A Wicked forecast for Tulsa

Tulsa, Okla. — Tulsa is due for some pretty Wicked weather as the Broadway musical strolls into town for three weeks this summer. Tickets for the event are currently on sale.

Wickedwill take the stage June 18 – July 6 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center’s Chapman Music Hall — and every time it visits Tulsa, it breaks box office records, according to host, Celebrity Attractions.

“To sayWicked is returning to [Oklahoma] by popular demand is an understatement,” said Celebrity Attractions Chief Executive Officer, Ed L. Payton.

“ … And after seeing how quickly tickets flew out of the box office for our last … engagement, I am sure the three week run will be the hottest ticket in town.”

Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello and features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.

Wicked has won 35 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards.

In Wicked, long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One — born with emerald-green skin — is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular.

The musical tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

Oklahoma City native and former Wicked performer Joel Ingram said the musical drastically impacted his life.

“The day I got the call … my life changed,” Ingram said in an interview with The Gayly last fall. [Wicked] is a really special show.”

Ingram said there’s nothing quite like performing live, which is why seeing Wicked at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center will be an experience like no other.

“It’s amazing how much we feed off the audience,” Ingram said. “On the downside, there is no place to hide!”

Wickedcomes to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center for three weeks June 19 through July 6. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased via phone (918) 596-7111 or online at www.celebrityattractions.comor www.MyTicketOffice.com. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center located at 110 E. 2nd Street in Tulsa.

According to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center website, Wicked is recommended for ages 8 and up. For more information, visit www.tulsapac.com.

by Siali Siaosi, Journalism Intern

The Gayly – June 13, 2014 @ 11:20am