On October 30, 2003, a brand new theatrical take on the witches of Oz officially bowed on Broadway with Wicked. The story of all that happened “before Dorothy dropped in” cast audiences under a spell that has already lasted 15 years and over 6,254 performances.
Based on the book by Gregory Maguire, Wicked wowed audiences with its originality (in the book by Winnie Holzman), its sweeping score (with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz), and the overall vision from director Joe Mantello. The production was nominated for ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and took home Best Actress in a Musical for Idina Menzel, Best Costume Design for Susan Hilferty, and Best Scenic Design for Eugene Lee.
To date, over 11 million people have seen Wicked on Broadway and the original cast recording has sold nearly 4 million copies—having been certified platinum in 2006. Wicked is a global phenomenon, reaching audiences in Brazil, Korea, Germany, Australia, Latin America, and more. As the show’s stars attest, the show’s themes of friendship, love, female power, and standing up for what you believe have ensured the musical’s endurance.
This week, Playbill counts down to Wicked’s 15th anniversary with a week-long explosion of content. From interviews with original stars Menzel and Chenoweth to video make-up tutorials for the Elphaba look, from close-up photos of Hilferty’s Tony-winning clothing to personality quizzes and photo galleries, Playbill is the most swankified place in town for everything you want to know about the Broadway smash.
Here’s what to look out for on Playbill each day as we rejoicify and Countdown to Wicked 15! (Be sure to follow #wickedweek on Twitter.)
And don’t forget to follow @playbill on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for special stories, giveaways, and more!
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 24
VIDEO: Watch Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Pentatonix, and more as they prepare for NBC’s A Very Wicked Halloween
QUIZ: Where Should You Live in Oz?
THURSDAY OCTOBER 25
PLAYBILL MIXTAPE: Wicked Covers Edition
VIDEO: Want to know how to get in full Elphaba makeup? Original makeup designer Joe Dulude demonstrates in this tutorial.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 26
VIDEO: Now you’ve seen a pro do it, Playbill tries the Wicked makeup challenge from inside Elphaba’s dressing room.
LOOKBACK: Kristin and Idina talk about the tenth anniversary
GALLERY: Remembering the original production when it bowed in 2003
SATURDAY OCTOBER 27
INTERVIEW: Stephen Schwartz dishes on everything Wicked
GALLERY: Do you know all the actors who have played Elphaba?
SUNDAY OCTOBER 28
PHOTO FEATURE: Take an up-close look at Susan Hilferty’s whimsical designs—and how she first conceived them.
MONDAY OCTOBER 29
FUN FACTS: Wicked By The Numbers
GALLERY: Inside the taping of A Very Wicked Halloween
A Very Wicked Halloween airs at 10PM ET on NBC!
TUESDAY OCTOBER 30
FUN FACTS: Where Are the Original Stars of Wicked Now?
INTERVIEW: The current cast shares their Wicked memories
FUN FACTS: What you didn’t see on camera from A Very Wicked Halloween
