Donna Vivino News

I've been waiting years to see Wicked. Numerous times I've just missed the national tour as I moved from city to city and there were some unfortunately timed vacations along the way. For years friends and family have been telling me how much I have to see this show and the Original Cast Recording has played countless times in my car and office. So last night as three winged-monkeys turned a crank to raise the Wicked curtain during the Overture, my excitement could not have been higher. But I never imagined I would leave the theatre feeling…disheartened.

The first North American National Tour of WICKED will celebrate its five year anniversary on Saturday, March 20, at the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House in Miami. Since its first performance in Toronto in March 2005, over 5.5 million people have seen the first North American National Tour of WICKED.

My mom is residing in an assisted living facility in the Northeast. To this day she often reminds me of a time seemingly implanted on her forever. Her father took her to a movie. He took her to see THE WIZARD OF OZ starring Judy Garland when Mom was nine years old. While sitting in the theater he told her to 'watch, watch now' as Dorothy opened the door to her house, and revealed the Land of Oz A land of colors, at which point the film turned from black and white to color. Mom often wears a ruby slippers pin and has spread her special connection with the film to many, even to folks outside the family. WICKED, of course, has some connections to the MGM film. However, it is based on a novel which dared to actually put a twist on many events portrayed in the classic film.

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the return engagement of WICKED this fall, beginning Wednesday, December 1, 2010. The most successful show in Chicago history makes its triumphant return to the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph) for eight weeks only, December 1, 2010 to January 23, 2011. Tickets for WICKED will go on sale to Broadway In Chicago Subscription Series holders and groups in February, 2010. Individual tickets for WICKED will be available at a later date to be announced.

The touring company of the Broadway blockbuster is here in Rhode Island for an extended run, playing through January 10th.

The touring company of the Broadway blockbuster is here in Rhode Island for an extended run, playing through January 10th.

Musicals Tonight! Continues its ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys and Understudies with its next editions of At This Performance...TM to be held on Sunday, November 8th and Monday, November 9th at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre, 2162 Broadway, (above the Promenade Theatre- Broadway at 76th Street), 3rd Floor at 8 PM.

Musicals Tonight! Continues its ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys and Understudies with its next editions of At This Performance...TM to be held on Sunday, November 8th and Monday, November 9th at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre, 2162 Broadway, (above the Promenade Theatre- Broadway at 76th Street), 3rd Floor at 8 PM.

Musicals Tonight! Continues its ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys and Understudies with its next editions of At This Performance...TM to be held on Sunday, November 8th and Monday, November 9th at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre, 2162 Broadway, (above the Promenade Theatre- Broadway at 76th Street), 3rd Floor at 8 PM.

Michael Kadin Craig, currently appearing as Matthew in the smash hit Off-Broadway musical 'Altar Boyz,' will be this week's guest on WGHT Radio's 'Curtain Call' Wednesday, November 4th at 9:30 a.m.

Musicals Tonight! returns for its ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys and Understudies with its next editions of At This Performance... to be held on Sunday, October 25th and Monday, October 26th at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre at 8 PM. This weekend marks the 6th Anniversary of the concert series.

Musicals Tonight! returns for its ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys and Understudies with its next editions of At This Performance... to be held on Sunday, October 25th and Monday, October 26th at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre at 8 PM. This weekend marks the 6th Anniversary of the concert series.

Musicals Tonight! returns for its ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys and Understudies with its next editions of At This Performance... to be held on Sunday, October 25th and Monday, October 26th at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre at 8 PM. This weekend marks the 6th Anniversary of the concert series.

The touring production of 'Wicked' has returned to Seattle's Paramount Theatre. And for those of you that weren't able to catch it last time around during it's all too brief two week run, now is your chance to rush out and catch one of the juggernauts of current Broadway.

WICKED, the smash-hit musical, returned to SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE on July 29 as a Broadway/San Diego - A Nederlander Presentation, once again breaking box office records and receiving rave reviews. San Marcos native CHANDRA LEE SCHWARTZ will step into the role of Glinda on Friday, August 21; as Broadway's biggest blockbuster continues at San Diego Civic Theatre through Sunday, August 30.

WICKED, the smash-hit musical, returned to SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE on July 29 as a Broadway/San Diego - A Nederlander Presentation, once again breaking box office records and receiving rave reviews. San Marcos native CHANDRA LEE SCHWARTZ will step into the role of Glinda on Friday, August 21; as Broadway's biggest blockbuster continues at San Diego Civic Theatre through Sunday, August 30.

After breaking box office records and selling out in record time for a two-week engagement in 2006, WICKED, the smash-hit musical, returns to SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE as a Broadway/San Diego - A Nederlander Presentation, playing Wednesday, JULY 29 through Sunday, AUGUST 30.

On Monday, August 24 at 7:30PM, the First National Touring Company of WICKED will host DEFYING INEQUALITY, an evening of cabaret performances promoting equality and civil rights. Held at the Birch North Park Theatre, and produced by company members of WICKED, the event will feature members of the cast and crew as well as guest performers. This one-night only event will benefit Equality California, Empire State Pride Agenda, Garden State Equality and Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, four non-profit charitable organizations working to legislate equality and protect civil rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. All proceeds will be distributed evenly among the four organizations. DEFYING INEQUALITY is an evening intended for mature audiences.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders made a quick backstage visit yesterday to WICKED and posed for a photo with the cast onstage as they took a break from their rehearsal schedule. He recognizes Production Stage Manager and SD native Peter Van Dyke and the cast for their national efforts for equality - especially the Fundraising Benefit 'DEFYING INEQUALITY,' taking place at the BIRCH THEATRE Monday, August 24!

WICKED, the smash-hit musical, returned to SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE on July 29 as a Broadway/San Diego - A Nederlander Presentation, once again breaking box office records and receiving rave reviews. San Marcos native CHANDRA LEE SCHWARTZ will step into the role of Glinda on Friday, August 21; as Broadway's biggest blockbuster continues at San Diego Civic Theatre through Sunday, August 30.