Wicked
Ohio
Wicked lands in Ohio in…
Wicked Comes to Ohio This Winter
Broadway's beloved phenomenon is heading to the Buckeye State. Wicked — the record-breaking musical that reimagines the story of the Witches of Oz — will play a four-week engagement at the KeyBank State Theatre in Cleveland from December 9, 2026 through January 3, 2027. For Ohio theater fans from Akron and Canton to Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Youngstown, this is the closest and most accessible chance to see one of the biggest musicals in history without traveling to New York or Chicago. With 32 performances packed into the holiday season, including matinees and evening shows throughout the run, there is a showtime for everyone.
Based on Gregory Maguire's bestselling novel, Wicked tells the story long before Dorothy ever dropped in — the remarkable tale of how a green-skinned outcast named Elphaba and a bubbly socialite named Glinda forged an unlikely bond at Shiz University before their paths diverged, one becoming the Wicked Witch of the West and the other Glinda the Good. Stephen Schwartz's unforgettable score delivers anthem after anthem — "Defying Gravity" is one of the most iconic moments in musical theater history, and songs like "Popular," "For Good," "The Wizard and I," and "What Is This Feeling?" have embedded themselves in the cultural consciousness. Since its 2003 premiere, the show has been seen by over 65 million people worldwide, and the blockbuster 2024 film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande has ignited a whole new wave of excitement around the material.
WickedOhio.com, powered by BigStub, puts tickets for every Cleveland performance right at your fingertips. The KeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse Square is one of the most beautiful venues in the Midwest, and a production this grand — with its towering sets, elaborate costumes, and show-stopping special effects — deserves a room this magnificent. Browse the full schedule of dates above, find the performance that works best, and secure your seats. Ohio only gets Wicked once every few years, so do not let this one pass you by.
Wicked at Playhouse Square: Broadway's Biggest Musical Lands in Cleveland
Wicked has been one of the most successful musicals in Broadway history since its 2003 premiere, and its popularity has reached new heights following the record-breaking 2024 film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Now, the national touring production brings the full Broadway experience to Cleveland's Playhouse Square for a four-week holiday engagement at the KeyBank State Theatre from December 9, 2026 through January 3, 2027. With 56 scheduled performances — including evening shows and matinees during the peak holiday season — this is Ohio's premier opportunity to see Wicked live on stage.
The KeyBank State Theatre is the crown jewel of Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center in the United States outside of New York City. Designed by Thomas W. Lamb in 1921 in the Italian Renaissance style, the 3,200-seat theater was beautifully restored in the 1980s and today ranks among the most impressive touring venues in the country. Its soaring ceilings, ornate detailing, and expansive stage provide the perfect canvas for Wicked's spectacular scenic design — from the towering Emerald City to the Wizard's mechanical throne room to the gravity-defying finale that sends Elphaba soaring above the audience.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman based on Gregory Maguire's novel, Wicked tells the story before "The Wizard of Oz" — exploring the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, a brilliant green-skinned misfit, and Glinda, a charming socialite. Their bond is tested by rivalry, romance, and the rise of a corrupt Wizard, ultimately setting them on the paths that will define them as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. The production features Joe Mantello's direction, Susan Hilferty's Tony Award-winning costume design, Eugene Lee's immersive scenic design, and Kenneth Posner's atmospheric lighting.
The December-January timing of the Cleveland engagement makes Wicked an ideal holiday outing for families and theater lovers across Ohio. Playhouse Square is located in the heart of Downtown Cleveland on Euclid Avenue, surrounded by restaurants, hotels, and the city's vibrant theater district. For fans traveling from Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron, Canton, Toledo, Youngstown, or anywhere in between, the Cleveland engagement offers the most accessible chance to see one of Broadway's all-time greats without leaving the state.
With the 2024 film introducing Wicked to millions of new fans worldwide and a second film installment on the horizon, demand for the touring production has never been higher. The 56-performance Cleveland run offers more showtimes than most tour stops, but given the combination of holiday timing and post-movie enthusiasm, tickets are expected to move quickly.
How to Buy Wicked Ohio Tickets
Where can I buy Wicked tickets in Cleveland?
Official tickets are available through Playhouse Square and Ticketmaster. For verified resale seats — especially for sold-out holiday performances — BigStub offers tickets for every date with a buyer guarantee, no hidden fees, and over 20 years of trusted service.
When is Wicked in Cleveland?
Wicked plays 56 performances at the KeyBank State Theatre from December 9, 2026 through January 3, 2027. The schedule includes evening shows and matinees, with performances nearly every day during the holiday season. Check the listings below for specific dates and times.
Where is the KeyBank State Theatre?
The KeyBank State Theatre is part of Playhouse Square, located at 1519 Euclid Avenue in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts center outside New York City and is easily accessible from I-90 and I-77, with multiple parking options nearby.
Is Wicked a good holiday show for families?
Absolutely. Wicked is generally recommended for ages 8 and up and makes for a wonderful holiday outing. The December-January schedule includes matinees that are perfect for families with children, and the show's themes of friendship, courage, and standing up for what is right resonate with audiences of all ages.
How long is Wicked?
Wicked runs approximately two hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission. The first act concludes with the iconic "Defying Gravity" number.
Is parking available near Playhouse Square?
Yes. Playhouse Square operates several parking garages adjacent to the theater complex, and additional lots are available in the surrounding blocks. The venue is also accessible by RTA public transit (the Euclid Avenue HealthLine) and rideshare services. Pre-purchasing parking through the Playhouse Square website is recommended for popular performances.
Wicked Ohio — Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wicked about?
Wicked tells the untold story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy arrives. It follows Elphaba, a green-skinned misfit who becomes the so-called Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the popular girl who becomes Glinda the Good. Their unlikely friendship is tested by a corrupt Wizard, forbidden romance, and the consequences of standing up for what's right.
When does Wicked play in Cleveland?
Wicked runs December 9, 2026 through January 3, 2027 at the KeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse Square in Downtown Cleveland, with 56 scheduled performances.
What is Playhouse Square?
Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts center in the United States outside of New York City. Located on Euclid Avenue in Downtown Cleveland, it includes multiple historic theaters and hosts touring Broadway productions, concerts, and other live entertainment events throughout the year.
What is the KeyBank State Theatre like?
The KeyBank State Theatre is a 3,200-seat venue designed by Thomas W. Lamb in 1921 in the Italian Renaissance style. Beautifully restored in the 1980s, it features ornate detailing, soaring ceilings, and a large stage that accommodates the biggest touring Broadway productions. It is the primary venue for the Broadway in Cleveland series at Playhouse Square.
What are the most famous songs in Wicked?
Wicked features Stephen Schwartz's beloved score including 'Defying Gravity,' 'Popular,' 'For Good,' 'The Wizard and I,' 'What Is This Feeling?,' 'Dancing Through Life,' and 'No Good Deed.' The songs have become Broadway standards performed and covered worldwide.
Is Wicked appropriate for children?
Wicked is recommended for ages 8 and up. The show contains some dramatic moments and themes of prejudice and political manipulation, but there is no explicit content. Most children enjoy the humor, flying effects, and the story's messages about friendship and individuality.
How is the touring Wicked different from the movie?
The touring production is the original Broadway musical that inspired the 2024 film. While the movie follows the same story, the live stage experience includes practical flying effects, physical set transformations, a live orchestra, and the unique energy of a live theatrical performance. Many fans who loved the film find the stage version even more thrilling.
How do I get to Playhouse Square from outside Cleveland?
Playhouse Square is located at 1519 Euclid Avenue in Downtown Cleveland, easily accessible from I-90 and I-77. From Columbus, it's approximately a two-hour drive north on I-71. From Akron or Canton, it's about 45 minutes to an hour. From Cincinnati, plan for roughly four hours via I-71 North.
Are there restaurants near Playhouse Square?
Downtown Cleveland offers numerous dining options within walking distance of Playhouse Square. The surrounding theater district on Euclid Avenue features several restaurants and bars, and East 4th Street — a popular dining destination — is just a few blocks away.
Can I buy tickets for specific dates or only the full run?
You can purchase tickets for individual performances. Both official tickets through Playhouse Square and resale tickets on BigStub are available for specific dates and showtimes. With 56 performances over the holiday season, you have plenty of options to find a date that works for your schedule.
Is BigStub a reliable ticket source?
Yes. BigStub has over 20 years in the resale industry, the highest Trustpilot rating among ticket platforms, verified sellers, a buyer guarantee on every purchase, and dedicated customer support.