Wicked (Broadway touring musical) at The Music Hall, Kansas City MO (2026-08-12 to 08-30)
After more than two decades, Wicked still defies the gravity of the ages and is more popular than ever–
Following its 2003 stage debut, the Land of Oz tale revealed from a decidedly different point of view, has returned to touring North America, including this extended stop in downtown Kansas City at The Music Hall through April 30, as an addition to the current PNC Broadway in Kansas City season.
The result is a highly professional and polished spectacle that still amazes and entertains and is all technically ‘on point’- well-planned and expertly executed in all facets- staging, lighting, costumes, choreography, scoring, casting and performances.
And on top of all of that, its greatest strength remains the one at the core of its story – the unlikely friendship between two very different women of Oz who discover there is a much greater different than the labels of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ might initially entail.
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The show features the original music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman and is loosely based on the 1995 novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire, which in turn, was based on the original 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and its famous and subsequent movie adaptation.
The current tour features Aline Mayagoitia as Elphaba and Claudia Bennett as Glinda, with Ethan Kirschbaum as Fiyero, Susan Cella as Madame Morrible, Tom McGowan as The Wizard, Pablo David Laucerica as Boq, Drew McVety as Doctor Dillamond and Cristina Sastre as Nessarose.
Mayagoitia brings substantial experience to the central role, both on Broadway and in touring productions, and it’s that stage confidence, vocal tone, and impressing a presence, that strongly anchors this production. Bennett is making her national-tour debut, but subtlety makes Glinda her own, with a narcissistic and entitled Southern Belle-type take on the character and some impressive vocals, that increasingly endears the Good Witch to the crowd as the story progresses.
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Mayagoitia’s Elphaba shows a complex combination of emotions and energies underneath her green makeup, trying to survive in a very diverse world that mostly sees her as too different and as this builds throughout the first act. The mid-show finale, “Defying Gravity” plays out as both the midpoint showstopper it is, and the emotional exhale and un-bundling of all those building tensions that she was forced to endure.
Bennett’s Glinda (formerly Galinda, which is memorable from how the goat professor pronounces the name in class) begins somewhat innocent and shy but gains more confidence as the story continues. Bennett’s solo turns really showcased her vocal range and ability to hold an extended note, as well as some spot-on comedic timing during the comedic, “Popular.”
Ultimately, the story is about friendship and loyalty between the two leads, which rises above the well-crafted effects and numbers on a grandiose scale. It’s the hope that all the young girls in flowing princess dresses accompanied by their parents in the audience, will recognize and retain these lessons as they move into their teenage years, and beyond.
Eugene Lee’s set design, from its many geared backgrounds in the Wizard’s castle, to the deceptively simple schoolroom and dwellings settings, are all impressive, with the addition of a looming mechanical dragon positioned over the stage for it all. The production strongly succeeds in looking incredible and larger than life but acts as an enhancement to the story and songs, without being overpowering, or being over intrusive to take away attention from the core themes.
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There’s plenty of richness in the supporting cast as well- McGowan as The Wizard first appears as an aw-shucks grandfatherly character that soon darkens when his real intentions are unveiled and Cella‘s prudish Helen Mirren-like take on Madame Morrible, makes her both evil and somewhat likable at the same time. Kirschbaum’s Fiyero has his Prince Charming-like slickness and machismo, but he’s given ‘more than a pretty face’ depth as the story evolves and he proves himself vocally as well.
The tale also features some undertones of thematic social issues such as prejudice, scapegoating. and the manipulation of public opinion (all currently relevant) but wisely leaves them as story components to consider as part of the whole; rather than lecturing to the audience, or addressing them more directly, which could prove polarizing.
All comes to a revelatory apex towards the finale with songs, “No Good Deed”, “March of the Witch Hunters” and “For Good”, which wraps the story perfectly, musically rises to the occasion of the turn of events and conclusions, and sets the story properly in the already-legendary Oz mythos.
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Following the highly successful John Chu films starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, there’s a deserved renewal of interest in Wicked again, and this touring production honors that legacy and celebrates the modern stage classic it has come to be and is worth returning to- whether a longtime fan, introducing a new generation to the musical, or discovering it as performed live after seeing the film versions.
There’s no need for a re-invention here, this is a celebration of what made it great in the first place; and in particular, this production is so well-presented and executed, it’s a perfect time to be Wicked once again.
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WICKED SHOW TIMES
August 12-30 KANSAS CITY, MO- THE MUSIC HALL (Ticketmaster link here)
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Wednesday, August 12 7:30 PM Thursday, August 13 1:30 PM Thursday, August 13 7:30 PM Friday, August 14 7:30 PM Saturday, August 15 2:00 PM Saturday, August 15 7:30 PM Sunday, August 16 1:00 PM Sunday, August 16 6:30 PM Tuesday, August 18 7:30 PM Wednesday, August 19 7:30 PM Thursday, August 20 7:30 PM Friday, August 21 7:30 PM Saturday, August 22 2:00 PM Saturday, August 22 7:30 PM Sunday, August 23 1:00 PM Sunday, August 23 6:30 PM Tuesday, August 25 7:30 PM Wednesday, August 26 7:30 PM Thursday, August 27 7:30 PM Friday, August 28 7:30 PM Saturday, August 29 2:00 PM Saturday, August 29 7:30 PM Sunday, August 30 1:00 PM Sunday, August 30 6:30 PM |
TOUR DATES Aug 12-30 Kansas City, MO Music Hall |
National Tour Photo Credit: Joan Marcus
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National / International act coming through the Midwest / Kansas City area? Please email details to johnc@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time to be considered for Show Preview and Show Coverage consideration.
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