Wicked, Broadway’s Biggest Blockbuster, Returns to the Orpheum Theatre, August 11–Sept. 19, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS—Wicked, the smash hit musical, makes its much-anticipated return to Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Orpheum Theatre, Wednesday, August 11–Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. Wicked broke Minneapolis box office records and sold out its entire run in record time both in 2006 and 2008. Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire about the untold story of the witches of Oz, Wicked is the winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards. Wicked is presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust as a special addition to its 2010/11 Broadway Across America-Minneapolis season. Tickets are on sale now. For more information or to buy tickets call 1.800.982.2787 or visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

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. Wicked 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. Time Magazine says, “If every musical had a brain, a heart and the courage of Wicked, Broadway really would be a magical place.”

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Academy Award-winner for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt) and book by Winnie Holzman (“My So Called Life,” “Once And Again” and “thirtysomething”), Wicked delves into the background mysteries of Oz and is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Take Me Out, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Vagina Monologues) featuring musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento (Aida, The Who’s Tommy, How To Succeed…). It is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

“Wicked has been a major success both times it played the Orpheum Theatre and fans have been eagerly waiting for its return. Few shows generate such repeat and fervent enthusiasm,” commented Tom Hoch, Hennepin Theatre Trust’s President and CEO. “We are obviously thrilled to welcome back Wicked and expect the excitement to keep building!”

Minneapolis is not the only city which has enjoyed such demand. The national tour of Wicked has “cast quite a spell” (Washington Post) throughout North America, breaking box office records in every city that it has played, including Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Philadelphia and Boston to name a few.

Called “a cultural phenomenon” by Variety and just named “the defining musical of the decade” by The New York Times, Wicked continues to thrill audiences around the world. There are currently eight productions of Wicked worldwide, including two North American tours, a Broadway production, San Francisco production, London production, a Japanese-language production, a German-language production and Australian production. A Dutch-language production of Wicked will open in 2011.

Wicked features set design by Tony Award-winner Eugene Lee (Ragtime, Show Boat, Candide, Sweeney Todd), costume design by Tony-winner Susan Hilferty (Into the Woods, Assassins), lighting design by Tony nominee Kenneth Posner (The Coast of Utopia, Hairspray) and sound design by Tony Meola (The Lion King). Stephen Oremus is the show’s musical director. Orchestrations are by William David Brohn, with dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott.

The Grammy Award-winning cast recording is available on Decca Broadway. For more information about Wicked log on to www.wickedthemusical.com.

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for Wicked are on sale now and range from $153.50 to $38 (subject to change) depending on performance time and seating preference. All prices include applicable facility fees. Additional charges may apply. Hennepin Theatre Trust strongly recommends purchasing only from authorized ticket outlets. Tickets may be purchased in person at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 55402), online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org, or through Ticketmaster by calling 1.800.982.2787 or visiting a Ticketmaster Ticket Center. Groups of 20 or more are eligible for discounts to select performances and should call 612.373.5665 for information and reservations.
Ticket packages are also available for “A Wicked Affair” on Friday, August 13 and include show tickets, pre- and post-show receptions featuring complimentary food, beverages and entertainment and a one night’s stay at Graves 601 Hotel. Packages are available for $150 or $500 and proceeds support Hennepin Theatre Trust’s SpotLight Musical Theatre Program. For more information, visit http://www.hennepintheatretrust.org/support-us/wicked-affair.
Performance times are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. There will also be a matinee performance on Thursday, August 12 at 2 p.m.

HENNEPIN THEATRE TRUST, owner of the historic State, Orpheum and Pantages Theatres, is a non-profit organization devoted to enriching the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the Twin Cities. The Trust’s activities include Broadway touring productions, concerts, comedy, speakers and other variety entertainment plus educational initiatives including the SpotLight Musical Theatre Program for high schools, Critical View student reviewer program, Teen Ushers, the Access Program and Kids’ Night. For more information, go to HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA (Producer) is owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman). Broadway Across America presents first-class touring musicals and plays across 40 North American cities. Under the supervision of Beth Williams (COO & Head of Production), Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse theatre. Current Broadway productions include Promises, Promises; Million Dollar Quartet; Memphis; Lend Me a Tenor; La Cage aux Folles; Hair and West Side Story. Touring productions include Dreamgirls and Nickelodeon's Storytime Live. Please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.