the mommy avenger

You could feel the buzz before the curtain even rose. Utahns were ready for this. After the massive success of the Wicked movie release this past holiday season, it felt like fate that the touring production would make its way back to Salt Lake City — and judging from the crowd inside the Eccles Theater, we weren’t the only ones who thought so.

From glammed-up date nights to little girls in sparkly dresses clutching their Playbills like precious cargo, it was clear this wasn’t just another night at the theater. This was Wicked, and Salt Lake showed up.

Let’s talk about what made it worth the hype (and yes, maybe even worth a babysitter and a midweek bedtime shuffle).

Wicked has been running strong since 2003, but if you’ve never seen it — or just need a refresher — here’s the short version: It’s the backstory of The Wizard of Oz, but told from the perspective of the “Wicked” Witch of the West. Only, she’s not actually wicked. She’s misunderstood, brilliant, green-skinned Elphaba, who’s constantly clashing with the bubbly and blonde Glinda (with a Guh).

The show follows their unlikely friendship through magic school, politics, betrayal, and the twisty truths behind what really happened in Oz. What makes Wicked stand out is its ability to balance humor, spectacle, and heartbreak while flipping the original Oz narrative on its head. It’s smart, it’s emotional, and it makes you look at familiar characters (like the Wizard himself) in a whole new way.

There’s a reason audiences keep coming back, and why Wicked has become a theater rite of passage for so many.

Okay, let’s get real. The vocals during the first few numbers were a little shaky — not bad, just noticeably cautious. Maybe it was jitters, maybe it was just warming up. But once the cast hit their stride, they rose to the moment. By the time “Defying Gravity” rolled around, chills were running down spines all over the theater. Mine included.

Lauren Samuels as Elphaba was a powerhouse. Her performance had nuance, grit, and a voice that could slice through a storm. “The Wizard and I” was solid, but “No Good Deed” and “Defying Gravity” were showstoppers in the truest sense. That final note in “Defying Gravity”? You could feel the whole audience holding their breath.

Austen Danielle Bohmer brought a fresh, lovable charm to Glinda. Her comedic timing was sharp (her “Popular” was hilarious and heartfelt), and as the night went on, her vocals really came into their own. By Act II, her emotional range hit just as hard as the jokes. “For Good” — the emotional finale duet — landed with that gut-punch warmth that had a good chunk of the audience wiping away tears.

Their chemistry made the show. You felt their friendship evolve — from frenemies to soul sisters — and it gave the entire production its emotional center.

There’s something about Wicked that hits especially hard right now. Maybe it’s the themes of friendship, truth, and standing up for what’s right. Or maybe it’s just the fact that the movie reminded everyone why they fell in love with the story in the first place — and now they want more.

Whatever the reason, Salt Lake is clearly here for it. You could feel the energy shift as people walked out of the theater, buzzing about their favorite moments, humming “Popular” under their breath, and already planning who they were going to bring back with them next time.

This show feels like a moment. And if you’ve been thinking about going — take this as your sign.

Wicked is playing a limited engagement at the Eccles Theater now through May 25, 2025, and tickets are going fast. Weekends are booking up quickly, so don’t wait until the last minute.

Tickets can be purchased directly through the official site and there are a range of price points depending on where you want to sit. If you’ve got teens or theater-loving tweens, this is a fantastic introduction to Broadway-quality performances without leaving the state.

And yes, it’s family-friendly. There are a few intense moments, but the messaging is strong, and it opens up a lot of great conversations afterward (especially if your kiddo is Team Glinda vs. Team Elphaba).

If you’ve never seen Wicked, this is the time. If you’ve seen it before? It’s still worth it. With a fresh cast, renewed energy, and all the Oz nostalgia you didn’t know you needed, this tour reminds us why Wicked has stayed at the top of America’s theater bucket list for two decades.

Don’t miss out on this one, Salt Lake!

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}