Shiz University who teaches history. As Animals in Oz are progressively stripped of their rights by the Wizard's regime, Dr. Dillamond eventually loses his ability to speak, which deeply affects Elphaba.

What year did Wicked first open on Broadway?

Wicked opened on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre on October 30, 2003. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it became a massive commercial hit and cultural phenomenon.

Who plays Elphaba in the 2024 Wicked movie?

Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba in the 2024 film adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu. Erivo is a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy-winning performer known for her role in The Color Purple on Broadway.

Who plays Glinda in the 2024 Wicked movie?

Ariana Grande plays Glinda in the 2024 film adaptation. The pop superstar, who has cited Wicked as a childhood inspiration, underwent an extensive audition process to win the role.

In which song does Glinda try to make Elphaba more socially acceptable?

In "Popular," Glinda takes it upon herself to give Elphaba a makeover, teaching her social skills and beauty tips in one of the musical's most comedic and beloved numbers.

What color is Elphaba's skin in Wicked?

Elphaba is famously known as the green-skinned girl who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Her green skin is present from birth and is central to her identity and the discrimination she faces.

Which famous song from Wicked features Elphaba flying on a broomstick at the end of Act One?

"Defying Gravity" is the iconic Act One finale where Elphaba rises above the stage on a broomstick, declaring her independence from the Wizard. It is widely considered one of the most powerful moments in modern musical theatre.

Who originally played Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked?

Idina Menzel originated the role of Elphaba on Broadway when Wicked premiered in 2003. Her powerful performance, especially her rendition of "Defying Gravity," became legendary in musical theatre.

Who originally played Glinda on Broadway in Wicked?

Kristin Chenoweth originated the role of Glinda (originally billed as Galinda) on Broadway. Her comedic timing and vocal abilities made the role iconic, earning her a Tony nomination.

Wicked is a retelling of the backstory of characters from which classic story?

Wicked tells the untold story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy arrives, reimagining the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch from L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz.

In Wicked, what is Glinda's original name before she changes it?

Glinda's birth name is Galinda Upland. She changes it to Glinda partway through the story, dropping the "Ga" to sound more sophisticated. In the musical, this happens as a tribute to a Munchkin student named Dr. Dillamond.