"Wicked" celebrates 15 years on Broadway

Fifteen years ago, the musical "Wicked" shook off some tepid reviews to roar into Broadway history. On Monday (29 OCT. 2018) it's celebrating its coming-of-age with a Halloween-themed NBC special starring its original stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, as well as Ariana Grande.

Actresses Lucy Scherer as Glinda, left, and Willemijn Verbaik as Elphaba, right, perform during a photo call of the musical "Wicked-the untold story of the Wicked witches of Oz" in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany, Monday, Nov. 12, 2007. The musical celebrates its German premiere on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. [Photo: AP]

Chenoweth, a Tony- and Emmy Award-winner who would go on to have parts on "The West Wing," "Glee" and NBC's "Hairspray Live!," remembers first getting a taste of "Wicked."

"First of all, I can't believe it's been 15 years. I think it was yesterday. I just wanted to be in a show that someone would have heard of. I just remember thinking: 'This is so big. I feel this could be big. Like, I think this could be 'Cats'."

Actresses Lucy Scherer as Glinda, right, and Willemijn Verbaik as Elphaba, left, perform during a photo call of the musical "Wicked-the untold story of the Wicked witches of Oz" in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany, Monday, Nov. 12, 2007. The musical celebrates its German premiere on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. [Photo: AP]

Although critics were not always kind, fans politely disagreed. The show went on to win a Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, opening in 16 countries.

Actress Idina Menzel accepts the Tony award for Best Actress in a Musical for "Wicked" during the 58th Annual Tony Awards Sunday, June 6, 2004, at New York's Radio City Music Hall. [Photo: AP]

"Wicked" is Broadway's sixth longest running show and is regularly sold out. There is currently a North American tour, a West End production and another touring the United Kingdom. The ice cream company Ben & Jerry's has launched a special sandwich in its honor.