Wicked is one of the most popular Broadway musicals of all time. Since debuting on Broadway in 2003, this magical prequel to The Wizard of Oz has enchanted audiences around the world with its clever storytelling, captivating score, and spectacular production design. But seeing this Tony Award-winning show does not come cheap, especially if you want good seats at peak performance times. So how can you find the cheapest Wicked tickets available?
When is Wicked playing?
Wicked is currently playing at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway in New York City. There are 8 performances most weeks:
- Monday at 7pm
- Wednesday at 2pm and 7pm
- Thursday at 7pm
- Friday at 8pm
- Saturday at 2pm and 8pm
- Sunday at 2pm and 7:30pm
The runtime of the show is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission. The Gershwin Theatre is located at 222 West 51st Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan.
What are the cheapest tickets?
The face value “starting at” ticket prices at the Gershwin Theatre box office are:
Seat Location | Full Price |
---|---|
Rear Mezzanine | $104.50 |
Rear Orchestra | $114.50 |
Mid Orchestra | $139.50 |
Front Orchestra | $169.50 |
However, it is very rare to pay full face value prices for Broadway tickets these days, especially a popular show like Wicked. Discounts can bring the cheapest tickets down to the $50-100 range if you know where to look.
Weekday performances
For weekday performances, the cheapest tickets are typically in the $50-75 range. Prices are lowest for Monday through Wednesday shows. The rear mezzanine sections offer the most budget friendly deals.
Weekend matinees
Tickets for weekend matinees (Saturday 2pm and Sunday 2pm) have more demand, so cheapest tickets range from $75-100. The front mezzanine and rear orchestra sections offer some of the best bargains for weekend afternoon shows.
Evening performances
Primetime shows on Thursday through Saturday evenings are the most in demand. For these performances, expect to pay $100-125 for the least expensive seats in the rear mezzanine or back of the rear orchestra sections if you can find discount deals.
Where to find cheap Wicked tickets
Here are some of the best strategies and sources for finding heavily discounted Wicked Broadway tickets:
1. Check the Wicked website
A limited number of discount Wicked tickets are sold through the official show website for certain performances. These tickets can sometimes be up to 50% off face value prices. You can find available discount tickets for upcoming performances under the “Buy Tickets” menu.
2. TKTS discount booth
TKTS offers same-day and next-day Broadway tickets for 20-50% off face value. They have a limited number of heavily discounted Wicked tickets available on certain days/times if you are willing to wait in line and take your chances. The TKTS booth is located in Times Square, open 3pm-8pm for evening shows and 10am-2pm for matinees.
3. Rush and lottery
A limited number of $29 rush tickets are sold at the Gershwin Theatre box office starting 2 hours before each performance. You can only purchase 1 or 2 tickets and must pay in cash. It is first come first served so get there early!
Wicked also holds an in-person lottery 2 1/2 hours before shows. Submit your name for a chance to purchase up to 2 tickets for $29-$49 each.
4. BroadwayBox.com
This website exclusively sells unsold Broadway tickets at cheap discounted prices. They offer instant digital delivery so you don’t have to wait in line at the theater. Wicked tickets are frequently available starting around $79.
5. TodayTix.com
TodayTix is a discount Broadway ticket seller with an easy to use mobile app. They offer a daily selection of cheap last minute Wicked tickets with prices as low as $89.
6. Goldstar
This discount ticket marketplace offers unsold Broadway seats for as much as 50% off. Wicked tickets can be found here occasionally starting around $99.
7. Group discounts
If you book for a group of 10-15 people, you can get an additional discount of up to 35% off broadway tickets. Check GroupSalesBoxOffice.com for group deals.
8. Promo codes and coupons
Some ticket seller sites will offer special promo codes for additional savings on Broadway tickets. Look for coupon codes and deals around the holidays or for new email subscribers. You can potentially save an extra $10-20 off cheap Wicked seats.
9. Student and military discounts
If you are a student or active military member, be sure to inquire about special discount Broadway tickets just for you. Bring your valid ID to the box office and you can potentially save 25% or more on last minute seats.
10. Become a Broadway Insider
Sign up for free at BroadwayBox.com to get exclusive access to unsold ticket inventory and special discount coupon codes. As a Broadway Insider, you can get cheap last minute Wicked tickets before they go on sale to the general public.
When should you buy Wicked tickets?
The best time to purchase cheap Wicked tickets varies depending on different factors:
As soon as you know your schedule
If your schedule is set and you know the exact date you want to see Wicked, book tickets as early as possible once they go on sale. This ensures you get the largest selection of seats before they sell out at the lowest prices. Prime dates often sell out months in advance.
1-2 months in advance
For most people with flexible schedules, its best to buy 1-2 months before your desired performance date. This gives you a good selection of discounted tickets while prices are still low and availability is decent.
1-2 weeks before
If you don’t mind waiting until the last minute, you can find steeply discounted Wicked tickets 1-2 weeks in advance as theaters release seats held for industry insiders. Prices get lower but ticket selection is more limited.
Day of show
For the most discounted last minute tickets, you can check the Wicked box office, TKTS, and ticket seller apps on the day of the performance. Prices can be as low as $49, but you risk them selling out before you get cheap seats.
How to get the best deals on Wicked tickets
Here are some useful tips to ensure you score the cheapest possible prices on Wicked Broadway tickets:
- Be flexible on show dates/times – See a weekday matinee or evening to save the most
- Buy early for best seat selection – Prices go up closer to show dates
- Check seat views before buying – Make sure you don’t get obstructed seats
- Join email lists for special offers – Sign up to get early access to deals
- Browse resale sites for deals – There are big discounts on previously purchased tickets
- Avoid peak dates near holidays – Prices skyrocket around Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc
Are cheap tickets to Wicked worth it?
Scoring heavily discounted Wicked tickets definitely requires more time, effort and uncertainty compared to paying full price. However, if you are on a budget or just want to get the best deal possible, it is absolutely worth pursuing cheap tickets through one of the methods described above.
While you may end up in the rear mezzanine or far sides of the orchestra, Wicked is visually stunning from any seat. The massive Wizard of Oz storybook set, glittering emerald green city, and gravity-defying flying monkeys and witches look amazing from every corner of the Gershwin Theatre.
The vocals soar magnificently throughout the venue and the powerful soundtrack will give you chills even if you are in the back rows. The story and costumes translate clearly too. So while closer seats allow you to see facial expressions and other subtleties more clearly, you still get an immersive experience and magical escape to Oz with discounted tickets.
Just seeing this Broadway spectacle at all is worth it. Wicked has been playing over 5,500 performances for a reason – it’s one of the most popular Broadway musicals for all ages. The moving story, lovable characters, and technical wizardry create lifetime memories. So buying cheap Wicked tickets provides big savings without significantly sacrificing enjoyment and quality.
Conclusion
Wicked is a Broadway masterpiece and well worth splurging on full price tickets if you have the budget. But discounted tickets allow even more theatre fans on a budget to experience the magic. With rush, lottery, TKTS, group sales, promo codes and advanced planning, you can typically find cheap Wicked tickets in the $50-125 range if you are flexible.
While rear orchestra and mezzanine seats are not ideal, they still provide strong value to witness one of the most spectacular Broadway productions of all time for under $100. So if cheap tickets allow you to see Wicked live for the first time, it is undoubtedly worth seizing the opportunity even if the seats are in the back corners. Just being transported to Oz in person is an unforgettable thrill.