Wicked Musical in Broadway NYC: everything you need to know about the show

First performed in 2003, Wicked is already considered a legend and one of the best musicals in history and, of course, on Broadway. It is based on Gregory Maguire's novel "Wicked: Memoirs of a Witch" and is the prequel to the famous Wizard of Oz story.

This musical is a complete work of art. Not only is the story engaging, but the songs are gripping, the costumes are stunning, and the set design is wordless - Wicked will cast a spell on you as soon as the curtain opens!

The best (and almost the only) way to get tickets to see Wicked is online and in advance. If you wait to buy them at the box office, I'll be honest, it's hard to get a seat, let alone a good location.

Wicked is one of the most seen musicals in the Big Apple, with box office records. And despite the fact that it is performed 8 times a week and in the biggest theatre on Broadway, getting tickets is not something you can leave to improvisation. You only need to take a walk around the New York underground to see it full of posters advertising Wicked as one of the main musicals to be seen in the Big Apple and that's after years in the spotlight.

If you are already planning what to see and do in New York and you don't want to miss the opportunity to see this musical, I recommend you secure your advance tickets online.

If you want to buy tickets to see Wicked, the cheapest tickets are around £100 and upwards. Depending on the location of course, you can expect to pay between €150 and €230 for the most expensive ones. In any case, I want you to keep in mind that these are the usual prices you will find for any Broadway musical, but the experience is well worth it.

Estimated prices according to location

To keep you in mind, the Gershwin Theatre is divided into the following zones and approximate price ranges:

• Orchestra: this is like the stalls, the area where the best seats are (including premium seats) | €130 to €250.
• Orchestra Stadium: 110 € to 130 €.
• Front Mezzanine: € 130 € to 150 €
• Middle Mezzanine € 100 € to 120 €
• Rear Mezzanine | 100 € to 120 €

Useful information:

There are no reduced prices for minors or seniors. Student tickets are available at around €60, but can only be purchased at the box office on presentation of the relevant documentation and are subject to availability and are not valid for all performances.

Relative to other popular Broadway musicals such as Hamilton or The Lion King, Wicked is quite reasonably priced. So if you want to treat yourself and enjoy Broadway at its best, Wicked is a good option for you to choose a good location.

Ceci's Traveller Tip

The Gershwin Theatre is one of the largest theatres on Broadway. So if you don't want to spend a lot on front row tickets, I suggest you look in the middle of the Mezzanine section, so you're assured visibility of the show, at an affordable price.

Wicked is a musical that appeals to all audiences. It tells the story of two apprentice witches, very different from each other. Elphaba, green-skinned, temperamental and intelligent, but outcast and searching for her place in the world. And Glinda, a striking blonde, charismatic and above all, very popular.

The story focuses on the differences that condition them so much and at the same time, lead them to a beautiful and fraternal friendship. However, a series of events will turn one into the Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) and the other into the Good Witch (Glinda).

It is true that the story is gripping, but the truth is that it would be nothing without the staging that recreates the spectacular world of Oz and the beautifully designed and crafted costumes. Well, well...and what about the music and the voices of the cast, which will give you goosebumps and leave you singing the songs for a long time afterwards.

Wicked is a musical that lives up to its theme, as it is pure magic. And that led it to win three Tony Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards and no less than a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album, for its album produced in 2003.

Still wondering what to expect from Wicked - pure excitement!

Wicked has 8 performances a week, but be aware that there is one day a week when there is no performance (a well-deserved break for the actors!). Check that it doesn't coincide with when you want to go. The days off on Broadway are usually Mondays, but depending on the week it may also be another day.

The times of the performances also depend on the day and can be:

• 14:00 hours
• 15:00 hours
• 19:00 hours
• 20:00 hours

Some days there are two performances per day, others only one performance.

How long is the show?

The musical lasts 2 hours 45 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission. Please note that once the show has begun, no one is allowed to enter the theatre. As such, doors open 45 minutes before the show and audiences are asked to arrive 15 minutes early.

Wicked plays at the Gershwin Theatrer, located at 222 West 51st Street, New York City.

This theatre seats 1933 people and is the largest seating capacity theatre on Broadway and has been hosting Wicked continuously since 2003.

How do I get to the Gershwin Theatre?

You can get there by underground on the 1 and 2 lines or the A, C and E lines (50 St. Station) and you'll be about 2 minutes away from the theatre. Or you can also walk from Times Square, which is only 5 minutes away.

The recommended age to see Wicked is from 8 years old and of course, with a ticket. In fact, the theatre does not allow children under the age of 5. If you remember the film The Wizard of Oz, you may find this strange, but bear in mind that the main character in the musical is the Wicked Witch and this, together with the sound effects in the theatre, could frighten the youngest members of the family.

So if you were thinking of bringing a little one, take note of this information so that you are not caught unawares when you arrive. But don't worry, there are plenty of other things to do in New York with kids.

Wicked is performed entirely in English. But you can rent audio guides in Spanish, directly from the theatre box office for €9.

Please note that this audio guide service does not translate the musical exactly, but will guide you through the plot with phrases and observations from the show. However, in all honesty, it is not essential. It is possible to enjoy the musical perfectly, understand the plot and follow the magic through the songs, regardless of the language.

In the case of Wicked, no specific attire is necessary when attending. Just something comfortable and appropriate for the occasion. However, if you go in the summer, I recommend you bring something warm as the air conditioning and ventilation is on full blast.

Warning! If your visit to New York coincides with a special performance of this musical you may find people in costume coming to see the show, so come along and be part of the action!

If you're going to one of the afternoon performances (14:00 or 15:00), you'll have no problem eating lunch, snacks, nibbles or dinner, either before or after the show.

But if your performance time is 19:00 or 20:00, you may find it more difficult to find somewhere to grab a bite to eat after you leave the theatre. Most restaurants are open until 21:00, 22:00 or 23:00.

Anyway, it's New York City, baby! If you have time, if you wander around a bit, you're bound to find somewhere open. In fact, and as it couldn't be otherwise in the Big Apple, in front of the theatre, there is a McDonald's open until midnight. Any more questions? Here's an article on Where to eat in New York that I'm sure you'll find useful.

If you've come this far, it's because you've read all about what Wicked has to offer as a show. It's a musical for the whole family, with a story to fall in love with and a production and cast that do nothing but honour the art and greatness of Broadway.

That it's one of the most watched musicals in the world says it all. Wicked is art, it's magic, it's work and it's emotion. The New York Times calls it "the defining musical of the decade. So I recommend you secure your place at this spellbinding experience.

If you're hooked on seeing musicals on Broadway, here are a few recommendations:

• Hamilton
• The Lion King
• Harry Potter
• Phantom of the Opera
• Moulin Rouge
• Aladdin
• Chicago
• Come From Away
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Ain't Too Proud
• The Life and Times of The Temptations