WICKED to Host THE WICKED NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS at The Laugh Factory, 12/8

Members of the National Touring Company of Wicked will host "THE Wicked NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS," a staged holiday performance at The Laugh Factory (3175 N. Broadway) Sunday, December 8, at 8:00pm. The event will feature the members of the company of Wicked, and net proceeds will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Chicago House. Wicked, Broadway's biggest blockbuster, celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 30, the first performance of the eight-week Chicago engagement. Wicked is currently playing the Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph) through Dec. 21, 2013.

"THE Wicked NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS" is part of an ongoing series of performances and appearances by the touring company to support charitable causes which advance Wicked's theme of acceptance and illuminate the musical's message that people should not be judged on first impressions. The company believes that in these divisive times we must come together to support those in need throughout the country and around the world. In its eight years on the road, the company has raised over $2.5 million in donations for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and local AIDS service organizations all over the country.

A throwback to the holiday variety shows of yesteryear, the Wicked company comes together to celebrate the joy of the holidays. Haul out the holly, spin the dreidel, harvest the fruit and celebrate the season in a way that only Wicked can. Company members making special appearances in the event include: Alison Luff (Elphaba), Jenn Gambatese (Glinda), Curt Hansen (Fiyero), as well as TV's Kim Zimmer (Madame Morrible) and John Davidson (The Wizard). The production also includes members of the ensemble, band, and touring staff. "THE Wicked NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS" proves to be a once in a lifetime evening of magic and fun.

In addition to the performance, there will be live and silent auctions including several opportunities to join the company backstage at the Oriental Theatre, and a chance to bid on a walk-on role in a performance of Wicked. Wicked, Broadway's biggest blockbuster is playing through December 21 at the Oriental Theatre.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fund raising and grant making organization. BC/EFA is the on-going, committed response from the American theater community to an urgent worldwide health crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of this community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $150 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV, and other serious illnesses. www.broadwaycares.org

Chicago House and Social Service Agency serves individuals and families by providing housing, employment services, medical linkages, HIV prevention services, and other supportive services to those who are disenfranchised by HIV/AIDS, poverty, homelessness, and/or gender nonconformity. All Chicago House services are provided without discrimination and are explicitly designed to guide people towards wholeness and self-sufficiency.

The first HIV/AIDS housing provider in the Midwest, Chicago House has continuously evolved its services to meet the changing needs of those who are living with HIV and AIDS. Their programs guide more than 1,500 people to wholeness and self-sufficiency each year. But as the realities of HIV and AIDS change, one remains the same: Chicago House: There at the beginning: Here to meet the challenge.

The Oriental Theatre performance schedule for Wicked is as follows:

Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. (no performances on 11/28)

Fridays at 7:30 p.m. (additional matinee performances on 11/29 at 2 p.m.)

Saturdays at 2 & 8:00 p.m.

Sundays at 2 p.m.

Additional performance Monday 12/16 at 7:30 p.m.

Please note: Ticket prices and performance schedule are subject to change.

General Admission to "THE Wicked NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS" is a $60 donation (includes 2 drinks). A limited number of VIP tickets are available for a $125 donation and include priority seating as well as a 6:30pm pre-show reception with members of the company. All proceeds from the evening benefit BC/EFA and Chicago House and admission donations are tax deductible. Tickets are available online at www.chicagohouse.org or by phone (773) 248-5200 ext 303. The evening is intended for mature audiences. Must be 16 or older to attend; 21 or older to purchase alcoholic beverages.

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