DISCOVER WICKED MUSICAL

Cast your mind back to 15 years ago and try to see if you can find out what was in the news. Well of all the things you will remember, chances are you might not recognize that the musical Wicked set foot into Broadway.

To mark 15 years of amazing performances, it is presenting a Halloween-themed NBC special featuring original casts like Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Ariana Grande and lots more.

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"It is quite unbelievable that 15 years have passed. if someone told me we started yesterday, I would believe them," says Chenoweth laughing. "All I wanted to do was to be in a show that would be popular in the future."

There is no denying that Wicked has become popular in that time. It is Broadway's sixth longest-running show with average ticket prices sometimes reaching $120. With tours all over the country (see Wicked musical tour dates), and across various countries in the world, there is so much the show has accomplished over the years. It even has its own special sandwich in its honor.

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"I had this feeling it would be something special, right from the very first day I auditioned," said Menzel.

Despite its acclaim, critics have had their say, with some saying its "lumbering and overstuffed," while some went as far as to call it "a show without an emotional center."

When it comes to Wicked, it is fans words against critics, and in this battle, the fans are winning. The show to its credit won three Tony Awards, a Grammy, and the everlasting love from fans.

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Part of what makes the musical great is the fact that it shows the journey of two young women from different societal spectrum building friendship despite their societal differences.

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"It speaks well of Wicked that 15 years later it still has such a following and popularity. What makes it even more wonderful is that the two-female characters go through a journey together, and end up building a strong friendship," says Menzel.

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"It really shows how Wicked is with the times, because it really makes a stand even now. It gave us a voice then, and I still give us a voice now. It something ladies all around the world can look up to for inspiration." Menzel continues.

"I love that Wicked has inspired girls from a different generation. It teaches them to have courage and to be strong. It really is a great show that has influenced lots of other musicals, and movies," Chenoweth says.

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Wicked NBC's special was filmed Oct. 16 at Marquis Theater rather than the ancestral home in Gershwin Theater. The special will feature Ledisi, Adam Lambert, and Penatonix.

Mezel owes a great depth of gratitude to Wicked, which came at an important time to help her ailing career.