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Something wicked this way comes
By JAMES D. WATTS JR. World Scene Writer
Published: 7/9/2009 2:21 AM
Last Modified: 7/9/2009 5:14 AM
Tulsa is about to go green.
This has nothing to do with the environment. It does, however, have everything to do with what is going to take up residence in the Tulsa PAC for the next four weeks.
"Wicked," the musical about what was going on in the Land of Oz before that girl from Kansas and her little dog, too, fell from the sky, opens Wednesday. The show, presented by Celebrity Attractions, will continue for 32 performances through Aug. 9.
Already the PAC has gone green — the exterior lights have been fitted with filters to give the place an emerald gleam.
And green is an appropriate color for "Wicked" in a number of ways. The most obvious is that green is the skin color of Elphaba, the young woman who during the course of the show will become known as the Wicked Witch of the West.
But green also speaks to the fact that, since its debut on Broadway in 2003, "Wicked" has become one of the most successful works of the American theater.
More than 17 million people around the world have seen the four North American and four international companies perform "Wicked," resulting in $1.35 billion in ticket sales, and more than $100 million in memorabilia and other merchandise.
For those planning on having a "Wicked" night out some time in the next month, the SPOT would like to offer a few suggestions on how best to enjoy the experience.
A bit of background
"The Wizard of Oz," the 1939 movie starring Judy Garland, is the way most people know about the Land of Oz. However, L. Frank Baum wrote 14 books about this fantastic alternate world, beginning with "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" in 1900. A musical version of that first Oz book opened on Broadway in 1903 and would tour the country for six years.
Gregory Maguire first came up with the idea of writing a book from the viewpoint of the Wicked Witch of the West in 1988, because he had always been perturbed by some aspects of the original story — the main one being, "What led the Witch of the West to be described as 'wicked'?"
Maguire's novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" was published in 1995. Because of the musical's success, the book continues to show up on best-seller lists 14 years later.
It's show time
"Wicked" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. A special matinee show will be 1:30 p.m. July 16. The Aug. 2 matinee performance will be signed for the hearing-impaired.
A performance of "Wicked" tends to last 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
The price we pay
Tickets for "Wicked" start at $28 for balcony seating during weekday performances and go as high as $125 for Orchestra VIP seating.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 596-7111 or (800) 364-7111) or online at
tulsaworld.com/mytix.
A handling fee of $5.75 per ticket will be charged on all phone and Internet orders.
Are we full yet?
A show as "Popular" as "Wicked" is certain to be sold out by now, right?
Wrong, said Kristin Dotson, director of marketing for Celebrity Attractions. Most of the performances in the first week are close to capacity, she said, because that is the week when subscribers to Celebrity Attractions' Broadway Series are attending.
"There are still good seats available for the July 16 matinee and the July 19 evening show during the first week," Dotson said. "For the rest of the run, the best seats can be found on the weekday performances and Sunday evenings."
This ain't kid's stuff
L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" was written as a story for children.
Gregory Maguire's "Wicked" was not. It is a much darker, much more adult story, that turns the story of the Wicked Witch into a classic tragedy.
The musical "Wicked" strikes a balance between the two. Producer Marc Platt called it "An 8-to-80 show — it's a piece that works on so many levels that it will appeal to the broadest possible audience."
Still, "Wicked" is recommended for audiences ages 8 years and older.
Children ages 4 years and younger will not be admitted to the theater.
Follow the yellow brick road
Well, follow the Tulsa streets and highways to 101 E. Third St. — the corner of Third Street and Cincinnati Avenue in downtown Tulsa. That's the location of the Tulsa PAC.
Parking is available in several lots adjacent to the PAC, as well as the parking facility under the PAC that also serves the nearby Crowne Plaza Hotel. Enter the parking garage from Second Street.
Cost for parking during special events is typically $5. The PAC offers valet parking for most shows in the Chapman Music Hall for $10.
Just a bite
Downtown Tulsa has an increasing number of restaurants that offer dining options before — and, in some cases, after — the show.
Call the restaurants for more information about hours and menus.
Baxter's Interurban Grill: 717 S. Houston Ave. 585-3134. American, Southwestern. Upscale casual.
Caz's Chowhouse: 18 E. Brady St. 588-2469. American with modern twists. Casual.
Chalkboard in Hotel Ambassador: 1324 S. Main St. 582-1964. New American. Fine dining.
Daily Grill, Crowne Plaza Hotel: 100 E. Second St. 582-9000. American. Upscale casual.
El Guapo's Cantina: 332 E. First St. 382-7482. Mexican. Casual.
James E. McNellie's Public House: 409 E. First St. 382-7468. American-Irish pub. Casual.
Lola's at the Bowery: 5 E. Brady St. 592-7995. Tapas/New American. Upscale casual.
Mexicali Border Cafe: 14 W. Brady St. 582-3383. Mexican. Casual.
Oscar's Gastropub: 1738 S. Boston Ave. 938-6960. Modern American pub. Upscale casual.
Spaghetti Warehouse: 221 E. Brady St. 587-4440. Italian. Casual.
Joe Momma's Pizza: 112 S. Elgin Ave. 794-6563. Pizza, Italian. Casual.
What it all adds up to
For those in the audience, "Wicked" is the chance to experience what has been called "a spectacular entertainment with deep emotions and a serious message," and a show with the "magnitude that North America has not witnessed since the peak years of 'The Phantom of the Opera.' "
For everyone in Tulsa, however, "Wicked" means green — a projected $16 million brought into the local economy, with $6 million of that being what ticket buyers are projected to spend for such things as meals, hotels, parking, shopping and such activities.
By JAMES D. WATTS JR. World Scene Writer
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