Wicked Soundtrack Gets Big Gay Release Party
After two decades as one of the most beloved musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season—and the soundtrack is out in time for Thanksgiving, with a big old gay party to celebrate!
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.
You’re Invited to Hardware Bar’s Wicked Soundtrack Launch Party
To celebrate the release of Republic/Verve Records’ official soundtrack featuring hit songs including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” “Dancing Through Life,” and “The Wizard And I,” New York City’s LGBTQ and Broadway community will be holding a special event.
On Monday, November 25, during the beloved Musical Mondays event at Hardware (697 10th Ave) — sister bar to NYC’s other favorite gay venues Playhouse, Balcon Salon, and Pieces — the bar will host the official release party for the Wicked soundtrack, starting at 8 PM.
No reservations are required—seating is first-come, first-serve.
NYC Broadway enthusiasts will host this enchanting evening and drag queens Jacklynn Hyde and Holly Box-Springs, alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Jackie Cox and Jan Sport, who will perform Wicked favorites, including the iconic Defying Gravity. Broadway star Stanley Martin (from Aladdin and The Rocky Horror Show) will make a special appearance, adding even more magic to the night.
Come along for a celebration of Broadway with live performances and singing and your favorite drag queens and stars bringing the beloved Wicked hits to life. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with the creme-de-la-creme of New York’s theater-loving community, all in one of Hell’s Kitchen’s iconic queer bars.
More info at Hardware Bar NYC.
