“Wicked” has been sweeping the nation (perhaps even the world!) since its opening in 2003. After 22 years on Broadway, “Wicked” is still as popular as ever, partly thanks to the 2024 film that launched a great resurgence of the fan-base. With Part 2 of the movie franchise set to release on November 21st of this year, the spike in its following isn’t looking like it will die down any time soon. This is the perfect time for a tour of Wicked to make its way to Shea’s Performing Arts Center. Whether you’ve been a fan of Wicked since the very beginning or you’re new to Shiz, this is show you don’t want to miss. In case you somehow don’t know the premise of the show, “Wicked” tells the backstory of The Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) and Glinda the Good from the Wizard of Oz. It dives into the relationship the two formed while at Shiz University and causes you to question how one can truly define and measure wickedness or goodness.

I had the pleasure of witnessing the Elphaba standby, Adelina Mitchell, take center stage on Thursday evening. Mitchell brings a beautiful strength to the role, making a clear transition from the young, naïve Act 1 Elphaba into the mature, more self-assured Act 2 Elphaba. Her “No Good Deed” was truly a standout of the show for me displaying her vocal prowess and emotional intensity. Zoe Jenson is the perfect Glinda with a brilliantly bubbly stage-presence and gorgeous soprano voice. You can’t help but smile when she is onstage.

If you’ve seen the show before, this is the same script, staging, set, lighting, and effects you’re used to. It felt like the same exact show I saw when I was back in 6th grade starting my Wicked obsession, which is somewhat comfortable in a way. I do wonder if we will ever see the day of a “relaunch” of Wicked similar to what occurred with Les Misérables on Broadway and then in the touring production. It would be interesting to see if the popularity of the movies will eventually impact anything at all. The perk of splitting the movie into two separate films was allowing more time for character development and slight story expansion that truly adds to the world of Wicked. After seeing the movie and returning to the stage production, I was struck by just how fast-paced everything moves in comparison.

One element that continues to impress no matter how many times you see “Wicked” is the visual spectacle of it all. The clockwork-inspired set pieces, the gravity-defying lighting effects, and Susan Hilferty’s iconic costumes still create an atmosphere that feels both whimsical and foreboding. The dragon perched above the stage remains a thrilling presence (that could honestly be used more!), and moments like “Defying Gravity” continue to elicit audible gasps and cheers from the audience. Even knowing exactly what was coming, I found myself swept up in the magic of it, which speaks volumes about the enduring power of this production.

In the end, this touring production proves that Wicked’s longevity is no accident. It remains a masterful blend of spectacle, storytelling, humor, and heart. Seeing it again reminded me why it captured so many imaginations back in 2003 and continues to do so today. Whether you’re reliving your obsession or experiencing Elphaba’s story for the very first time, this stop at Shea’s is well worth the trip back to Oz. After all, as the show reminds us, “Everyone deserves the chance to fly.”

Run Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes with one 15-minute intermission

Runs: 11/12-11/30/2025

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