Wicked fans will want to pay some attention to what's Behind the Emerald Curtain, "an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey through Wicked" that will be offered to them soon.A date for the tour will be announced shortly, according to a Wicked spokesperson. The tour will allow its members to visit the "Behind the Emerald Curtain" Museum, which will offer glimpses of a model of Eugene Lee's sets and a few of Susan Hilferty's Tony Award-winning costumes. In addition, a 20-minute film will be shown in which Wickedcreators are interviewed and footage from the Broadway and touring companies is shown. Fans will also be able to engage in a Q & A session with current Wicked performers.Wicked,
based on Gregory Maguire's novel, is the behind-the-scenes story of
Elphaba, better known in later times as the Wicked Witch of the West.
The lavish musical tells the story of her unlikely friendship with the
more corruptible witch Glinda and a love triangle that consumes them
both; ironically, it is the passionate and humane Elphaba who is
branded with infamy. The show features a score by Stephen Schwartz and
a book by Winnie Holzman. Joe Mantello directed the Broadway production
of Wicked (as he does for the current tour), and Wayne Cilento handled the show's choreography.
Wicked
opened at the Gershwin Theatre on October 30th, 2003 (with Tony-winner
Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth), and it continues to play to
sold-out audiences. Wicked's current Broadway cast includes Shoshana Bean as Elphaba, Megan Hilty as Glinda, Rue McClanahan as Madame Morrible and Ben Vereen as The Wizard. Stephanie J. Block and Kendra Kassebaum headline the national tour, while Ana Gasteyer and Kate Reinders recently opened in a smash sit-down production of the show in Chicago.Fans interested in parting the Wicked curtain may call (646) 797-6762 or e-mail wickedfan@hotmail.com.
