Wicked to Celebrate One-Year Anniversary with Week of Events

By Andrew Gans
20 Oct 2004

The hit musical Wicked, which marks its first year on Broadway Oct. 30, has announced several events to celebrate that anniversary.

The week kicks off Oct. 25 with a Wicked night at the Union Square Barnes & Noble bookstore. The 7 PM evening will feature cast members performing songs from the Stephen Schwartz-Winnie Holzman musical. Gregory Maguire, who penned the novel upon which the show is based, will also be on hand to read excerpts from "Wicked." The Barnes & Noble store is located at 33 E. 17th Street.

On the show's anniversary, Oct. 30, a Wicked Day Block Party will be held in front of the Gershwin Theatre, where the musical plays. The 10 AM-1 PM bash will feature face-painting, games and refreshments and will be held rain or shine. The Gershwin is located at 225 West 51st Street.

The Block Party will also feature the announcement of the winner of the Z100 Be Wicked Singing Contest. The contest will be held in three separate locations: Rockaway Town Square in Rockaway, NJ (Oct. 24, 2-4 PM), Stew Leonard's in Yonkers, NY (Oct. 28, 4-6 PM) and Broadway Mall in Hicksville, Long Island (Oct. 29 3-5 PM). The winners of the contest will be judged by Wicked director Joe Mantello, casting director Bernie Telsey and Wicked cast members. The winner of the singing contest will receive ten tickets to the musical plus dinner, limo, hotel accommodations and a backstage tour of the Gershwin.

Other Wicked-related events: Several Wicked stars will serve as special guests of the Oct. 31 Greenwich Village Halloween Parade. And, from Oct. 26-30, NBC Experience Store's Sweet Shop will offer free candy to those with a Wicked ticket stub.

With a score by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman and direction by Joe Mantello, Wicked features choreography by Wayne Cilento and plays the Gershwin Theatre, 222 West 51st Street. The musical currently stars Idina Menzel, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Carole Shelley, Joey McIntyre and George Hearn. Tickets are available by calling (212) 307-4100 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.