'The Wizard of Oz'-Inspired Blockbuster Musical 'Wicked' Is Coming to Wellington in 2023
The second-highest grossing musical in Broadway history is coming to the capital for a short run.
When 2023 sweeps in, it will have been two decades since composer Stephen Schwartz and playwright Winnie Holzman took a book inspired by The Wizard of Oz, put it to music and turned it into one of Broadway's biggest hits of the 21st century. When next year arrives, it'll also mark New Zealand musical theatre fans' latest chance to see that very show right here at home — because Wicked is flying into Wellington next year.
The first time it'll be performed in Wellington's stunning St James Theatre, Wicked will be whisking audiences away from the capital to the Emerald City in August 2023 thanks to the Capital Theatre Trust.
Even if you haven't seen the blockbuster show before — including during its last Auckland run back in 2013 — then you've likely heard of it. Following the Land of Oz's witches — telling their untold true tale is the musical's whole angle, in fact — Wicked has notched up more awards than you can fit in a hefty cauldron over the years. That includes three Tonys from ten nominations, a Grammy, an Olivier Award and six Drama Desk Awards.
Wicked tells the story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students in the Land of Oz: the blonde and very popular Glinda (the Good Witch) and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West).
It's the first time the show has been staged in Wellington and will be directed by Grant Meese, who helmed this year's season of Les Misérables. The company says its version of Wicked will feature exquisite costuming and sumptuous sets to accompany the set list of power ballads and emotional love songs.
"You have waited such a long time to see this production. The story is full of heart and filled with magic. I know you will love it," Meese said in a statement.
Wicked will run from 17 August to September 3, 2023 at St James Theatre. Tickets range from $112.50–140.50 and are available now.
Images: Showbiz Christchurch, Danielle Colvin.
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