Wicked
Hobby Center

What Is Wicked?

Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, loosely based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Set in the Land of Oz before and after Dorothy’s arrival from Kansas, the show explores the complex friendship between Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland — the future Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good — as they navigate love, loyalty, and the consequences of standing up against injustice. Produced by Marc Platt, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone, directed by Joe Mantello, with choreography by Wayne Cilento, the original production premiered on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre on October 30, 2003, following pre-Broadway tryouts in San Francisco. Its original stars included Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda.

The Houston Engagement: June 23–July 25, 2027

Wicked takes up a five-week residency at Sarofim Hall as part of the Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center 2026–27 season. The Houston engagement features an expansive schedule of 40 performances spread across five weeks. The general weekly schedule runs:

• Tuesday through Friday — Evening performances (typically 7:30 PM; Sunday evenings at 7:00 PM)
• Saturday — Matinee at 2:00 PM and evening at 7:30 PM
• Sunday — Matinee at 1:30 PM and evening at 7:00 PM
• Select weekdays also include 1:00 PM matinees — check the full schedule above for exact dates and times

Note: There are no performances on Monday or on Independence Day weekend (July 4–5). The production runs approximately two hours and forty-five minutes, including one intermission. With five weeks of shows and both matinee and evening options, this is one of the most generous Wicked tour engagements in the country this season — giving Houston fans plenty of flexibility to find the perfect performance.

About Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is located at 800 Bagby Street in downtown Houston’s Theater District. Sarofim Hall, the center’s main auditorium, seats approximately 2,650 patrons across Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony levels, making it one of the largest touring-Broadway houses in Texas. Designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern and opened in 2002, the venue is celebrated for its excellent acoustics, generous legroom, and sweeping sightlines. The Hobby Center is within walking distance of major downtown hotels, the Buffalo Bayou park trails, and the Houston Theater District parking garages. For venue-specific accessibility information and directions, visit thehobbycenter.org.

The Award-Winning Creative Team

The production’s creative pedigree is extraordinary. Stephen Schwartz — the three-time Grammy and three-time Academy Award–nominated composer behind Godspell, Pippin, and Disney’s Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame — wrote the music and lyrics, which range from the soaring anthem “Defying Gravity” to the show-stopping comedy of “Popular.” Winnie Holzman, the creator of My So-Called Life, crafted the book, weaving Maguire’s dense novel into a sharp, emotionally resonant theatrical narrative. Joe Mantello directs, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. The design team includes scenic design by Eugene Lee (Tony winner), costume design by Susan Hilferty (Tony winner), lighting design by Kenneth Posner, sound design by Tony Meola, projections by Elaine J. McCarthy, wig and hair design by Tom Watson, and music supervision and arrangements by Stephen Oremus, with orchestrations by William David Brohn. For the complete creative team, visit the official Wicked tour page.

A Record-Breaking Broadway Legacy

Since 2003, Wicked has achieved milestones no other musical can match:

• Three Tony Awards (2004) — Best Actress in a Musical (Idina Menzel), Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design (nominated for 10 total, including Best Musical)
• Seven Drama Desk Awards — including Outstanding Musical, Book, and Director
• Grammy Award — Best Musical Show Album (2005; double-platinum certified)
• Over $1 billion in total Broadway revenue — only the third show in history to reach this milestone, surpassing The Phantom of the Opera as Broadway’s second-highest-grossing musical
• First show to gross $5 million in a single week (December 2024)
• Over 100 cities in 16 countries since the first national tour launched in 2005
• Fourth longest-running show in Broadway history, surpassing Cats

The two-part film adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu — starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda — shattered box-office records of its own. The first film (November 2024) became the highest-grossing movie adapted from a Broadway musical, earning over $758 million worldwide and receiving ten Academy Award nominations, winning two (Best Production Design, Best Costume Design). The sequel, Wicked: For Good (November 2025), continued the phenomenon. For Houston audiences, the live touring production offers what no film can replicate: the visceral thrill of Elphaba lifting off the stage, the full orchestral power of Schwartz’s score, and the communal electricity of a packed house singing along to every note.

The Touring Cast

The current North American touring cast features Jessie Davidson as Elphaba and Zoe Jensen as Glinda, who joined the tour in May 2025. They are joined by Blake Hammond as The Wizard, Eileen T’Kaye as Madame Morrible, Ethan Kirschbaum as Fiyero, Drew McVety as Doctor Dillamond, Nicolas Garza as Boq, and Jada Temple as Nessarose. Touring cast is subject to change and the Houston engagement cast will be confirmed closer to June 2027. For the latest cast updates, check the official Wicked tour website.

How to Buy Wicked Hobby Center Tickets

1. Browse the schedule above — With 40 performances from June 23 through July 25, 2027, you have plenty of options across matinees and evening shows.
2. Compare listings from verified sellers — Our marketplace displays tickets from multiple sellers side-by-side so you can find the section, row, and price that works for you.
3. Look at the all-in price — Every listing on BigStub includes all fees upfront. The price you see is the price you pay. No surprise charges at checkout.
4. Complete your secure purchase — All orders are processed with full buyer protection and verified-seller authentication through our platform.
5. Arrive and enjoy — The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby Street in Houston’s Theater District. Arrive early to explore the venue, grab a pre-show drink, and settle into your seats before the house lights dim.

What to Expect at the Show

The touring production of Wicked delivers the full Broadway-scale experience. Eugene Lee’s massive set — anchored by the iconic mechanical dragon clock that looms over the proscenium — fills every inch of Sarofim Hall’s deep stage. The show features elaborate flying effects (yes, Elphaba really does defy gravity above the audience), pyrotechnics, fog, and a full-size orchestra performing Schwartz’s soaring score live. The production is recommended for ages 8 and up. It contains theatrical fog, strobe lighting, and loud sound effects. The runtime is approximately two hours and forty-five minutes with one intermission.

Quick Answers

When does Wicked play in Houston? — June 23 through July 25, 2027, with 40 performances at Sarofim Hall inside the Hobby Center.

How long is the show? — Approximately two hours and forty-five minutes, including one intermission.

Where is the Hobby Center? — 800 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002, in the heart of the downtown Theater District.

Are there hidden fees? — Not on this site. BigStub displays all-in pricing on every listing.

Wicked Hobby Center — Frequently Asked Questions

When does Wicked play at the Hobby Center in Houston?

Wicked plays at Sarofim Hall inside the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts from June 23 through July 25, 2027. The five-week engagement features 40 performances, including both matinee and evening shows. The general schedule runs Tuesday through Sunday each week, with no performances on Mondays or during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Where is Sarofim Hall located?

Sarofim Hall is the main auditorium inside the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, located at 800 Bagby Street in downtown Houston, Texas. The venue is in the heart of Houston's Theater District, within walking distance of major downtown hotels and the Buffalo Bayou park trails. Parking is available in nearby Theater District garages.

How long is the Wicked touring production?

The touring production of Wicked runs approximately two hours and forty-five minutes, including one intermission. The show begins promptly at the listed curtain time, and latecomers are seated at the discretion of house management.

What is the story of Wicked?

Wicked tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, set long before Dorothy arrives. At Shiz University, the brilliant but misunderstood Elphaba, who was born with emerald-green skin, forms an unlikely friendship with the popular and bubbly Glinda. Their bond is tested by love, ambition, and the corrupt Wizard of Oz, ultimately leading one to be called good and the other wicked. Based on Gregory Maguire's novel, the show challenges audiences to reconsider what it truly means to be good or evil.

Who wrote the music for Wicked?

The music and lyrics were written by Stephen Schwartz, the three-time Grammy-nominated and Academy Award-nominated composer also known for Godspell, Pippin, and several Disney animated films. The book was written by Winnie Holzman. The show features beloved songs including Defying Gravity, Popular, For Good, and The Wizard and I.

How many awards has Wicked won?

The original Broadway production of Wicked won three Tony Awards in 2004, including Best Actress in a Musical for Idina Menzel, Best Scenic Design, and Best Costume Design. It also won seven Drama Desk Awards and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. Across all of its worldwide productions, Wicked has earned over a hundred major theater awards and nominations.

Is Wicked related to the Wicked movies?

Yes. The two-part Wicked film, released in November 2024 and November 2025, is a direct adaptation of this stage musical. The films star Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda and were directed by Jon M. Chu. The first film became the highest-grossing movie adapted from a Broadway musical, earning over 758 million dollars worldwide. Seeing the live touring production gives you the chance to experience the original source material that inspired the blockbuster films.

Who is in the current touring cast?

As of the 2025-2026 touring season, principal roles are played by Jessie Davidson as Elphaba, Zoe Jensen as Glinda, Blake Hammond as The Wizard, Eileen T'Kaye as Madame Morrible, Ethan Kirschbaum as Fiyero, Drew McVety as Doctor Dillamond, Nicolas Garza as Boq, and Jada Temple as Nessarose. Casting for the Houston engagement in summer 2027 has not yet been finalized and is subject to change.

Is Wicked appropriate for children?

Wicked is recommended for ages eight and older. The production features theatrical fog, strobe lighting, pyrotechnics, and loud sound effects that may be intense for very young children. There is no official minimum age, but young children must be able to sit quietly through the full two-hour-and-forty-five-minute runtime. The story deals with themes of friendship, identity, and standing up for what is right, making it a meaningful experience for families with older children and teenagers.

Are there hidden fees when buying tickets on this site?

No. BigStub displays all-in pricing that includes all fees upfront. The price shown on each listing is the total amount you will pay. There are no surprise service charges, delivery fees, or other hidden costs added during checkout. All transactions are processed securely with full buyer protection.

Is this the official Wicked website?

No. This website is operated by an independent ticket resale marketplace and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Wicked, its producers, or the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. We connect fans with verified third-party sellers offering authentic tickets at competitive, market-driven prices. For official production information, visit the official Wicked tour website at tour.wickedthemusical.com.

How many seats does Sarofim Hall have?

Sarofim Hall seats approximately 2,650 patrons across three levels: Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony. The venue is known for its excellent acoustics and comfortable sightlines. It is the primary touring-Broadway venue in Houston and has hosted multiple previous engagements of Wicked, most recently in 2023.

Can I dress up in costume for the show?

Yes. Many Wicked fans attend in Oz-inspired attire, from pointy hats and green face paint to full Glinda gowns and Elphaba capes. There is no formal dress code at the Hobby Center, but be mindful that tall hats or headpieces may obstruct the view of patrons behind you. The theater is air-conditioned, so dress comfortably for a cool indoor environment during the Houston summer.

What other shows are in the Broadway at the Hobby Center 2026-27 season?

Wicked is one of the marquee offerings in a packed 2026-27 season at the Hobby Center. Other shows include The Sound of Music (September-October 2026), Beetlejuice (November 2026), Buena Vista Social Club (November 2026), The Notebook (January 2027), Hell's Kitchen (February 2027), BOOP! The Musical (March 2027), Death Becomes Her (April 2027), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (May 2027), and Jersey Boys (August 2027). Season subscriptions are available through houston.broadway.com.

Has Wicked played in Houston before?

Yes. Wicked has visited the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts multiple times, including extended engagements in 2016 and most recently from May 31 through July 2, 2023. Houston has consistently been one of the strongest touring markets for the show, and the 2027 engagement is one of the longest tour stops announced for the production, reflecting the city's enormous appetite for the musical.