Creative magic of 'Wicked The Musical' to take centrestage in Dubai

Wicked The Musical arrives in Dubai for the first time, from January 28 to February 15, with a production that reimagines the magic of Oz for the stage, blending cinematic inspiration with live theatrical artistry.

Brought by Broadway Entertainment Group and Dubai Opera, this staging showcases how the creative team uses innovative techniques to transform the story’s visual.

The Dubai production will feature 350 hand-crafted costumes, each designed to capture the vibrancy and detail of the world of Oz. Costume artisans, milliners and shoemakers collaborate to create a visual language that supports character development and storytelling, using a wide range of materials and textures. Every element, from 166 pairs of custom shoes to 100 unique hats, is engineered for both durability and dramatic effect, ensuring the magic is sustained throughout each live performance.

Elphaba’s iconic green look is achieved through a meticulous make-up process, blending layers of pigment and subtle prosthetics to create a consistent, cinematic effect under stage lighting. Taking two hours to complete the process, the make-up team applies advanced techniques to ensure the character’s transformation is seamless and visually striking for every show.

Signature scenes, such as Elphaba’s flight during Defying Gravity, are brought to life through a combination of advanced aerial rigging, synchronised lighting, and precise stage management.

For the first time in Dubai, audiences will experience the witch soaring above them, creating an immersive moment that feels as magical as any cinematic sequence. This effect is achieved through innovative equipment and real-time coordination between the rigging crew, lighting technicians, and stage team. Every cue is timed to perfection, ensuring the illusion of height and movement is seamless and safe, while delivering a breathtaking spectacle live before the audience.

The production is led by a creative team with international experience across theatre, live entertainment and screen projects. The team’s work focuses on maintaining the artistic integrity of the show while adapting it to each venue and audience. Every aspect of the staging is shaped by collaborative effort between designers, musicians, technical specialists and performers. Their combined work brings the story of Wicked to life for audiences in Dubai.