How did Wicked become such a popular Broadway play?

[DodgerGirl]

Ever since it opened on Broadway in the 2000's I never imagined how Wicked would develop a fanbase and become so popular. Is it because Wicked is a unique Broadway play or is it because it has a different type of The Wizard Of Oz story to it? Because I have seen Wicked on clothing merchandise and other things and the songs Defying Gravity and Popular have become popular songs. I didn't even know what Wicked was until my aunt watched the play on Youtube and she liked it. But I think the movie version has made Wicked even popular and I think it will break a world record for being the longest Broadway play ever second to Cats. But I think the movie version of Wicked will gain the Broadway play of Wicked an even bigger fanbase and more people will watch it

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Honestly, I think all of the most successful musicals find that success in the music itself. There are all kinds of great shows, but it takes songs that are wildly popular (no pun intended) with the people to make it a true hit with staying power. There are all kinds of music scholars out there who study the fundamentals of what goes into making a hit for the various music genres, but whatever it is, Wicked's music has that "it-factor." Yes, it helps that the story is derived from something as popular as the Wizard of Oz, but you noted Cats, which was taken from T.S. Eliot's writings on cats. The storyline for that one, in my opinion, is not nearly as strong but the amazing music, costumes, and dancing made it a tremendous long-running hit. All of the great musicals running through my mind right now have that same appeal angle... i.e. songs that hit well with audiences kept it alive and thriving. So, I think the success relies heavily on the original music.