A new view of the classic ‘Wonder­ful Wizard of Oz’ is brought to life in Broadway’s most spellbinding new musical in years. In the land of Oz, two young women become the best of friends. Glinda is popular, beautiful, and ambitious; Elphaba is spirited and bright, but misunderstood. Through opposing opinions and clashing personalities, the friends eventually drift apart, as one becomes the “Good Witch of the North” and the other the “Wicked Witch of the West”—all before Dorothy ever dropped into town.

Since its Broadway debut in 2003, Wicked has grown to become one of the most successful musicals of modern times. It’s spawned productions in Chicago, Los Angeles, London’s West End, Tokyo, Australia, and more. It’s broken many a box office record, including the record for the biggest opening in London’s West End, and was nominated for ten Tony Awards in 2004.

In a nutshell, the show has become something of a phenomenon. Audiences worldwide flock to see this fresh and imaginative adaptation of one of the most popular and classic stories of modern times. With a cast that includes Carmen Cusack as Elphaba, Katie Rose Clarke as Glinda, Alma Cuervo as Madame Morrible and Lee Wilkof as the Wizard, this Joe Mantello-directed production draws some of the biggest and best talent in the biz wherever it goes.

Ottawa is only the second Canadian city to host this must-see musical, so don’t miss your chance to find out what everyone’s raving about when Wicked hits town this month. Tickets are $44 to $125. National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin St., 613-947-7000; 613-755-1111. www.nac-cna.ca