- By KEN WERTHER
- Photo By PAIGE PETRONE
Wicked (full title: Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz) is the winner of over 100 international awards, including three Tony’s; six Drama Desk Awards; and a Grammy. This blockbuster musical celebrated its 10th anniversary on Broadway in 2013 and is currently the 11th longest-running show in Broadway history having played over 4,650 performances. With various national and international tours currently running around the world, there seems to be no end in sight.
The story of Wicked is told from the perspective of the witches of the Land of Oz. Its plot begins before and continues after Dorothy’s arrival in Oz from Kansas and includes several references to the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz and L. Frank Baum’s novel on which the movie is based. Since its 2003 debut, Wicked has broken box office records around the world, currently holding weekly-gross-takings records in Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis and London.
The engagement currently running at the Pantages Theatre is its fourth in LA. I first saw Wicked here in June 2005. I practically had to promise my first born to snag a ticket and haven’t been able to get another seat since. For a taste of the relentless excitement this show generates, go to watch here and marvel at the original Broadway cast performing the act one finale. And then, head to the Pantages for tickets. You might want to bring along your first-born.
Wicked plays at the Pantages Theatre, located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, through March 15.
