Wicked at Benedum Center Pittsburgh

Stephen Schartz’s brilliance and aptitude breach generation gaps, from beloved Disney films to unadulterated Broadway magic. The hit-making virtuoso who brought Godspell and Pippin to the world has now breathed life into audience-favorite Wicked, which comes to Benedum Center for the winter playbill. 

Wicked smartly weaves political themes, distinctive heroes, and improbable love within a number of catchy showtunes, including Defying Gravity, which continues to ignite and inspire audiences on Broadway and beyond.

The story

The plot follows Elphaba, the illegitimate daughter of the wife of Munchkinland’s governor. Despite her family and identity issues, Elphaba makes it into the highly regarded Shiz University, where she bunks with social butterfly Galinda. The two polar opposites hardly get along at first but soon befriend. 

After a while, things take a turn for the worse when Elphaba notices nefarious acts against the Animals, a sentient race often targeted by oppressive forces. Galinda and Elphaba go to the Wizard for help, but the Wizard disappointingly offers little assistance. A unsatisfied Elphaba leaves the Emerald City to fight for the Animals, leaving Galinda and her studies at Shiz University behind. 

Meanwhile, Galinda(Glinda) climbs the social ladder, marries Fiyero, the Captain of the Guard, and pursues an socialite lifestyle. Elphaba unwittingly wins Fiyero’s eye as he falls in love with her and her values. Will the couple’s love flourish unburdened, or will Elphaba’s agenda push Fiyero away, disconnect her from friends, and destroy her?

Production

Wicked opened its first live performance 20 years ago at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre. As its influence spread, it made its way into new locations year after year, receiving international acclaim across multiple countries and continents. Its capacity to draw audiences also prompted Hollywood to make a movie based on the Broadway show, that released November 2024.

Wicked earned numerous awards during its prime in the 2000s, including 2 Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Lyrics, three Tony awards, and a Grammy award for Best Musical Theater Album. The cast and crew performing at Benedum Center on Sunday 18th January 2026 promise to deliver a fantastic performance. 

Benedum Center

Benedum Center offers the ideal stage to watch this unforgettable musical. You’ll enjoy more than a basic fairytale about magic, witches, and flying monkeys in this critically acclaimed Broadway show. Benedum Center and its exceptional staff immerse you in an ambiance that bridges characters, settings, and themes you’ll love and hate. Tickets for Wicked start at $438, so reserve your seats, take flight, and experience the magic of Oz!