Wicked at Orpheum Theatre

Stephen Schartz’s genius and gift breach generation gaps, from beloved Disney films to pure Broadway magic. The hit-making virtuoso who brought Godspell and Pippin to the world has now breathed life into smash-hit Wicked, which comes to Orpheum Theatre for the summer playbill. 

Wicked cleverly combines political themes, distinctive heroes, and unexpected tenderness within a number of catchy showtunes!

The story

The plot follows Elphaba, the adulterine daughter of the wife of Munchkinland’s governor. Despite her family and identity issues, Elphaba makes it into the highly regarded Shiz University, where she bunks with social butterfly Galinda. Two complete opposites hardly get along at first but soon become allies. 

After a while, things take a turn for the worse when Elphaba notices heinous acts against the Animals, a sentient race often targeted by oppressive forces. Galinda and Elphaba go to the Wizard for help, but the Wizard disappointingly offers little assistance. A let-down Elphaba leaves the Emerald City to fight for justice for the Animals, leaving Galinda and her studies at Shiz University behind. 

Meanwhile, Galinda(Glinda) climbs the social ladder, marries Fiyero, the Captain of the Guard, and pursues an socialite lifestyle. Elphaba unwittingly wins Fiyero’s admiration as he falls in love with her and her values. Will the couple’s love grow unburdened, or will Elphaba’s mission for justice push Fiyero away, and ruin her?

Production

Wicked kicked off its first live performance 20 years ago at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre. As its influence spread, it made its way into new locations year after year, receiving international acclaim across multiple countries and continents. Its potential to draw audiences also motivated Hollywood producers to release a two-part motion picture based on the Broadway show, that released November 2024.

Wicked scored numerous awards during its prime in the 2000s, including Two Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Lyrics, three Tony awards, and a Grammy award for Best Musical Theater Album. The cast and crew performing at Orpheum Theatre on Friday 3rd July 2026 promise to deliver a fantastic performance. 

Orpheum Theatre

Orpheum Theatre offers the perfect location to soak in this popular musical. You’ll enjoy more than a basic fairytale about magic, witches, and flying monkeys in this critically acclaimed Broadway show. Orpheum Theatre and its exceptional staff immerse you in an ambiance that bridges characters, settings, and themes you’ll love and hate. Tickets for Wicked start at $147, so reserve your seats, take flight, and rediscover the magic of Oz!