Finalists from the first round of the Z100 "Be Wicked" Singing Contest — which was held in various locations in the tri-state area — will perform during the three-hour event, which is held in front of the Gershwin Theatre beginning at 11 AM. Wicked stars and other special guests will judge the final competition, and the Grand Prize winner will receive three tickets to the musical, hotel accommodations, the "Behind the Emerald Curtain" tour, a Bloomingdale's gift card and Wicked merchandise.

The annual event will also include face painting, games, food and refreshments. The first 100 people to attend in green face will receive a free copy of Gregory Maguire's "Wicked" sequel, "Son of a Witch."

Based on Gregory Maguire's novel, which turned every Oz myth inside out, Wicked explores the early life of the witches of Oz: Glinda and Elphaba. The two main characters meet at Shiz, a school where both hope to take up sorcery. Glinda is madly popular and Elphaba is, well, green. By a misunderstanding, they wind up roommates and, after an initial period of mutual loathing, begin to learn something about each other. Their life paths continue to intersect through a shared love, entry into the Emerald City and interaction with the Wizard himself. Eventually, their choices and convictions take them on widely different paths.

Wicked, with a book by Winnie Holzman, began previews on Broadway Oct. 8, 2003, with an official opening Oct. 30, 2003. The Broadway company — directed by Joe Mantello — continues to play the Gershwin Theatre. Tickets are available by calling (212) 307-4100 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

For complete details about the week of Wicked events, visit www.wickedday.com.