Broadway’s Smash Hit Wicked Returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Written By: Nick Cimarusti 6 Reasons to See Wicked at Segerstrom

Any friend (or enemy) of Dorothy knows that Wicked is a must-see musical. Now in its thirteenth year, the Tony and Grammy-award winning musical Wicked returns to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Written by Winnie Holzman with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the story is based on Gregory Maguire’s 1991 novel about the Wicked Witch of the West. The show will be running until March 6, so don’t waste another minute without a ticket.

As if you needed any more reason to go see the show, here’s a list of six reasons why Wicked is so pop-u-lar.

1. Glinda

Nobody likes a goody two shoes, but Amanda Jane Cooper’s version of Glinda is just too good to not love. Cooper starred as Glinda during the show’s first national tour and she returns to the role with just the right amount of sweet and sassy. As the musical’s main source of comedic relief, Glinda is a welcome foil to Elphaba’s intensity. Plus, Glinda’s bubble ride is super swaggy.

2. “Popular”

One of the most well known songs from the musical, “Popular” is when Elphaba and Glinda start to become friends. It’s such a good song that pop artist Mika sampled it in a song with Ariana Grande. The song will definitely get stuck in your head but worse things could happen.

3. Beautiful costume and set design

While the stars of the show are mesmerizing, the costumes of the rest of the cast are eye-catching, to say the least. The fierce designs combine Victorian style with a funky steampunk flair you’d only find in the land of Oz—or maybe a Parisian runway. Then there’s the high production value. With the Munchkinland sunset in the background and Dorothy’s imported farmhouse, the setting for Elphaba and Glinda’s final faceoff is breathtaking.

4. You’ll have an excuse to re-watch The Wizard of Oz

And honestly, who would pass up a chance to skip down the yellow brick road? Plus re-watching the original film after seeing Wicked casts a whole new light on all of the characters and why they act the way they do.

5. Fiyero’s Butt

As soon as the witches’ love interest saunters on stage, you’ll know why Fiyero’s presence is such an important asset to the show.

6. Girl power

At its core, Wicked is a story about two strong women who stayed lifelong friends despite immense differences. The friendship between Elphaba and Glinda shows that a true friend is something to treasure because they’ll always support you even when others don’t.

Tickets start at $49 and may be purchased online at SCFTA.org, by calling 714.556.2787 and at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. For inquiries about group ticket discounts, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236.