REVIEW: Wicked

Set before the events of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked reimagines the familiar story by exploring the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the misunderstood young woman who will become the Wicked Witch of the West, and the ambitious, popular Glinda. There is a reason Wicked has remained one of Broadway’s most popular musicals for more than two decades. Wicked is packed with memorable songs, dazzling spectacle, lots of humor, and plenty of heart. The current national tour delivers an entertaining evening at the theater, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the very best productions.

From the beginning, one issue was immediately apparent: the sound mixing. During several of the quieter moments, the orchestra frequently overpowered the performers, causing intimate moments to lose some of their impact. The balance improved as the show progressed, but those early scenes didn’t land with the strength they could have.

This production also faces an unavoidable challenge following the recent film adaptation. While the touring set is attractive and functional, it occasionally feels “low budget” when compared to the film’s lavish, richly detailed CGI world. That’s hardly a fair comparison for a touring production, but it’s not something I would have critiqued pre-film adaptation.

The performances, however, are enough for the production to shine. Aline Mayagoitia as Elphaba delivers a strong, heartfelt performance overall, bringing the needed conviction to the role. There were moments, however, when a few songs seemed to sit just a bit low in her vocal range. As a result, some moments lacked the vocal richness and intensity they can achieve.

Claudia Bennett as Glinda was simply outstanding. It is an incredibly difficult role because audiences arrive with specific expectations of the character. Her mannerisms, comedic timing, and eccentricities can easily feel exaggerated or forced in the wrong hands. Here, she completely embodied the character in that not a single moment was portrayed as acting. She nailed it.

After the finale, the audience jumped to their feet with whistles and roars. While seeing the show multiple times naturally leads to a more critical eye, Wicked remains an immensely enjoyable theatrical experience.

Wicked is at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis through August 9, 2026. Tickets start at $40 for military/industry/first responder rush tickets.