Wicked Musical Sets Stage for 16-Show Run in Rochester

Crews work behind the scenes to prepare the West Herr Auditorium Theatre for the popular musical's return to the city.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 11:23pm

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The hit musical 'Wicked' is returning to Rochester, New York, opening a 16-show run at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre on Wednesday. News10NBC got an exclusive look at the production process as crews worked to set up the stage, including hanging lights and the 'Time Dragon' prop. The show's company manager, Steve Quinn, said this is their fifth time in Rochester and many locals are familiar with the production.

Why it matters

Wicked is one of the most popular and long-running musicals, having debuted on Broadway in 2003. Its return to Rochester is an exciting event for local theater-goers and an economic boost for the city as the show attracts visitors from the surrounding region.

The details

Crews spent Tuesday morning working on the 'air show' portion of the setup, which involved hanging lights and the large 'Time Dragon' prop over the stage. Company manager Steve Quinn said it took about seven hours to unload 10 semi-trailer trucks worth of equipment after the show's previous stop in Pittsburgh. Quinn noted that many local staff members are familiar with the production, having worked with the Wicked crew during previous visits to Rochester.

  • Wicked opens a 16-show run in Rochester on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The show will run through March 1, 2026.

The players

Wicked

A popular and long-running Broadway musical that tells the backstory of the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good Witch in the land of Oz.

Steve Quinn

The company manager for the Wicked musical production.

West Herr Auditorium Theatre

The venue in Rochester, New York where Wicked will be performing its 16-show run.

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What they’re saying

“It's organized chaos. It's 10 semi-trailer trucks worth of equipment. We loaded out in Pittsburgh on Sunday night. It took about seven hours to get everything out of the building and then transferred here.”

— Steve Quinn, Company Manager, Wicked

“They said hello when we came in, so they kind of know what's going on, which is great.”

— Steve Quinn, Company Manager, Wicked

What’s next

Wicked will open its 16-show run at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre in Rochester on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with additional performances scheduled through March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The return of the acclaimed musical Wicked to Rochester is an exciting event for local theater fans and an economic boost for the city, as the production attracts visitors from the surrounding region. The behind-the-scenes preparations highlight the complex logistics involved in staging a large-scale Broadway touring show.