WICKED-Manila Holds Benefit Performance, Auction for Typhoon Haiyan Victims, 1/31

Manila, Philippines, November 25, 2013--The local promoters behind the upcoming Manila run of "Broadway's biggest blockbuster" "Wicked" have just announced that the international production, which premieres on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, at the main theatre of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, will be holding a benefit matinee performance and a special auction during curtain call on Friday, January 31, 2014, to raise funds for supertyphon Haiyan victims in central Philippines.

For tickets, call TicketWorld at (632) 891-9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph.

In a press statement, the international cast of "Wicked," who closed the show in Auckland, New Zealand yesterday, have heard about the dreaded typhoon's damage in the Philippines, and immediately sent words of encouragement:

"You're constantly in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We're sending you all our love and strength," said leading ladies Jemma Rix, who plays Elphaba, and Suzie Mathers, who plays Galinda/Glinda.

Jay Laga'aia, who plays the Wizard, on the other hand, said, "I would like to add my voice to the many who are wishing you a speedy recovery, not only of the country but also of your spirit."

Tacloban on Leyte island in the east-central of the Philippines has been a hot topic in the international news lately when supertyphoon Haiyan (Yolanda), touted as one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into the province Friday, November 8. Deaths have been estimated from 4,000 to 10,000. As of this writing, nearly 11 million people have been affected in Tacloban and nearby 7,251 villages in 471 municipalities and 51 cities according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in the Philippines.

"Wicked," whose Manila run is produced by Marc Platt, David Stone, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and John Frost, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, is based on the 1995 best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire. The musical is directed by two-time Tony winner Joe Mantello and features musical staging by Tony winner Wayne Cilento.

Major presenters in Manila are Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, 105.9 Radio High and Concertus Manila.

Having just celebrated its 10th anniversary on Broadway last month, there are currently nine productions of the musical worldwide, which include New York, London, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Mexico; a U.K. tour; and two concurrent North American national tours.

Winner of 50 major awards including a Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, "Wicked" tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz in a grand scale production: Long before Dorothy dropped in the Land of Oz, two other girls forge a heartwarming friendship: Elphaba, born with emerald green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood; Galinda/Glinda, is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. "Wicked" follows their remarkable odyssey and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch.