TV: JoAnne Worley Flies into LA's 'Wicked'

Comic actress JoAnne Worley recently joined the Los Angeles production of Wicked taking over the role of Madame Morrible from Carol Kane.

While best known for her television appearances, Worley has had an extensive career in musical theatre - from the original national tour of Carnival to her recent co-starring role on Broadway in The Drowsy Chaperone, and in the Encores! production of Follies. She also appeared on Broadway in Hello, Dolly!, Grease, and The Prince of Central Park, and off-Broadway in The Mad Show.

Worley became one of America's best-known comediennes when she was one of the regulars of Rowan And Martin's "Laugh-In," as well as numerous appearances on "The Tonight Show," "The Andy Williams Show," and "The Merv Griffin Show," and was a popular celebrity game show host.

The record-breaking Los Angeles company of Wicked is now performing at the Pantages Theatre. 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.

BroadwayWorld's own James Sims sat down with Worley backstage at the Pantages Theatre to catch up with the musical theatre star before an evening performance of Wicked. Worley talks about her recent experience back on Broadway in The Drowsy Chaperone and how it feels to join the blockbuster musical in Los Angeles.

Tickets for Wicked are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 213-365-3500 or 714-740-7878, in person at the Pantages Theatre Box Office (opens daily at 10am), 6233 Hollywood Blvd., or at any Ticketmaster outlet. For more information, visit www.wickedthemusical.com. And for more from James Sims visit www.simsscoop.com.