Wicked is one of the most popular and beloved Broadway musicals of all time. The magical story of how the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch became friends long before Dorothy dropped in on the Land of Oz has captivated audiences around the world since it first premiered on Broadway in 2003.
What is Wicked about?
Wicked tells the backstory of the witches from The Wizard of Oz. It starts when the green-skinned Elphaba arrives at Shiz University and rooms with the popular blonde Galinda. The two girls initially loathe each other but eventually become best friends as they encounter the Wizard’s corrupt government and a world where animals have lost their voices.
The musical features a soundtrack by Stephen Schwartz that includes soon-to-be classics like “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good.” The story is based on the novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire.
How long is the musical Wicked?
The Broadway production of Wicked runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission. Most productions around the world run a similar length.
Here is a breakdown of the musical’s approximate runtime:
- Act 1: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Intermission: 15 minutes
- Act 2: 1 hour, 15 minutes
The total running time is therefore about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The time can vary slightly from performance to performance based on audience reactions and applause.
How long is Wicked when performed in Minneapolis?
When Wicked takes the stage at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis, the runtime remains right around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Here are the approximate act lengths for the Minneapolis production:
- Act 1: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Intermission: 15 minutes
- Act 2: 1 hour, 15 minutes
While slight variations in applause and intermission timing are possible, Wicked consistently clocks in at just under 3 hours total in Minneapolis.
Does the runtime differ across productions?
For the most part, the length of Wicked remains similar whether you see it on Broadway, in Minneapolis, or on tour. The creative team has crafted a tightly plotted story that runs like clockwork.
However, there are occasional minor differences:
- The Broadway production tends to run slightly longer, sometimes up to 3 hours with a lengthy intermission.
- International productions are usually performed in the local language, which can result in small timing variations.
- Amateur productions may cut some songs or dialogue to shorten the runtime.
But in general, you can expect a running time within a few minutes of 2 hours and 45 minutes when you go see Wicked, including the Minneapolis run.
How does Wicked’s length compare to other musicals?
Musical | Approximate Runtime |
---|---|
The Lion King | 2 hours, 30 minutes |
Aladdin | 2 hours, 20 minutes |
Wicked | 2 hours, 45 minutes |
The Book of Mormon | 2 hours, 15 minutes |
Dear Evan Hansen | 2 hours, 30 minutes |
At nearly 3 hours from start to finish, Wicked is one of the longer Broadway musicals. The sweeping story and elaborate sets require a bit more time compared to other contemporary shows like The Book of Mormon. But its length is comparable to beloved blockbusters like The Lion King.
Why is Wicked such a long musical?
There are a few reasons why Wicked clocks in at nearly 3 hours of spellbinding entertainment:
- Epic story – The musical covers many years in the lives of the witches, spanning their time at school through the events in The Wizard of Oz. There’s a lot of story to tell.
- Main characters – Unlike shows with just one protagonist, Wicked devotes equal time to both Elphaba and Glinda, giving each character full dimension.
- Special effects – All the magic, flying monkeys, and elaborate sets make the production a feast for the eyes but require more time.
- Music – With over a dozen songs, Stephen Schwartz’s romantic and soaring score adds wonderful length to the show.
The creative team packs a lot into those nearly 3 hours, delivering an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Conclusion
Wicked consistently clocks in around 2 hours and 45 minutes total, with brief variations between productions. This makes it one of Broadway’s lengthier modern musicals, on par with family favorites like The Lion King. But its epic story about the Wicked Witch and Glinda needs that runtime to fully develop the colorful characters and wizardly world. When the tour stops at Minneapolis’ Orpheum Theatre, expect to spend right around 2 hours and 45 magical minutes with the witches.