The original Broadway production of *Wicked* marked a significant moment in theatrical history, bringing the untold story of the Witches of Oz to life with spectacular flair. Premiering at the Gershwin Theatre, the musical began previews on October 8, 2003, with its official opening night following on October 30, 2003. This production, based on Gregory Maguire's novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," featured music and lyrics
by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. It quickly established itself as a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative, memorable songs, and groundbreaking performances.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
The success of *Wicked*'s original Broadway run was significantly bolstered by its stellar cast and dedicated creative team. Idina Menzel took on the iconic role of Elphaba, the misunderstood, emerald-skinned girl who would become the Wicked Witch of the West. Her powerful vocal performance and nuanced portrayal earned her widespread acclaim. Opposite her, Kristin Chenoweth charmed audiences as Glinda, the popular and effervescent good witch. The dynamic chemistry between Menzel and Chenoweth became a cornerstone of the production, driving the central theme of their complex friendship. Norbert Leo Butz played Fiyero, and Joel Grey took on the role of the Wizard, rounding out a cast of distinguished performers.
The production was helmed by director Joe Mantello and choreographed by Wayne Cilento. Universal Stage Productions, with Marc Platt, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone as producers, brought the vision to the Broadway stage. The creative team's efforts extended beyond the performers, with Eugene Lee designing the sets and visual style, drawing inspiration from W. W. Denslow's original illustrations and Maguire's concept of a story told through a giant clock. Susan Hilferty crafted over 200 costumes in a "twisted Edwardian" style, and Kenneth Posner utilized more than 800 lights to create distinct moods for each of the 54 scenes, contributing to the show's immersive theatrical experience.
Critical Reception and Acclaim
Despite receiving mixed reviews during its pre-Broadway tryouts in San Francisco, the original Broadway production of *Wicked* went on to achieve significant critical and commercial success. The creative team made extensive changes after the San Francisco run, refining the book and score, which proved instrumental in its Broadway triumph. These revisions included replacing Fiyero's introductory song and enhancing Elphaba's prominence in the narrative.
The production garnered numerous accolades, winning three Tony Awards and seven Drama Desk Awards. Its original cast album, released on December 16, 2003, by Universal Music, also achieved significant recognition. The album included most of the songs featured on stage, with a few exceptions, and was arranged by Stephen Oremus, who also served as conductor and musical director. This recording received the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album in 2005, further cementing *Wicked*'s status as a landmark musical. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA on November 30, 2006, and later double platinum on November 8, 2010, underscoring its immense popularity and lasting impact.
