Wicked at Overture Center

Opening July 9 at the Overture Center for the Arts, Wicked is back in Madison and not to be missed! Since its Broadway debut in 2003, Wicked has captivated and thrilled audiences nationwide. Full of heart, humor, and powerful vocal performances, Wicked is a standout gem of a show, bringing a new side to a classic, beloved tale of Oz and its magical inhabitants and the struggle they face between good and evil. Wicked is loosely based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, which in turn was based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel and the 1939 film Wizard of Oz. 

Wicked focuses on the backstory of Elphaba, the notorious green-skinned “Wicked Witch of the West” and how she became the villain we all love to hate. At its’ core, Wicked focuses on the unlikely friendship that forms between misunderstood, “evil” Elphaba and the popular, rich, & “good” Glinda. Despite a rocky beginning, their mutual loathing transforms into a deep bond, changing both of their lives for good. The musical follows the journey of both their friendship and personal challenges they face, including a love triangle and the dark truth behind the Wizard of Oz’s rule. 

Right from the first note of the opening song, Wicked is a visual masterpiece. The set design is full of Gothic influences and conflicting backgrounds of both light and dark, mirroring the struggle between “good” and “evil” that the characters face. Seeing the beloved backdrops of the Yellow Brick Road or the Emerald City truly felt like Oz was being brought to life! The costumes were also absolutely stunning, from Elphaba’s intricately detailed black dress or the variety of glittering gowns worn by Glinda, adding extra sparkle to her dazzling personality. The musical is also full of incredible special effects, most notably Elphaba’s levitation. Song-wise, Wicked is full of charmingly funny lyrics and explosive vocals from the leads. Famous hits such as “Defying Gravity”, “Popular”, and “For Good” are some of the highlights from the musical’s score, but the songs throughout were very energetic and wonderfully performed by the cast. Jessie Davidson’s (Elphaba) performance was incredible, and not only did she kill her version of “Defying Gravity”, but another strong standout was “No Good Deed”. Zoe Jensen as Glinda was one of the best parts of this production, as her comedic timing and vocals are among some of the strongest I’ve seen for this role. 

Being a huge fan of the original film Wizard of Oz, I found Wicked to be delightful and such a unique approach to telling a villain origin story. The message behind it is so strong, a reflection on what it means to be misunderstood, and how those with power can warp perception of both heroes and villains, and how someone can be forced into either role. Plus, knowing how the characters end up gives the whole thing so much more emotional impact. Seeing it performed in front of me with such a spectacular cast gave me even more love for this story! Whether you’re a longtime fan of the movie/musical or a newcomer, the Overture’s production of Wicked is one to go see! 

Reviewed by Emilie Giardina 

Highly Recommended 

Wicked is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, with one intermission. This production is playing July 9-27, 2025 at the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, WI. The Overture is located at 201 State St, Madison, WI. Tickets for Wicked can be purchased online via the Overture’s website or by calling the box office at 608-258-4141.