One of the world’s most popular musicals, WICKED, is now running at
Dubai Opera from 28 January 2026 to 15 February 2026
Dubai, United Arab Emirates,January 2026: Wicked the Musical opened at Dubai Opera, bringing one of the world’s most successful stage productions to Dubai for the very first time. Brought to audiences by Broadway Entertainment Group and Dubai Opera, the production will run from 28 January to 15 February 2026.
A true global phenomenon, WICKED is one of the most popular musicals in the world, with multiple productions captivating more than 65 million audience members across 130+ cities in 16 countries. This awe-inspiring new production reveals the untold story of the witches of Oz as never before—with over 100 performers, crew, and orchestra members. Enjoy breathtaking sets, over 350 stunning costumes, and show-stopping musical numbers, including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good.”
Produced by Broadway Entertainment Group, the show features reimagined sets and costumes including a breathtaking scene where a witch flies over the audience, a first for any WICKED production. With bold visuals and a fresh creative approach, the production promises a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.
Stephen Schwartz, Composer & Lyricist of WICKED, says, “It’s very meaningful to me to be in Dubai as WICKED makes history debuting in the Middle East for the first time. I hope it brings audiences here the same joy and sense of connection it’s brought to others all around the world for the past two decades.”
Liz Koops, CEO of Broadway Entertainment Group says, “Bringing WICKED The Musical to Dubai for the first time is a huge milestone. We are delighted to introduce this beloved story to new audiences. It’s particularly meaningful to us as Broadway Entertainment Group as we are celebrating 15 years of bringing world-class productions to Dubai, and there is no better way to commemorate this anniversary than with the most popular musical in the world. We are honoured that Stephen Schwartz is joining us for this historical opening.”
Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera, says, “Hosting WICKED for the very first time in the United Arab Emirates marks an important moment for Dubai Opera and for the city’s cultural scene. This production reflects the scale, ambition, and artistic excellence that define our vision: to position Dubai as a true international capital for the performing arts, where the world’s greatest stories, talents, and productions engage new and diverse audiences. WICKED stands among the most iconic works of contemporary musical theatre, and we are proud to welcome such a landmark title to our stage.”
This landmark production features a distinguished international cast led by Rebekah Lowings as Elphaba and Eve Shanu Wilson as Glinda, both graduates of the Guildford School of Acting who bring notable West End experience to the Dubai stage. They are joined by Offie Award winner Michael Mather as Fiyero, Penelope Woodman as Madame Morrible, Graham MacDuff as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Michael Kholwadia as Boq. The principal company is completed by Madeleine Charlotte Hargrave as Nessarose and Miles Harvey Western as Doctor Dillamond, supported by an accomplished ensemble whose collective credits span major West End productions and international tours.
WICKED takes audiences on the incredible journey that unfolds long before Dorothy’s iconic arrival in Oz. It’s the story of two remarkable young women—one, misunderstood but brilliantly talented and born with emerald-green skin; the other, beautiful, ambitious, and admired. What begins as an unlikely friendship soon becomes a riveting rivalry that shapes their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Audiences of all ages will be spellbound by this powerful tale of sisterhood, identity, and empowerment. Don’t miss your exclusive opportunity to experience the magic—live and on stage, right here in Dubai. Tickets are available at: dubaiopera.com
WICKED Creative Team:
Music & Lyrics
Stephen Schwartz
Book
Winnie Holzman
Based on the novel by
Gregory Maguire
Orchestrations
Will Stuart
Music Arrangements
Alex Lacamoire & Stephen Oremus
This production was originally presented in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2023 by Instituto Artium de Cultura and by the original producers Carlos A. Cavalcanti and Cleto Baccic
Director
John Stefaniuk
Set & Costume Designer
Morgan Large
Video Design
Aaron Rhyne
Choreographer
Floriano Nogueira
Lighting Designer
Ben Cracknell
Sound Designer
Shannon Slaton
Wig Designer
Feliciano San Roman
Make-Up Designer
Malwina Suwinska
Musical Supervisor
Richard Morris
Musical Director
Chris Ma
ABOUT BROADWAY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP BEG:
BEG is currently touring WICKED The Musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, The 80th anniversary tour of The Little Prince, and Slava’s Snowshow.
Past musical productions include: The Wizard of Oz, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act, DreamWorks’ SHREK Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS and Evita, Broken Wings, Disney Princess – The Concert, Spamalot, Ghost the Musical, Thriller! Live, Piaf! Le Spectacle and Formidable! Aznavour, Kinky Boots, The Illusionists and The Kite Runner.
Chief Executive Officer, Liz Koops, has produced shows internationally for over 25 years and toured productions in 40 countries including: Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Slava’s Snowshow, Catapult, Fosse, Bounce, Circus Oz, Shaolin Kung Fu Warriors, Dein Perry’s Tap Dogs, Gumboots, Lady Salsa, Fosse and Mum’s the Word, Miss Saigon, Starlight Express, Chicago, Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Izzard, Ningali, Lift Off Live, Lano and Woodley, Paul Capsis, Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Lady Salsa, Wadaicho Ichiro, Annie Sprinkle, Rudy Coby and the Royal National Theatre’s production of An Inspector Calls.
Broadway Entertainment Group operates from Dubai, Australia, Asia and the UK.
ABOUT DUBAI OPERA:
Dubai Opera is the main performing arts center of the United Arab Emirates. A unique venue inaugurated in 2016, Dubai Opera is the city’s only purpose-built multi-format theatre with an Auditorium of 2000 seats and a Studio that accommodates up to 250 patrons, situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai, developed by Emaar. Its mission is to serve, unify, and inspire the community of Dubai and beyond by celebrating the cultures of the world. Through excellence in the arts, Dubai Opera aims to build a more vibrant and inclusive society, placing Dubai Opera, Dubai, and the UAE at the forefront of the global cultural scene.
