Something "Wicked" Comes Back To Detroit
DETROIT (WWJ) - Something "Wicked" is returning to Detroit. The blockbuster Broadway Musical "Wicked" is back on stage at the Detroit Opera House, running Wednesday through December 31st.
The show has a local connection, with two cast members having roots in Michigan. University of Michigan Theatre Grad Laurel Harris is in the ensemble and is the understudy for two key roles: Nessa Rose and Elphaba, the green witch. Another ensemble member, Ryan Patrick Farrell grew up in Macomb County.
For those who haven't seen the show, Harris tells WWJ, "Wicked is basically the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. It focuses on the two witches encounters before the 'Wizard Of Oz.' The two actually went to school together and had a relationship. It's a very cool story about friendship, sacrifice and life lessons. It's funny and it's moving and you'll laugh and cry, and you'll love it. It's a great story."
Harris adds that she is looking forward to coming back to Ann Arbor and going back to her favorite restaurants on State Street. And she plans to visit with her old professors and speak to students at the University of Michigan. Harris added, " The Theater Program at the U-of-M is the best. The professors really prepared me for my career on stage. And I know I wouldn't be where I am without my education at Michigan."
Farrell says everyone can relate to "Wicked."
"It's a show about acceptance, accepting people for who they are whether they are the popular kid or the nerd, or the weirdo. I think it's really great for teenagers, especially with all the teen bullying that's been going on. It's great to be a part of something like this, which everyone in the audience can connect with," he said.
"Wicked" broke box office records and sold out in record time in 2006 and 2008 when it last played in Detroit. Ticket prices range from $39 to $104 and are on sale at the Fisher Theatre Box office, Ticketmaster locations at Ticketmaster.com.
