Wicked’s Memphis Stop - and It’s Wide Audience

Though the magic that is “Wicked” has been overtaking audiences for years on international stages as well as Broadway, the concept behind the story is nothing new - much like “Cats” and “Sotuh Pacific,” other Broadway hits, the story was inspired by a book. From Gregory Maguire’s novel that follows the “life and times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” “Wicked” has picked up several Tony Awards for its characters and composers (Stephen Schwartz) as when it first appeared on the stage. What makes this play so appearling, however, is not because of the music or the artistic novel, but rather the evolution that the conceptual story brings to the table - in otherwords, the original Frank Baum story that created such a prequel (aka “The Wizard of Oz”) is one of the world’s most popular movies and a cross-promotion that spans generations, media platforms and demographics,” says the California Chronicle. Today over 17 million people have experienced the show and grossed more than $1.35 billion. Folks in Memphis will experience a new first as the show plans on showing a three week run at the Orpheum theatre, the first time since Disney’s “The Lion King” played there for that amount in 2007. “‘Wicked’ falls into a unique category of theater,” Orpheum president Pat Halloran said. “It’s consistent with other blockbusters for three reasons; one: people are familiar with the subject; Two: It brings the whole family. Three: It has great word-of-mouth. The music is phenomenal, and technically it has everything from flying monkeys to witches on brooms. It’s a huge production.”

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