Wicked at Ohio Theatre – Columbus

Get ready for the return of the Broadway blockbuster! Long before Dorothy drops in, WICKED is on tour this 2026. It’s time to revisit the tale of two other girls who meet in the land of Oz. From an initial rivalry that later develops into a deep bond, two different paths determine their fate as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Based on the 1995 novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire, the musical production has taken reign as one of the top touring musicals, with its West End and Broadway productions praised by critics and spectators around the globe. As of 2026, Wicked still takes the crown as Broadway’s second-highest grossing musical, after surpassing $1 billion in total Broadway revenue back in 2016. 

From its 2003 premiere down to its ongoing touring production, millions of fans can’t get enough of Wicked’s story, characters, and its Grammy Award-winning musical score. A two-part film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu was even released in 2024 — a box office hit! 

Now, this is your chance to catch the tale of Elphaba Thropp and Glinda, long before Dorothy sets foot in the Land of Oz, as WICKED takes over Ohio Theatre – Columbus. A rivalry that’ll get your hairs raised, every twist and turn will have you holding the edge of your seats. As the hall fills with soaring songs that’ll have you hooked throughout the whole show, witness Wicked  Tickets are flying out the door, so make sure to book yours now!

Wicked Tickets

AN ICONIC RIVALRY

A tale of two ladies – one with emerald-green skin who’s smart yet fierce,and completely misunderstood, and the other who’s popular, beautiful, and carries big dreams. Together, they’re WICKED – the story of Elphaba and Glinda who found themselves in a fierce rivalry at Shiz University, later on developing a profound friendship that no one saw coming. However, it all took a dark turn as the world called one “good,” and the other “wicked.” 

Based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, this is a brilliant reimagining of the Oz universe you thought you knew. 

A THRILLING TALE FOR THE HEART

WICKED is a deeply moving take on friendship, identity, and fate — where choices ultimately decide where one ends up. From the halls of Shiz University to the wonders of Emerald City, Elphaba and Glinda navigate love, friendship, corruption, and their own dreams. While a Wizard of Oz gets in the way, these souls discover what their hearts truly desire. With a multi-platinum score guiding the story in every step these girls take, audiences find themselves resonating with every decision they make. After all, one has dreams, desires, and values. While one may fight injustice, others seek power themselves. As they say, there’s always two sides to a story.

With two acts and a brief intermission in between, it’s a spectacular showcase of friendship, desire, ambition, and justice that stood the test of time. Get ready to hear all the hit songs, fantastic costumes, creative set designs, and stunning special effects that bring this story straight from the Land of Oz to life. A running time of approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes, you’ll be surprised how fast everything leads to the curtain call because the story is simply that immersive and engaging.

THE LEGACY

The spectacular production is a visual feast and an emotional ride as it blends Broadway showstopping wonders with intimate storytelling. Its Broadway production first premiered in 2003 with succeeding West End productions that also brought the thrilling tale to musical life. Breaking weekly box-office records around the globe, it sure is clear that Wicked is one of the most legendary musicals of this generation.

The original Broadway cast included Idina Menzel as Elphaba, Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, and Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero. 

With music and lyrics by multi-Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, WICKED has definitely cast its spell on audiences who can’t get enough of every twist and turn.

In 2004, Wicked received ten Tony Awards nominations — Best Musical, Book, Orchestrations, Original Score, Choreography, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, plus  Best Actress – for Menzel and Chenoweth, in total the show won three awards. That same year, Wicked took home 6 Drama Desk Awards out of 11 nominations, which includes Outstanding Musical, Book, Director, and Costume Design. 

It’s a legacy that definitely runs deep, and the celebration keeps running to this day. Film adaptations, live albums, and anniversary tributes — WICKED has it all. 

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

Back in its premiere, critic reviews were pretty mixed. However, it received glowing support and enthusiasm from audiences who thought otherwise. Since then, reviews came around parading about Wicked’s success, its deep story, great cast, and immersive score. 

“If every musical had a brain, a heart and the courage of Wicked, Broadway really would be a magical place,” wrote Richard Zoglin of TIME.

“The most complete, and completely satisfying, new musical I’ve come across in a long time,” said Elysa Gardner of USA Today.

The musical’s success was largely owed to word-of-mouth spread, and audiences came rushing in to see what it’s all about, despite mixed critical reviews. Across the board, it became a box-office hit, one that continues to run to this day. 

“What can I say? Reviews are reviews…. I know we divided the critics. We didn’t divide the audience, and that’s what counts,” Schwartz shared with The Arizona Republic.

Audiences definitely united and came together and carried Wicked’s theatrical revolution. While there were naysayers, box office records, rising demand, tributes, and a film adaptation proved that Wicked served justice. 

VENUE INFORMATION – LIVE AT OHIO THEATRE COLUMBUS

The Ohio Theatre is a sprawling performing arts center and former movie palace smacked in the heart of Capitol Square in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. Built in 1928, it became known as the “​​Official Theatre of the State of Ohio,” saved from demolition in 1969. Restored to its former glory, its halls have welcomed iconic stars and legendary theatrical productions for decades now. Take a look up, see the jaw-dropping early 20th-century American theater architecture that takes you back in time. Its Spanish Baroque style interior definitely sets the tone of what kind of shows or artists visit this esteemed performing hall.

While it’s a historical venue, the Ohio Theatre is updated with modern facilities and high-tech lights and sound systems that guarantee a smooth show. It makes a smooth production with little to no hiccups.

This vibrant city also has a lot to offer, being a hot spot for the arts and theatrical wonders. There’s plenty to explore, perfect for a day out with family and friends.

As usual, tickets for WICKED are in high demand. Make sure to reserve your seats now by hitting the ‘GET TICKETS’ button that directs you to our secure booking platform. Book now!