Wicked

Wicked is the show that made everyone reconsider everything they thought they knew about the Wizard of Oz. Before Dorothy ever showed up, there were two young women at Shiz University - one green-skinned and misunderstood, the other blonde and popular - and their friendship is the real story of Oz. If you think you know who the villain is, think again.

The music is phenomenal. "Defying Gravity" at the end of Act One is one of the most unforgettable moments in musical theater - when Elphaba rises above the stage, cape billowing, belting that final note, the entire audience holds their breath. It's the kind of theatrical moment that makes you understand why people love live performance. "For Good" will make you cry. "Popular" will make you laugh. "No Good Deed" will give you chills.

Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth originated the roles, and the DNA of those performances is still in the show. Every actress who plays Elphaba brings her own voice to "Defying Gravity," and it's fascinating to see how different performers interpret the role. The touring productions are consistently excellent - the cast, the set, the flying, the dragon - it's all there.

Speaking of the set: the mechanical dragon above the stage moves. The clock of the time dragon ticks. The Emerald City glows green. The production design is elaborate without being overwhelming, and every detail serves the story. After twenty years, the show still looks fresh.

The recent movie brought a whole new audience to Wicked, and ticket demand has surged. If you want to see why this show has been a Broadway staple for over two decades, check Evil Tickets for Wicked performances near you. You'll be humming "Defying Gravity" for weeks.