A full orchestra will accompany the film during its global run. Wicked: Part One is being shown in concert halls worldwide, with the picture displayed on a large screen as a symphony plays Stephen Schwartz and John Powell’s score live, synchronized to the action.
The First Shows
A preview opens the live-to-film series in San Francisco on Jan. 16, 2027, ahead of its first full showing. That world premiere takes place at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on Jan. 23.
The tour stops include Chicago, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, with more cities yet to be revealed.
A Soundtrack That Already Made History
The music from the film has already proven itself a blockbuster, arriving before the concert experience. Wicked: The Soundtrack, credited to Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and various other artists, opened at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in December 2024, becoming the highest-debuting soundtrack ever from a big-screen adaptation of a stage musical.
The pieces from “Popular” through “Defying Gravity” will be given a brand-new arrangement.
Who’s Putting It On
Universal Film, Universal Destinations & Experiences and Hurwitz Concerts came together to produce these shows. The company belongs to Justin Hurwitz, an Oscar-winning composer, who has already put two films on concert stages with live orchestras behind them: La La Land and Whiplash.
“I absolutely love the live-to-film format and think the Wicked films are so perfect for it,” Hurwitz said in a statement shared with Billboard.
“It’s an honor for me to help bring Stephen Schwartz’s masterpiece musical and John Powell and Schwartz’s brilliant, cinematic score to concert venues around the world.”
Schwartz’s Take
The format gives fans a fresh route to engage with music they have already grown fond of through both screen and record, according to Schwartz.
The person spoke through a statement, saying “When I’ve seen live concerts of film scores, I’ve always found it an amazing experience, so I’m delighted that the Wicked movies are now becoming film concerts,”.
The Dates So Far
San Francisco (preview concert) — Jan. 16, 2027
New York (world premiere) — Jan. 23, 2027
Chicago — Jan. 30, 2027
Mexico City — March 6, 2027
Guadalajara — April 17, 2027
Monterrey — April 24, 2027
Toronto — May 29, 2027
Montreal — July 17, 2027
Vancouver — July 24, 2027
The live performances keep the score alive for audiences who want to hear it performed again. They also ensure that Wicked remains popular well after its theatrical release has ended.
Source: billboard.com
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