Have you ever been to a show that literally stops you in your tracks? A show so good, you leave feeling more enlightened than when you came in? If not, we suggest you hop on the Witch's broom and fly to the nearest theater showing Wicked. The show has been named the Best Stage Musical of the Decade, and there's a reason why.
Not only is it full of heart-pounding spectacle, but it's also rich with serious themes like identity, love, friendship, and fate. It's no wonder that Wicked has continued to captivate audiences since its debut in 2003 - and why fans still turn up dressed as Elphaba! So if you're looking for an incredible musical experience come rain or shine (or magical mists), then make sure Wicked is on your must-see list for this decade.
A Brief Overview of Wicked: The Musical
Ready to feel wicked?
Wicked: The Musical is the story of how two witches became friends. It follows Elphaba and Glinda as they go from enemies to allies and eventually become icons in a land of fantasy and magic. It’s a classic story of friendship overcoming adversity that has captivated audiences for over a decade.
When you watch Wicked, you get the best of both worlds. You get to be entertained by the singing, dancing, and narrative—but you also get to look at the deeper messages underneath—questions about identity, self-acceptance, and what it really means to do what’s right.
Wicked is also beloved for its memorable characters. Elphaba and Glinda are fan favorites, but they’re joined by an array of loveable sidekicks like Boq, Madame Morrible, Fiyero and Nessarose who leave an impact on everyone who watches them.
All in all, Wicked: The Musical is a remarkable show that has stood the test of time. It’s earned its place as the best stage musical of the decade—and if you haven't seen it yet, it's time to get ready to be wicked!
A Look at the Critical Reception of Wicked
When it opened on Broadway in 2003, Wicked quickly earned a reputation as one of the best musicals of the decade. Critics praised its blend of music and story, and audiences left theaters full of joy.
Critics also enjoyed how powerfully the musical drove home its messages – particularly that everyone is capable of making their own destiny, no matter how dire their circumstances may appear. And in an era where so many were feeling oppressed by societal norms, Wicked provided an energizing reminder that we always have a choice. The show's themes resonated with audiences throughout the decade, providing much-needed hope to millions of theatergoers around the world.
Wicked has set box office records across all genres since its initial run, remaining popular even today – and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. From its award-winning cast to its spectacular production design, there's no denying Wicked's power to captivate an audience – and that’s why it deserves recognition as one of the greatest Broadway spectacles of the past decade.
The Awards Won by Wicked: The Musical
It's not an exaggeration to say: Wicked The Musical flew in like a broomstick and cast a spell over the world. It's been nominated for a whopping 51 awards—and has won 35 of them!
To name just a few, Wicked has taken home accolades such as five Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and a Grammy Award. Not to mention an impressive list of other awards, including Drama Desk Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards, Drama League Awards, and more.
It even became the first Broadway production to gross more than $1 billion! And it doesn't stop there; as of 2020, it is still one of the 15 longest-running shows in Broadway history.
If that isn't enough evidence that Wicked The Musical is 'the best stage musical' this decade (and beyond!), then what is?
Music and Song Highlights From the Show
Wicked brought music and lyrics to the stage that will stay with us long after the curtains drop. The tunes can be found on repeat in many of our playlists and make up the soundtrack of our lives. Whether you catch yourself singing along to ‘Defying Gravity’ or grooving to ‘Popular’, you know that you've found your way into one of the best pieces of musical theater around.
It is almost impossible to pick a defining moment from such a rich repertoire, but here are some highlights:
1. ‘Defying Gravity’ - A powerful female anthem that gives us chills every time we hear it.
2. ‘Popular’ - An unforgettable number highlighting Elphaba's struggles with her identity against her peers in Shiz University.
3. ‘I'm Not That Girl’ - A coming-of-age solo for Glinda peppered with moments of comedic relief.
4. ‘One Short Day’ - A dreamy song with an upbeat rhythm as Elphaba sings about taking a break from reality and visiting the beautiful Emerald City.
5. ‘For Good’ - The iconic number at the end of Act 1 sharing the bond between Elphaba and Glinda for eternity.
6. 'No Good Deed' - Telling us all not to underestimate those misunderstood and unique characters in life!
What sets Wicked apart from other musicals is not just its fantastic music but its ability to transport you across time and space—you never quite know what awaits as you journey through Oz!
Staging and Scenery That Brings the Story to Life
What makes Wicked stand out from other stage musicals? The incredible staging and scenery! From the swirling mists of Oz's enchanted forest to the towering spires of the Emerald City, you can practically feel Glinda's bubble of sparkling magical creations bobbing around your head.
The production design captures every detail of the show's fantastical universe, with dramatic special effects sending audiences into a state of wonder. From Elphaba and Glinda's daring "Defying Gravity" flight above Oz to the Emerald City's suddenly-darkening skies, every moment on stage is worthy of an Oscar nomination.
But it isn't just the visuals that make this show unforgettable - it is also about its mystical creatures who inhabit this world. From Fiyero's towering bodyguard "Security Guard" to the mischievous Monkey Guards who protect those in Dr. Dillamond’s research laboratory, each character is expertly choreographed and costumed to bring them vividly to life on stage.
Popularity of Wicked: The Musical Around the World
It's no surprise that Wicked has been named the best stage musical of the last decade. Since opening on Broadway in 2003, it's become a global phenomenon, traveling all around the world and delighting audiences with its irreverent take on the classic story of The Wizard of Oz.
Here are some stats to back up this claim:
* Wicked has had performances in over 100 cities in 14 countries around the world, including Australia, Germany, Japan and Canada.
* More than 55 million people have seen Wicked since it premiered on Broadway.
* In 2018 alone, more than 4 million people went to see a production of Wicked somewhere in the world.
What makes this musical so enduringly popular? Maybe it's its unique 'twist' on our beloved story; maybe it's its fabulous music and impressive stage design—whatever it is, one thing is certain: Wicked is definitely here to stay!
So there you have it—Wicked is the best stage musical of the decade, and it's probably one of the best stage musicals of all time. It's a fan favorite for a reason. Whether it's the elaborate set pieces, the heart-stopping tunes, or the beloved characters, something about Wicked will make you want to hum its tunes for days.
So the next time someone asks you why Wicked is so beloved or why it's been nicknamed the "The Greatest Musical of Our Time," you can confidently answer: it's simply wicked good!