Published: June 11, 2008 04:04 pm      

THEATER: Shea's gets 'Wicked'

What were things like before we met the Munchkins and skipped down the yellow brick road with Dorothy and her friends from Oz?

Find out when the Tony Award-winning musical “Wicked” stops in Western New York for 32 performances from June 18-July 13 at Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo.

Inspired by the original book, “The Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, and based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, the smash hit — featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz — has received rave reviews all over the world and has thrilled audiences since its debut on Broadway in October 2003.

The show has won more than 35 awards, including three Tonys and a Grammy.

“Wicked” tells the story of what happened before the twister dropped Dorothy in Oz and focuses on the relationship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

Elaborate sets and costumes, spellbinding special effects and amazing music contribute to the show’s growing popularity with audiences of all ages, according to Shea’s marketing manager Lisa Grisanti.

“(The) show has everything that makes it a blockbuster hit,” Grisanti said. “It has a very clever story, great costumes, an amazing set, and it’s such a spectacular show in itself. It appeals to a wide range of people, from teens to seniors.”

Grisanti believes that everyone has some sort of connection to the nostalgia of “The Wizard of Oz.” Many people have watched the movie since they were young, and they’re curious to know about the story before the story, so to speak.

“Once people see it, they’re going to want to see it again,” Grisanti said. “I’ve gone to see it on Broadway, and I’ll be seeing it for a second time here in Buffalo.”

The anticipated arrival of this show has brought strong demand, as ticket sales have been steady since they went on sale in April. Everyone involved has been excited ever since the show was booked and they are eagerly awaiting to present it to audiences throughout its run, Grisanti said.

“(We have) had very successful multiple-week engagements over the years,” Grisanti said. “And (we) have been able to demonstrate our good reputation with the touring Broadway community. That helps a lot when it comes down to what shows we’d like to present. But in order to book a production, it must be on tour.”

Grisanti also said that audience surveys are conducted at least once a year to see what the public is interested in seeing at Shea’s. This proves to be helpful when deciding what shows to present on the stage for coming season.

“Wicked” is now in its fourth year on the Broadway stage at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City, where it nears its 2,000th performance. The show can also be seen regularly in Chicago and Los Angeles, and internationally in London, Tokyo, Stuttgart, Germany, and Melbourne, Australia.

“Wicked” will close Shea’s 2007-08 theater schedule. The 2008-09 lineup includes “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” “Mamma Mia!,” “A Chorus Line” and Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple.”

“Wicked” has not yet sold out for its entire run. As of press time, tickets are available for all July dates, as well as the June 19 matinee.

— Alyssa Harpst is a Night & Day intern.



IF YOU GO

* WHAT: “Wicked”

* WHEN: Wednesday-July 13

* WHERE: Shea’s Performing Arts Center, 646 Main St., Buffalo

* MORE INFORMATION: Call 847-1410 or visit sheas.org