‘Wicked’ Proves Quite ‘Popular’ at the Box Office

It’s a “Wicked” winter already, and don’t expect it to be over any time soon. The highly anticipated silver screen version of the original play, with score by Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama(opens in new window) alumnus Stephen Schwartz, has already grossed $635 million worldwide. 

The musical version of Gregory Maguire’s original 1995 dark novel, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” was adapted for Broadway by Winnie Holzman. With Schwartz at the helm of the music and a stellar cast (featuring Joel Grey, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenowith), the show opened on Oct. 8, 2003, in previews; it officially opened Oct. 30. More than 21 years later, it’s still going strong and has been adapted to Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, Korean and Portuguese. 

With the most (10) nominations at the June 2004 Tony Awards, “Wicked” won three. CMU School of Drama alumnus Eugene Lee was awarded Best Scenic Designer.

Through the years, on Broadway and in touring companies, several of Schwartz’s fellow Carnegie Mellon School of Drama alumni have played key roles on the stage and behind the scenes in the production. 

At times, alumni crossed paths when performing in the production. Emily Koch and Amanda Jane Cooper, who attended CMU’s School of Drama at the same time, played Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, on tour together. 

Cooper remembers singing “Popular” during her sophomore year when Schwartz was the visiting composer for the annual Cabaret. He pulled her aside and told her that, one day, she would make a terrific Glinda. Ultimately, his premonition rang true, and she held the role on Broadway and on the national tour.

Koch recalled in The Gaston Gazette(opens in new window) that being in the play was one of the highlights of her career, thus far.

“I always tell people that it’s just as amazing and fun as you would think it would be,” Koch said. “I grew up loving ‘Wicked.’ (It) came out when I was in the seventh grade. It’s truly a dream come true.”

School of Drama Professor of Dance Tomé Cousin(opens in new window) saw the “Wicked” film on Nov. 30. A friend of Schwartz and Tazewell, Cousin effusively reviewed the movie.

“Loved, loved it from the first musical note and inviting visuals until the devastatingly gorgeous climatic closing scenes, seen through my emotional tears of appreciation,” he said. “For me, (this was) a massive undertaking and accomplishment in every department. Casting, direction, adapted screenplay, scenic design, cinematography, brilliant choreography, costume design, editing, adapted score … Stephen Schwartz, my friend, I am so thrilled for you!”