'Wicked' LA Goes Green at Heal the Bay October 28

The Los Angeles stage production of Wicked and environmental group Heal the Bay announced today that they are joining forces to clean up local beaches this month and educate theatergoers about everyday coastal stewardship as part of the national celebration of Wicked Day.  Wicked is partnering with environmental organizations for Wicked Day in the cities where the hit musical is performing: Los Angeles, New York, London, Chicago and Boston.

This year Wicked is doing something for good for the environment and the community is invited to be part of it.   Wicked is sponsoring the Adopt-a-Beach program on Sunday, October 28 at Venice Beach, with cast members of the Tony-award-winning musical joining hundreds of their fans to rid our shores of unsightly and dangerous debris.

Ozians, Heal the Bay supporters and the general public are all invited to join the 9AM cleanup, which will be held at the end of N. Venice Blvd. Those who come down to the beach to help with the effort will receive Wicked merchandise, and enter for a chance to win a one-of-kind Wicked surfboard.  Coffee and Breakfast pastries will be provided by Starbucks for Adopt-a-Beach participants.  Interested volunteers can pre-register at the website www.wickedday.com/events-la.html.  

In addition, as part of its commitment to local environmental causes, Wicked also will offer a one-time benefit performance October 23 at Los Angeles' Pantages Theater, with all net ticket proceeds going to support Heal the Bay programs.  For information go to www.wickedthemusical.com.  That night attendees will receive a special souvenir program, complimentary raffle tickets for "Wicked" gifts, and a behind-the-scenes opportunity to meet the cast and hold a Q&A discussion.

By cleaning their local beaches, Adopt-A-Beach participants see how trash on our streets winds up in the ocean and harms marine life. In addition, data collected during the cleanup are used to help identify ways to stop beach pollution. Sony Pictures Entertainment, Goldman Sachs and Google are among the dozens of companies that have participated in the program.

Heal the Bay is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to making Southern California coastal waters and watersheds, including Santa Monica Bay, safe, healthy and clean.  It uses research, education, community action and advocacy to pursue its mission. 

Wicked has partnered with Heal the Bay as part of its overall effort to support more sustainable environmental practices. The production recently partnered with Los Angeles County's public transportation agency, whereby Metro offers their riders a 20% discount on tickets to any Tuesday performance.  

To get the discount, riders should show their valid Metro Pass or Metro Rail ticket at the Pantages box office, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., directly across from the Metro Red Line's Hollywood/Vine Station.  Or call (213) 365-3500 to order tickets or go online to www.ticketmaster.com.  Patrons are reminded to show proof of valid Metro tickets or passes and to mention the promotional code "METRO". For more information www.metro.net or call 1-800-COMMUTE.

The Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles is home to a new production of Wicked the smash hit musical and winner of 15 major awards, including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. Wicked tells the story of their odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

Tickets for Wicked are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com or www.BroadwayLA.org, 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 out.  

Photo: Megan Hilty and Eden Espinosa