By Kaylee Reynolds
Feb 11, 2026
Thiel students, along with those from the DHI and the Theatre program, recently went to the Benedum Theater in Pittsburgh. The students watched Wicked, a Broadway production known for its name and popular characters.
On Feb. 5th, students from Thiel took a trip to see the popular musical Wicked. Following the yellow brick road, students were interviewed with questions regarding their thoughts on the performance, the theater itself, and about their favorite characters.
Abreanna Thompson responded with their favorite part being the after show, when the cast spoke up about funding for charities and giving insight about each actor. “Broadway Cares is a really nice charity and to learn about it from the actors themselves truly made my night.” Thompson also said that the Benedum is their favorite theater of all time, saying, “I enjoyed the set as well. They didn’t really affect my vibe, but they were cool to see.” Thompson finished by saying that their favorite character was Elphaba, replying, “I honestly see myself in her. She’s caring, smart, and does anything for the greater good even if it means sacrificing her dreams. I adored her resistance against Oz and his plans. I loved her compassion for her sister and her love. I appreciate a girl who cares for her sister.”
Continuing with the wickedly wonderful ways, Kyleigh Coy says her favorite part of the trip was going with her friends, saying, “Every semester we make the theater trips a girl’s night where we dress up and get dinner.” Coy adds, “It’s just really fun that it has become an annual thing for us.” Coy went on to describe how much she admires the Benedum Theater. “It is a beautiful place, and it makes the experience feel so much grander and it really transports you into the musical experience.” Her favorite character is Glinda as she experiences a lot of growth between the characters. “I’m also a die-hard pink girly so that helps too.”
The magic in the moments spent at Benedum was so full of joy, and the overall theater presence from the crowd made all the better as everyone was so passionate and emersed into The Wonderful World of Oz.
I also attended the trip and was absolutely blown away. I never thought I would be able to experience this. The performance was so breathtaking that it left me in awe. The crowd was very lively and interactive within scenes, and the exchange of giggles, gasps, and even some hum-a-longs to familiar songs from the musical made it such an amazing time. Seeing how proud and brilliant these actors were when playing the roles in the musical itself made such an impact on me as it made me feel as though I was in the story while they were performing.
