Behind the Emerald Curtain

[mmFan]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 8:43am

I'm a big fan of Wicked.  Can someone tell me about Behind the Emerald Curtain?  Our trips in the past haven't worked to see it, but this summer we will be there on a Saturday and can catch it. 

Also, is it something that kids would appreciate?  We have a 10 year old and a 6 year old.  My 6 year old actually really loved the musical when she saw it last year and seems to understand that it's people performing, etc, so although she's younger, she might appreciate it. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 8:58am

No performances, no backstage (or even ON stage. It's more like a lecture/talk.  From everything I've heard, I wouldn't go.

[mmFan]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 9:25am

"No performances, no backstage (or even ON stage. It's more like a lecture/talk.  From everything I've heard, I wouldn't go."

 

Hmm....ok. Something I might find interesting but probably not kids.

Anyone gone and can tell me a bit more ?

 

[adamgreer]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 9:35am

You don't ever go backstage. You see some costumes/props in the lobby, then go into the theater where a short video is shown, and then there's a Q&A with the tour guide (who is either a current or former ensemble member). That's it. Not worth the time or money

Updated On: 7/1/15 at 09:35 AM

[mmFan]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 3:03pm

Thanks for the feedback.  Maybe I'll catch it some other time when it's just my husband and I, but sounds like it would bore our kids. 

[delongpre]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 3:10pm

I took my daughter when she was 13. They have some show costumes, props and set pieces you can look at as you wander in the lobby and 2 ensemble cast members explain what you are looking at. You then enter the theater and watch a video about the production (which I think you can find online), then the cast guys show a couple of show tricks. It's not a "backstage" tour by any means, and probably not meaningful to the average child. However, my daughter enjoyed it.

[Alan Henry]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 4:29pm

I've done it. Was expecting more "behind the curtain" and less lobby walk through/stare at some props/scenic objects + talkback.

Nothing they told me in the theatre was something I didn't already know, or isn't available online in behind the scenes videos on YouTube or the Behind the Emerald Curtain videos. 

There's better stuff to do in NYC with that time/money.

[MOUSTACHA]

Posted: 7/2/15 at 11:57am

http://www.emeraldcurtain.com/description.html

 

The website suggests an age of 10+

 

Maybe it's because I would never expect a backstage tour for $33, but I actually thought it was a fun way to spend a Saturday morning.  You get up close to the props and costumes (and are allowed to touch most of the stuff), they walk you through the creative process, and a short video to explain the ins and outs of creating and running a musical.  Then a Q&A afterward with cast members.  I mean, it's what you make of it.

 

To be honest, almost every backstage on Broadway is extremely small, and would be impossible to take a group of 60 through.  If that's what you want, reach out to the show and they can usually arrange a private walk through (with a very generous donation to BCEFA).

 

Updated On: 7/2/15 at 11:57 AM

[Hairspray0901]

Posted: 7/2/15 at 12:41pm

I did this back in 2008 and thought it was a huge waste of money. I remember the date I booked was supposed to feature Eden Espinosa giving the talk back and at the last minute, it was changed to Norbert Leo Butz and Michele Federer (not complaining, just thought that was worth mentioning).

We saw the costumes, heard the tour guide tell us a few stories then were brought into the theater to watch a short film and have the talk back. Not very exciting.

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 7/2/15 at 3:41pm

I went 3 years ago and would not go back. Not worth the money.