International

‘Wicked’ Cast Album Soars to Quadruple-Platinum as Picture-Disc Vinyl Announced

The spell cast by Wicked’s original Broadway cast recording continues to strengthen, with the Grammy-winning album now certified four-times Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, signifying more than four million U.S. units sold. Worldwide sales have surpassed five million ahead of the soundtrack’s 22nd anniversary this December.

Released on 10 December 2003, the album captured Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth’s breakout performances as Elphaba and Glinda, earning the 2005 Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. Its new milestone coincides with renewed attention on the franchise following Jon M. Chu’s two-part film adaptation—part one is already streaming on Peacock, while Wicked: For Good is scheduled for cinemas on 21 November 2025.

To commemorate the certification, Decca Broadway will issue the soundtrack’s first-ever double-LP picture-disc edition on 3 October. The set features poster art on one side, portraits of Chenoweth and Menzel on the reverse, and a zoetrope image that animates iconic Wicked graphics when the record spins. Pre-orders are now open, with shipping slated to begin on release day.

The original stage production, which opened at the Gershwin Theatre on 30 October 2003, remains Broadway’s fourth-longest-running show and currently plays to capacity crowds in a 20th-anniversary revival at the same venue. Its enduring popularity is underscored not only by robust ticket sales but also by the enduring appeal of its score—Stephen Schwartz’s anthems such as “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” continue to dominate streaming playlists more than two decades after their debut.

With fresh vinyl on the horizon and a blockbuster film finale next year, Wicked’s emerald-green momentum shows no sign of fading, ensuring that both long-time fans and new listeners will keep the album soaring far beyond Oz.

Belaid S

Recent Posts

HEATED RIVALRY parody producers report recoupment as run extends to January 2027

Producers say HEATED RIVALRY: THE UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY has recouped its approximately US$500,000 Off-Broadway capitalisation…

21 hours ago

Broadway’s &JULIET sets final performance for January 2027

Broadway's & JULIET will play its final performance at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on 3…

21 hours ago

Gate Theatre to cease operations after 47 years

London’s Gate Theatre will cease operations at the end of October 2026 after 47 years,…

2 days ago

Arts Centre Melbourne to present landmark visual opera OPERATION:ORFEO

Arts Centre Melbourne today announced that OPERATION:ORFEO, a hypnotic depiction of the myth of Orpheus…

2 days ago

ROHTKO, Operation:Orfeo and The Avalanches announced as first events for Perth Festival 2027

Perth Festival today revealed that its 2027 program will open with the Australian exclusive season…

2 days ago

MJ THE MICHAEL JACKSON MUSICAL to play in Singapore from August 2027

Original Broadway Producers Lia Vollack and John Branca, alongside Michael Cassel and Base Entertainment Asia,…

2 days ago