Based on a best-selling 1995 Gregory Maguire novel, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” the musical adaptation “Wicked” depicts the untold odyssey of the witches of Oz long before the girl from Kansas arrived in Munchkinland.
Winner of numerous awards including Grammy and Tony awards, the popular Broadway musical returns to El Paso for its second time since 2012.
Written and composed by Stephen Schwartz, “Wicked” is the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, who meet in the Land of Oz. Elphaba is a smart and fiery yet misunderstood girl born with emerald-green skin, while Glinda is a beautiful ambitious blond, who is very popular.
Since its 2003 Broadway premier, “Wicked” has become the highest-grossing West End opening in production and continues to break box office records across North America. It has also been produced internationally in Germany, Australia and Japan.
The enchanting story is a prequel to the novel-based film “The Wizard of the Oz,” which was released in 1939. “Wicked” is told from the point of view of the witches who live in the Land of Oz.
Said to be the “Best Musical of the Decade” by Entertainment Weekly and a “Cultural Phenomenon” by Variety, “Wicked” is the winner of more than 100 major international awards including a Grammy, a Laurence Olivier Award, three Tony Awards and six Helpmann and Drama Desk Awards. The New York Times said the show is “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster,” and USA Today considers it “the most complete and completely satisfying musical in a long time.”
Musical staging for the show is provided by Wayne Cilento, and the production is directed by Joe Mantello. Stephen Schwartz composed the music and lyrics in conjunction to the book written by famous poet Winnie Holzman.
“Wicked” will run for 16 shows within a span of two weeks at The Plaza Theater from May 20-31, 2015.
Tickets start at $60 plus fees and are available online at Ticketmaster.com/wicked. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or in person at the Plaza Theatre Box Office, located at 1 Civic Center Plaza, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The recommended age for children is 8 and up, with no children under the age of 5 being admitted. Running time for the show is up to two hours and 30 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission.
Valerie Herrera may be reached at [email protected].
