Wicked Returns to the Pantages

The winner of 15 major awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, “Wicked” is the untold story of the witches of Oz. 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 story follows their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

The new production of “Wicked” is being mounted specifically for Southern California and will star Eden Espinosa as Elphaba and Megan Hilty as Glinda. Both Espinosa and Hilty appeared in their roles in the Broadway production of “Wicked.”

In the last week of 2006 “Wicked” once again set a new record for the highest grossing week in Broadway history, breaking its own previous record. In that same week, productions of the musical also broke records as the highest grossing show ever in London’s West End, Chicago, and Toronto, where it was on a national tour stop.

Its popularity continued on last summer when it was completely sold out during its seven-week run at the Pantages Theatre.

“Wicked” can trace its roots back to Southern California. The first reading, of just the first act, was in spring of 2000 at the Coronet Theatre. Work and readings continued in Los Angeles, and in February 2001, the first reading of the entire book and score was held. At that time, producer David Stone, director Joe Mantello and the rest of the creative team began an 18-month schedule of readings and workshops, primarily at Universal Studios.

The Pantages Theatre’s performance will include Emmy Award winner and Oscar nominee Carol Kane as Madame Morrible and veteran stage, screen and television star John Rubinstein plays The Wizard. Jenna Leigh Green will appear as Nessarose. Kristoffer Cusick plays Fiyero, a role he has played on Broadway and in Chicago.

Opening Feb. 10, the production’s performances are set for Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Special matinees will be staged at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, Wednesday, April 4 and Thursday, July 5.

The Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Tickets are: $32.50, $57.50 and $85.50; premium tickets are also available. Previews Feb. 10 through Feb. 20 are $27.50, $52.50 and $80.50. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, (213) 365-3500 or (714) 740-7878. In person at the Pantages’ box office or online at www.ticketmaster.com For groups of 15 or more, contact 866-755-3075. For more information go to www.wickedthemusical.com