Although Wicked recently came to the big screen, the Broadway edition of Wicked is still playing at the Gershwin Theatre—since 2003—and is currently the fourth-longest running Broadway show. The play focuses on the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. 

At the climax of Act 1, a hydraulics system installed and maintained by Atlantic Hydraulic Systems provides the power and control to raise the witch 20 feet above the stage as she sings “Defying Gravity.” 

The company built their hydraulic system for the play around two Parker pressure compensated 8 GPM hydraulic gear piston pumps with a maximum flow of 7.9 gallons per minute and at 2600 psi pressures. These pumps are specially designed to use mineral oil, fire-resistant fluids. 

For additional control, the platform that the witch is raised on also incorporates two 15 horsepower, totally enclosed fan-cooled TEFC electric motors. These motors typically operate from a 230/460V three-phase power source, and typically operate from around 1800 rpm to 3600 rpm. 

The Wicked Hydraulic Levitator, which raises the actress into the air, does not contain an on-board hydraulic power unit. Instead, a remote hydraulic power unit charges up accumulators on the levitator prior to being detached. Proportional valves and redundant circuitry are employed to assure the actress’ safety throughout the show. 

For more information: 

Atlantic Hydraulic Systems