Photo Flash: September 26 Proclaimed 'A WICKED Day in San Francisco'

Mayor Gavin Newsom proclaimed "A WICKED Day in San Francisco," welcoming the international phenomenon back to the city where it had its world premiere. At a special Homecoming Party in Union Square, WICKED Producer David Stone accepted a proclamation from Luis Cancel, Director of Cultural Affairs for the City and County of San Francisco on behalf of Mayor Newsom. Producer David Stone was in San Francisco for the Homecoming as tickets went on sale for the open-ended engagement of WICKED, which begins performances at the Orpheum Theatre January 27, 2009. He was joined by cast members performing in Union Square for a group of enthusiastic fans.

"We San Franciscans know we are trendsetters, and as the very first group of WICKED fans, we are proud to say that this worldwide phenomenon began right here. I am so delighted that we soon will have our very own San Francisco production of the show. I know that having WICKED as a component of the cultural experience we offer, will be a boon to those of us who live here as well as the thousands of visitors who come to San Francisco. It is my privilege to proclaim today WICKED DAY in San Francisco, a fitting way to welcome the show home," said Mayor Gavin Newsom.

Highlights of the proclamation read:

· WHEREAS, today marks the official Homecoming Party for WICKED, the international musical phenomenon, which began in San Francisco; and

· WHEREAS, WICKED had its world premiere in San Francisco on May 28, 2003, following a long development process during which the entire creative team and cast immersed themselves in the musical's launch at the Curran Theatre; and

· WHEREAS, with the enthusiasm and input of San Francisco audiences and critics, WICKED opened on Broadway, quickly becoming a huge hit and winning 20 major awards, including a Grammy Award, three Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards including one for Best Musical; and

· WHEREAS, WICKED, which has gone on to become a worldwide phenomenon redefining theatrical popular culture, has eight companies - four in North America and four internationally - and has been seen by more than 14 million people worldwide; and

· WHEREAS, producer David Stone and Marc Platt have committed to presenting an open-ended San Francisco engagement of WICKED beginning in January 2009; and

· THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I, Gavin Newsom, Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, do hereby proclaim September 26, 2008 as...WICKED DAY

This production is a significant homecoming for WICKED, which premiered in San Francisco before casting its spell on Broadway, winning 20 major awards, including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards. San Francisco audiences and critics alike feel a special connection with the show, which has gone on to become a worldwide phenomenon that has since redefined theatrical popular culture.

Nearing the 5th Anniversary of its Broadway opening, WICKED's four North American and four international companies have cumulatively grossed over $1.1 billion and have been seen by over 14 million people worldwide.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman. It is directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. WICKED is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

WICKED features set design by Tony Award winner Eugene Lee, costume design by Tony Award winner Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and sound design by Tony Meola. The orchestrations are by William David Brohn, with dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott.

WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. 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.

Tickets for WICKED range in price from $30 to $99 and can be purchased online at www.shnsf.com and www.ticketmaster.com/wicked, through Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone (415) 512-7770, at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, the Orpheum Theatre Box Office (1192 Market at 8th St., Mon-Sat 10am - 6pm) and the Curran Theatre Box Office through October 11 (445 Geary between Taylor and Mason, Mon - Sat, Noon - 6pm). Groups of 20 or more may order now by calling Group Sales at (415) 551-2020.

For more information about WICKED at the Orpheum Theatre, please visit www.shnsf.com. For information about WICKED world-wide, please visit www.wicked.com.