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Wicked leaving Chicago? Oh no! Since July 13, 2005, Chicago’s Oriental Theatre has enjoyed the honor of hosting the wildly popular theatrical musical Wicked Chicago. Wicked leaving Chicago breaks many hearts, as the show has delighted Chicago audiences for the last several years. Coming to a close on January 25, 2009, the reality of Wicked leaving Chicago is hard to imagine since Chicago has embraced this experience for so long. Wicked leaving Chicago is a particular blow for the millions of fans of this wickedly successful production. Why, on ‘green’ Earth, is Wicked leaving Chicago?
Wicked Chicago – The Show
Wicked Chicago is based on the 1995 novel entitled “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire. The production examines the characters of the original story, specifically the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North. The production tells of their friendship struggles, rivalry over a love interest, response to the Wizard’s government, and the Wicked Witch’s demise.
Wicked leaving Chicago will leave audiences clamoring for a comparable musical with an award-winning composer, such as Stephen Schwartz. Schwartz is famous for the musical composition of movies like The Prince of Egypt and Pocahontas. He was awarded a Grammy for this work with Wicked.
Wicked Chicago runs just under 3 hours with intermission and is great fun for children and adults. The vivid costumes, intricately designed scenery and special effects will keep you captivated.
Wicked Chicago is just one of many tour stops that this remarkable musical has enjoyed the luxury of playing. Highly successful North American and international tours have garnered this production Tony Award nominations and wins for Best Actress, Costume Design and Scenic Design. With all of that acclaim, why is Wicked leaving Chicago?
Wicked’s Impact on Chicago’s Theatre Scene
The cast of Wicked Chicago has played over 1,000 performances to near sold-out shows. Wicked leaving Chicago will certainly put a dent in Chicago’s theatrical community. During the run of Wicked Chicago, the musical slowly started replacing the touring cast with local talent. Not only has Wicked Chicago embraced its home by putting the spotlight on homegrown talent, but Wicked leaving Chicago will leave an empty financial space in Chicago’s revitalized downtown theater community.
Wicked Chicago grossed $1.4 million in its first week and has gone on to be the longest running Broadway production in Chicago’s theatrical history. In the winter of 2007, Chicago’s box office records were broken with more than $1.4 million in ticket sales sold for Wicked Chicago for the week ending December 30, 2007.
The 1990s proved that a theater presence was needed in downtown Chicago. Now in full force, Chicago has grown with more diverse theater choices. Wicked Chicago is one of the best touring productions that Chicago has seen. Originally slated for an 18 month stay, Wicked Chicago’s ticket sales were so strong that producers decided to stay. Now, more than 2 million visitors have seen Wicked Chicago, and it has grossed over $200 million in ticket sales.
Chicago may be known for its skyscrapers and deep dish pizza, but Chicagoans enjoy a great theater scene. Wicked leaving Chicago will certainly leave a temporary lull in the downtown area for visitors. Wicked leaving Chicago also puts a damper on Chicago businesses. With Italian restaurant Petterino’s nearby and the famous Garrett’s Popcorn next door, fans of Wicked Chicago will miss the fellowship. Wicked Chicago is incredibly popular and is not likely to be extended beyond its 2009 date. Why is Wicked leaving Chicago? It’s still in demand and Chicago businesses need visitors.
Wicked leaving Chicago in January 2009 will hopefully send a strong reminder for local residents who have not yet enjoyed this popular performance. Perhaps Wicked leaving Chicago will make room for another remarkable Broadway play. Whatever the reason, Wicked leaving Chicago will be impactful on everyone.
In the meantime, Wicked Chicago tickets can be hard to locate and expensive. Matinees and weekday performances to Wicked Chicago may give you the right tickets at the right price. Every good show must come to an end, and Wicked Chicago will be missed.