Broadway magic is back in Kansas City as WICKED returns to Music Hall for a three-week engagement Aug. 12–30, 2026.
This marks the show’s sixth engagement at Music Hall, following previous Kansas City runs in 2008, 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2022. WICKED is currently in its 23rd year on Broadway, has been seen by more than 72 million people worldwide, and has won more than 100 international awards, including a Grammy Award and three Tony Awards.
When & Where
WICKED
📍 Music Hall, Kansas City
📅 Aug. 12–30, 2026
🎭 24 performances
Performances are scheduled Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. There is also a special 1:30 p.m. matinee on Thursday, Aug. 13.
For families, the weekend matinees can be a great option if you’d rather avoid a late night with younger theatergoers.
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What's It About?
WICKED takes audiences back to the Land of Oz — but tells the story from a very different point of view.
Long before Dorothy arrives, a smart, fiery young woman born with emerald-green skin meets a bubbly blonde who seems to have everything going for her. Their initial rivalry grows into an unlikely friendship, until the world ultimately decides to call one of them “good” and the other “wicked.”
The show features some of Broadway’s most recognizable songs, including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good.”
Before opening night, we also had the opportunity to step inside Music Hall during WICKED’s load-in and get a peek at what happens before the curtain ever rises.
Company Manager Steve Quinn, who has been with the show since its first Kansas City engagement in 2008, walked media through the process as crews worked onstage preparing the massive production for opening night.
Seeing the amount of equipment, scenery, technical elements and moving parts involved gives you an entirely new appreciation for the magic happening onstage.
Why Families Are Loving It
WICKED is one of those productions that can make a Broadway night feel like a true family event.
Kids who love music, theater and dance will have plenty to take in, from the elaborate costumes and enormous sets to the unforgettable musical numbers. Families familiar with the WICKED story may especially enjoy seeing Oz come to life onstage rather than on a screen.
A few tips for families heading to the show:
Make it an Oz-themed night. Green, pink and sparkles are practically encouraged when Elphaba and Glinda are involved.
Listen to a few songs beforehand. Knowing “Popular,” “For Good” or “Defying Gravity” can make hearing them performed live even more exciting for younger theatergoers.
Give kids a little story background. Let them know this is the story of Glinda and the Wicked Witch before Dorothy arrives in Oz. It can make the plot easier to follow.
Choose a matinee for younger kids. With multiple Saturday and Sunday afternoon performances, families have several options that won’t stretch too far past bedtime.
Arrive early. Give yourself time for downtown parking, getting inside Music Hall, finding your seats and taking in the atmosphere before the show starts.
And don’t underestimate the fun of simply dressing up and turning the evening into something special. Broadway doesn’t have to be a grown-ups-only experience.
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Get Your Tickets
Tickets for WICKED are available through BroadwayInKC.com
Broadway in Kansas City advises purchasing through official ticket outlets, as tickets purchased through other sources may not be guaranteed.
With 24 performances scheduled during the Kansas City engagement, families have plenty of chances to find a date that works — but for a show this popular, you may not want to wait too long.
That’s a wrap on this Showtime KC! spotlight!
We’ve shared:
🎭 What the show’s about
🎟️ How to get tickets
👨👩👧👦 Who it’s perfect for
Whether you're planning a family day out or a special night on the town, we’ll keep bringing you the best of KC theater, one show at a time.
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