Sydney was first stop on the global Wicked premiere tour: Journey Through Oz – a series of themed premieres across five international cities creating unique experiences from the wondrous world of Oz.
Emmy, Grammy and Tony winner and Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Grammy-winning multi-platinum global superstar Ariana Grande (Glinda) arrived at the iconic State Theatre in Sydney, Australia (also known as Oz!) for the star-studded world premiere.
Erivo and Grande were joined by their co-stars Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Marissa Bode and Ethan Slater as the entire city block surrounding the theatre was transformed into Munchkinland complete with a life-sized yellow brick road.
Joining the celebration was the who’s who of Australia’s entertainment industry and we were ticked pink (and green!) with excitement to receive an invitation. Literally the hottest ticket in town, if not the world.
Walking down the ornate yellow brick road, surrounded by thousands of screaming fans behind barricades and the world’s news cameras everywhere was ridiculously exciting. As thrilling as it was to see the cast up close, we were equally as eager to see the film – something we’ve been dreaming of for years.
To be the first in the world to see it, and to sit in the theatre watching alongside the cast was beyond our wildest dreams.
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, millions of fans have long-awaited this big screen adaptation. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theatres November 21, 2025.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, introduces Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths.
Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
After Australia – the land of Oz experienced the magic of Wicked, the three continent global extravaganza continued with the Los Angeles premiere, reimagined as the ornate Shiz University, then Mexico City, unveiling the Enchanted Forest, a special screening at the renowned Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City recreated as Ozdust Ballroom, and finally, the London premiere with the shimmering Emerald City showcased in all its glory.
2024 will forever be remembered as the year Wicked took over the world!
The yellow brick road installation, the morning of the event!
