There's nothing quite like your first Broadway show. From the excitement of picking out an outfit, to making dinner reservations beforehand, a first Broadway show is a milestone in anyone's life. And hopefully, you will love the show so much that you'll come back for another Broadway show or even a repeat visit. Playbill wants to make your first time at a Broadway show a success, so that is why we've put together this handy first-timer's guide for the musical Wicked, one of the most popular selections for an inaugural experience.

Below, we answer your most frequently asked questions about the megahit musical Wicked, which has been thrillifying audiences for over 20 years. 

What Is Wicked About?

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, Wicked is based on the novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. The show explores an untold backstory for The Wizard of Oz, long before Dorothy arrived.

WIcked centers on Elphaba, a smart, misunderstood girl born with green skin, and Glinda, a bubbly, popular classmate. Initially rivals, they eventually form a deep friendship that’s tested by love, ambition, and shifting political forces in Oz. As Elphaba challenges the corrupt Wizard and questions the system, she’s branded a Wicked Witch, while Glinda embraces her public role as a Good Witch. Known for songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good,” Wicked is one of the most popular musicals in Broadway history—and is particularly popular among younger audiences for its depiction of female friendship and its flying special effects.

What Is the Running Time of Wicked?

Wicked runs two hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early if you’d like to use the restroom, grab a drink, or check out the merchandise. Additionally, the home of Wicked is also the home of the American Theatre Hall of Fame, so be sure to include a little extra space in your arrival time to look at everything in display (which includes historic items such as props and set pieces from the San Francisco premiere of Wicked). 

Wicked plays on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre, located at 222 West 51st Street. It is in an open run on Broadway, meaning as long as audience members keep buying tickets, the show will keep running.

Is Wicked Family Friendly?

Wicked is generally considered a family-friendly show and is recommended for children ages 8 and up. While it doesn’t contain strong language or adult content, some of the themes, including political manipulation, betrayal, and bullying, may be better understood by older kids.

The Broadway production includes moments with loud sounds, theatrical fog, and flashing lights, so patrons with light or sound sensitivity may want to take precautions. Earplugs are also a good option for younger or more sensitive audience members.

What is the difference between Wicked on Broadway, and the Wicked movies?

First and foremost, the Broadway version is a live theatrical production that has been running since 2003. Performed at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City, the show relies on stagecraft, lighting, choreography, and live singing to bring the story to life in real time. It’s designed for the immediacy and intimacy of the stage, with a slightly abstract set and stylized performances that emphasize emotion and symbolism. Audiences experience the show as a shared, in-the-moment event, with each performance offering subtle variations.

The Wicked movie adaptations, directed by Jon M. Chu, are cinematic reimaginings of the stage show, split into two parts. The first film was released in November 2024, and the second will follow in November 2025. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film brings the world of Oz to the screen with a more expansive, literal interpretation of its settings and characters. Film allows for more detailed visual effects, location changes, and intimate close-ups, offering a different way to experience the story. While the movie retains the iconic songs and major plot points, there are multiple new scenes, revised dialogue, and even additional musical numbers created specifically for the screen. Both the musical and the films tell the same story of Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship and transformation, but they do so in different ways.

And perhaps the key difference between Wicked on stage and the Wicked films is that on the stage, Elphaba flies onstage live, in front of your eyes.

Does the Broadway musical spoil the second film, Wicked: For Good?

Yes. Wicked the Broadway musical absolutely contains major plot points that will appear in the second film, Wicked: For Good. The first Wicked film covers Act One of the Wicked stage musical, up to "Defying Gravity." The second Wicked film covers the stage show's second act. Since the musical tells the full story of Elphaba and Glinda from beginning to end, it includes events, twists, and emotional resolutions that hasn't yet been revealed to film-going audiences. If you’re hoping to go into the next film completely unspoiled, you may want to hold off on seeing the stage production. While the show is a beloved classic, it’s not a spoiler-free experience for those whose only exposure to Wicked have been the film.

Though if you don't mind spoilers, and want to get the full story in one sitting, seeing the Wicked stage show won't diminish your enjoyment of Wicked: For Good.

Can I Sing Along With the Wicked Cast?

We get it—“Defying Gravity” is hard to resist. But during a Broadway performance of Wicked, singing along is strongly discouraged. It can distract both the performers and your fellow audience members, who came to enjoy the show live, and hear the performers on stage. Feel free to clap, cheer, or sway along, but save your full Elphaba moment for when you get home. 

How Do I Get Cheap Tickets to Wicked?

Many shows offer discounted tickets to Playbill readers, with the list of the latest codes available at Playbill.com/discount (these codes may be redeemed online or in-person at the box office). Right now, Wicked is one of the most popular shows on Broadway, so no standing discount codes are available; however, if you keep an eye on Playbill's discount portal, you'll be the first to know if something opens up.

But, there are still a handful of ways clever audience members can score Wicked tickets at below box office price.

For students possessing a valid student ID, a limited number of $69 tickets are available at the box office, up to a month in advance for select weekday performances. Subject to availability, these seats can be anywhere within the theatre, at the box office attendant's discretion. Student tickets are limited to two tickets per ID.

Larger groups of students should book through Wicked's Group Sales webpage, where rear mezzanine tickets are available for $59 and rear orchestra are available for $79 at select performances.

For military veterans possessing a valid military ID, a limited number of $79 tickets are available up to a month in advance for select weekday performances. Subject to availability, these seats can be anywhere within the theatre, at the box office attendants discretion.

For fans without special IDs, Wicked offers a day-of digital lottery. Wicked does not offer in-person rush tickets, and their in-person ticket lottery is currently suspended. Currently, the only public lottery available is the BroadwayDirect digital lottery. Lottery tickets are $65 for Friday evening, Saturday matinee and evening, and Sunday matinee performances. All other performances are $55. All lottery winners are able to purchase up to two tickets at the lottery price.

For matinee performances, the lottery will open the day before at 10 AM and close the day before at 4 PM. For evening performances, the lottery will open the day before at 8 PM and close the day of the performance at 11 AM. Winners will then be notified and will have 1 hour to purchase the tickets by credit card online. The e-ticket will then be emailed to the winner’s email address. The number of lottery tickets released varies per performance, as does the location of the lottery seats.

Wicked does not offer standing room tickets. Wheelchair seating is available in the orchestra and mezzanine of the theatre, and wheelchair users may purchase one wheelchair and up to three companion seats per order if available. For guests with limited mobility, there are also seats available with folding armrests for aisle transfer.

Another same-day option is to visit the TKTS Booth in Times Square, which provides same-day discounted tickets to select shows on Broadway. Not every Broadway show is available at TKTS and Wicked has never at the booth, but you never know! If you're on the fence, be sure to keep your eye out. The TKTS booth hours are generally 3 PM to 8 PM Monday, Tuesday, and Friday; 11 AM to 8 PM Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday; and 11 AM to 7 PM Sunday. Click here to view the currently available discounts.

How Can I Get to the Gershwin Theatre by Subway?

Several subway lines will bring you close to the Gershwin Theatre, located at 222 West 51st Street.

• The C, or E to 50th Street and 8th Avenue.
• The 1 to 50th Street and 7th Avenue
• The N, R, Q to 49th Street
• The B, D, F, or M to 47-50 Streets, Rockefeller Center

Note these stops may change late nights or on the weekends, or if there's disruption on the subway. So check MTA.info or the official MTA app for the most up-to-date travel information.

Where Should I Sit at Wicked?

The Gershwin Theatre is a large Broadway house with an orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony. For the best views, many recommend seats in the middle to rear orchestra section or the front mezzanine. Sitting too close to the stage can sometimes make it harder to take in the full scope of the production, especially the elaborate set and special effects. The mezzanine provides a great vantage point for seeing the overall staging, including scenes set on higher levels.

There are two areas designed for disabled patrons in the auditorium, both of which have step-free access. Wheelchair and companion seating is available in the rear of the orchestra as well as in row D of the mezzanine section. Both these locations can be reached without steps; they are served by the main lobby elevator designated for patrons with disabilities. There are aisle transfer seats with folding armrests in several other rows of the orchestra and mezzanine, but many of them involve steps. Aisle transfer seats in row E of the mezzanine are the only ones that are step-free.

Some seats in the theatre do have partial obstructions due to architectural features or equipment, but these are clearly marked when purchasing. The Gershwin Theatre offers excellent sightlines overall, so wherever you sit, you’re in for a fantastic experience.

What Should I Wear to Wicked?

Business casual is a good rule of thumb for Wicked or any Broadway show. There's no need to dress too formally. Remember, it can feel tight in a Broadway house, so don't wear anything that will spill over to the seat next to you or will block the view of the folks sitting behind you. (Caps and hats should always be removed, as they can block the view of those behind you.)

Many fans love to dress up when seeing Wicked, embracing the magic of Oz with whimsical outfits or themed accessories. It is common to see children getting into the spirit of their first Broadway show by wearing sparkly dresses or fun costumes inspired by their favorite characters. It’s all part of the fun and celebration of the show’s enchanting world. That said, it’s important to be mindful of those around you in the theatre. Dressing up can add to the excitement, just remember to keep everyone’s experience comfortable and enjoyable!

There is a coat/bag check room at the Gershwin, so a bag or other item that doesn't fit under your seat can be checked.

Is the Gershwin Theatre Accessible?

The Gershwin Theatre is fully committed to accessibility and offers a range of accommodations for patrons with disabilities. The theatre has elevators that serve all levels, including the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony, making it easy for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges to access their seats and restrooms.

Accessible restrooms are available on multiple floors, and there are designated wheelchair-accessible seats throughout the house, including in the orchestra and mezzanine sections. Additionally, some seats are transfer-accessible, which may require negotiating a few steps.

For guests with hearing impairments, the Gershwin provides assistive listening devices at each performance, as well as open captioning and audio description services. Audio description can be accessed either through devices available at the theatre or via apps like GalaPro on your smartphone. Ushers and front-of-house staff are trained to assist patrons with any accessibility needs—just ask when you arrive.

Where Is the Wicked Stage Door?

The stage door for Wicked is located just to the side of the Gershwin Theatre’s main entrance at 222 West 51st Street, near the corner of Broadway and 51st Street. Cast members usually exit about 15 to 30 minutes after the performance ends, but this can vary depending on the show schedule.

If you are going to stage door, be sure to follow stage door best practices: A signature from a cast member is a bonus, not a guarantee. And be kind to your fellow fans stage dooring (no pushing).

How Do I Purchase Tickets to Wicked?

You can buy tickets for Wicked in several ways. The Gershwin Theatre box office is open Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM. Tickets purchased at the box office often start around $70, but prices vary widely depending on seat location, performance date, and demand.

For online purchases, Wicked uses Broadway Direct as its official ticket seller. Click here to purchase tickets online.

If you’re planning to attend with a group of 15 or more, group sales are available through Wicked's Group Sales webpage, which can offer discounts and special packages.

It’s always recommended to purchase tickets through authorized sellers to avoid scams. Be cautious about third-party websites that may sell tickets at inflated prices or without guarantees.

Visit WickedTheMusical.com.

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Photos: Lencia Kebede, Allie Trimm, and the Cast of Wicked on Broadway

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