Jessie Davidson as Elphaba in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus
Some shows don’t just entertain you—they shape you. Wicked was one of those shows for me, as the first musical I ever saw back in 2010. It introduced me to the power of live theatre and sparked a passion that has only grown since then. With both Wicked movies now out in the world, I was excited to revisit the stage musical currently touring North America—and I have some good news: the stage version is still very much worth the journey.
It was hard to go into this without comparing it to the movies, but one of my biggest takeaways this time around was just how much live theatre brings to the story in ways a film never can. While I loved how the movies expanded upon Glinda and Elphaba’s world, there’s nothing like being present for a live performance. The tiny reactions, the perfectly timed jokes, and the shared laughter with the audience all add something extra. I was slightly worried the stage version might start to feel influenced by the films instead of the other way around, but thankfully, it sticks firmly to its roots. Glinda, especially, feels even funnier onstage, fully leaning into the comedy without losing the heart. Zoe Jensen was hilarious and effortlessly glamorous, earning some of the biggest laughs of the night. Elphaba, played by Jessie Davidson, also felt more like her original self here—awkward, a little weird, and deeply earnest—which was refreshing after seeing a more polished version on screen.
Visually, Wicked remains a full-on spectacle. The costumes are bold and flashy, the lighting is dynamic, and the set design is downright spellbinding. From the iconic Time Dragon Clock looming over the stage to the jaw-dropping moment when Elphaba defies gravity, the show knows exactly how to command a room. There’s nothing quite like the noticeable shift in atmosphere when “Defying Gravity” arrives—everyone leaning in, collectively amazed. It’s a powerful reminder of why that moment, and the show as a whole, has become such a defining piece of musical theatre history.
One final note: theatre etiquette still matters. This isn’t your living room, and it’s definitely not a karaoke bar. I understand how exciting it is to hear familiar favorites performed live, but no one wants to hear audience members singing over the actors or narrating their thoughts out loud. Part of what makes Wicked so magical is the shared focus between the performers and the audience. When that connection clicks, the magic truly takes flight. So, if you loved the movies and somehow haven’t seen the stage musical yet, consider this your sign. Wicked runs at the Hippodrome through January 11—go experience it live, soak it all in, and let Oz work its magic.
Final Grade: A
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