Long before the Broadway hit ‘Wicked’ came to Milwaukee, Wisconsinites were some of the first to experience the film that inspired the musical  

OCNOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) – The Wicked National Tour 2025 is flying into the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee.

Company Manager of “Wicked” Steve Quinn says the show explains what happened before Dororthy came into the Land of Oz in the film The Wizard of Oz.

“We explore how the Wicked Witch became wicked and how Glinda became Glinda the Good,” Quinn said. “Is she really wicked? Is she really good?” 

On Tuesday, July 29, the crew behind the musical moved the pieces of the set. The foundation for the show had already been set in Wisconsin. 

The Wizard of Oz had a ‘world premier showing’ in the Strand Theater in downtown Oconomowoc in 1939 where the film was shown on smaller screens 

Today, the City of Oconomowoc has statues featuring characters from the movie and highlights an actor and a composer with Wisconsin ties. Every five years, a large festival celebrates the film. 

“A lot of people have embraced the phrase, ‘There’s no place like Oconomowoc,'" said Justin Agar-Pratt, the director of the Oconomowoc Area Historical Society and Museum. “That’s where the big recognition and love for this film comes from. The community is really latching onto that history and keeping it alive.”  

Staff members at the Marcus Performing Arts Center say themes from both stories will stick with audience members. 

"At the Marcus Performing Arts Center, we often describe ourselves as the gathering place for all,” said Lory Bowman at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. “When you have a show like Wicked, this just breaks down barriers. A lot of people are familiar and want to see the show and want to have this experience." 

“Wicked” will play from Wednesday, July 30, to Sunday, August 17, at the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s Uihlein Hall.

You can get tickets here.