Wicked

Last night, I finally got to revisit Wicked on Broadway, my first time seeing the stage version since watching the movie. And while I absolutely love the movie adaptation, seeing the show live again made one thing abundantly clear—the movie moves slow. Not just in its storytelling, but in the actual tempo of the songs. Some of the numbers in the stage version feel like they’re running at nearly double speed compared to their film counterparts. It’s exhilarating in the theater, but now I find myself frustrated watching the movie, realizing just how much energy and momentum the stage version carries that the film doesn’t quite match.

Mary Kate Morrissey’s Elphaba was a force. There’s a sharpness and fire to her performance that makes Elphaba’s journey from outcast to revolutionary feel so immediate and personal. Vocally, she soared—her Defying Gravity had that perfect mix of power and raw emotion, the kind of performance that makes you feel like you’re experiencing the song for the first time all over again.

Alexandra Socha’s Glinda brought something fresh to the role. While many Glindas lean into the ultra-ditzy, over-the-top comedy, Socha’s take was delightfully grounded. Her comedic timing was impeccable, but there was a sincerity to her performance that made Glinda’s arc feel even more poignant. Her Popular was still hilarious, but there was a warmth underneath it that made her transition in Act 2 feel even more heartbreaking.

Natalie Ortega as Nessarose delivered a strong performance, bringing a depth to the character that sometimes gets overlooked. Her shift from vulnerable to bitter was played beautifully. William Youmans as Doctor Dillamond was a heartbreaking reminder of the corruption running through Oz—his performance added weight to the story’s darker themes. And Jordan Litz as Fiyero was just plain fun. He brought the right mix of charm and bravado, making it easy to see why both Elphaba and Glinda fall for him.

Beyond the performances, the entire Wicked experience at the Gershwin Theatre adds to the magic. The exhibits throughout the theater, showcasing the production’s history and creative process, are a fascinating addition, offering insight into just how much went into making this show the phenomenon it is. The overall themed decor, from the intricate stage proscenium to the animatronic dragon and the steampunk-inspired gears and wheels, fully immerses you in the world of Oz before the show even begins.

Overall, it was a grand night out to a musical that has truly stood the test of time. Recently celebrating 20 years on Broadway and showing no signs of stopping, Wicked remains as thrilling, moving, and spectacular as ever.