Los Angeles will be home to a new production of
Wicked, the Broadway and international smash hit musical. To celebrate, the public is invited to "
Wicked Day," a free event, at CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood on Monday, October 30 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Parking will also be provided to the first 1,000 cars entering Universal City lots before 12-noon (drivers should mention "
Wicked" at entrance kiosks).
At this event, the Los Angeles cast of
Wicked will be announced and after being introduced, they will perform numbers from the show. The creators of the musical -- composer-lyricist
Stephen Schwartz, author
Winnie Holzman, producers Marc Platt and
David Stone - will also be on hand for the festivities.
Wicked activities will also include a "Be
Wicked" singing contest, a costume contest, games, and opportunities to get autographs or "go green" for the day with a
Wicked makeover. There will be
Wicked giveaways and refreshments as well.
This year, there are also
"Wicked Day" celebrations in New York,
Chicago, Toronto, and London - cities where the hit musical is also playing.
Wicked has been sold out at virtually every performance on Broadway, since having its official opening at the Gershwin Theatre on October 30, 2003. Last summer, it was completely sold out during its seven-week run at the Pantages Theatre.
Based on the novel by
Gregory Maguire, the show has music and lyrics by Schwartz
and a book by Holzman. Directed by
Joe Mantello, with musical staging by
Wayne Cilento,
Wicked is also currently being presented on Broadway, on a National Tour, and in a separate, open-ended engagement at
Chicago's Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre. The London production opened on September 27 and is currently playing to capacity crowds at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.
"Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular.
Wicked tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the
Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch," state notes.
The Los Angeles production at the Pantages Theatre begins performances February 10, 2007. Tickets also go on sale Monday, October 30 online at
www.broadwayla.org, by phone at 213-365-3500 or 714-740-7878, in person at the Pantages Theatre Box Office, or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Groups of fifteen (15) or more can call 866-755-3075.
