What Is This Feeling

Behind the Emerald Curtain: Monkeys

2012-02-09T20:14:00.003+01:00

MSN Interview with Matt Willis

2012-02-02T13:35:00.000+01:00

<a href='http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/exclusives/video.aspx?videoid=ee4db1bc-e38e-4058-a3b3-25104e068449&src=v5:embed::uuids' target='_new' title='Wicked Matt Willis' >Video: Wicked Matt Willis</a>

Wicked London - Cast Video Part Two

2012-01-27T14:59:00.000+01:00

Support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

2012-01-24T17:03:00.001+01:00

Purchase your Broadway tickets via Givenik.com and 5% goes to charity.

Wicked London 2012: Meet The Cast

2012-01-20T20:35:00.000+01:00

Aaron Tveit cast in Les Mis

2012-01-18T20:12:00.002+01:00

Universal has confirmed that former Wicked star Aaron Tveit will play Enjolras in the latest film adaptation of Les Miserables. The film, which will also star Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried and Eddie Redmayne, is due for release in December.

Source.

E! News Behind the Scenes

2011-12-22T08:40:00.000+01:00

New Wicked London Cast Photos

2011-12-12T14:05:00.000+01:00

All photos: Tristram Kenton

Gina Beck

Lillie Flynn & Adam Pettigrew

Matt Willis

Christopher Howell

Behind The Emerald Curtain: Monkey Edition

2011-12-06T22:35:00.001+01:00

Whatsonstage.com Nominations

2011-12-02T15:26:00.001+01:00

Wicked has been nominated for The Equity Best West End Show, whilst former Elphabas Caissie Levy (Best Actress in a Musical - Ghost The Musical) and Kerry Ellis (The Jo Hutchison International Best Solo Performance - Anthems at the Royal Albert Hall) also scored nominations.

Voting is open until 31st January 2012. Winners will be announced on 19th February.

Cast your votes here.

Mark Evans Cast in Ghost

2011-11-30T12:15:00.001+01:00

The West End's current Fiyero, Mark Evans, will take over the role of Sam Wheat on January 13th, alongside Siobhan Dillon as Molly Jensen (pictured below).

Current Ghost star Caissie Levy moves to the Broadway production, which is due to open on March 15th.

Wicked London Wins Best Night Out Award

2011-11-21T11:14:00.001+01:00

Congratulations to the Wicked London team, for winning the new Best Night Out Award at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards, which were announced last night. The category featured a jury selected list of twelve nominees, however the winner was chosen by the public.

View a complete list of winners here.

Wicked Day Livestream

2011-10-30T14:23:00.000+01:00

Watch live streaming video from wickedbroadway at livestream.com

Behind the Emerald Curtain: Music Edition - Conductor

2011-10-11T19:49:00.000+02:00

Wicked London Casting News

2011-09-14T12:15:00.001+02:00

Gina Beck (Les Miserables, The Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera) and former Busted star Matt Willis will join the cast from December 12th in the roles of Glinda and Fiyero.

Other new cast members include Lillie Flynn (Nessarose), Christopher Howell (Doctor Dillamond) and Adam Pettigrew (Boq). Desmond Barrit returns to the role of The Wizard.

Casting News

2011-08-25T19:38:00.001+02:00

Jackie Burns (Elphaba) and Chandra Lee Schwartz (Glinda) join the Broadway production from the National Tour on September 27th.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Rachel Tucker will continue as London's Elphaba into 2012. Louise Dearman (Glinda), Mark Evans (Fiyero), Clive Carter (The Wizard), Julian Forsyth (Dr Dillamond), Ben Stott (Boq) and Zoe Rainey (Nessarose) play their last performances on December 10th.

Behind the Emerald Curtain: Hair & Make Up - Wigs

2011-08-25T19:29:00.000+02:00

Behind the Emerald Curtain: Music Edition

2011-06-27T19:45:00.001+02:00

West End Live Performance & Interview

2011-06-22T22:10:00.000+02:00

Source: todoMUSICALEStv and LeicesterSquareTV

A Message Regarding West End Live Photos

2011-06-19T20:32:00.002+02:00

A few weeks ago I attended a convention for the television show "The Vampire Diaries" and subsequently posted my photos on Flickr (they're here, if anyone is interested!).

To the best of my knowledge, at least two websites downloaded my photographs and placed them on their own sites, without any credit. One site even had the cheek to tag the photos as if they were their own! I have asked for the photographs to be credited or removed but the webmasters have failed to respond.

To those unfamiliar with Flickr, I would stress that I do not make any money from photographs viewed there. It is simply rewarding to see how many people view each photograph, comment on or add as a favourite. Whilst I use Flickr as an online back-up in case my original files are lost, I also wish to share the photographs I take at theatre or television events with like-minded fans and I do not wish to cover them in watermarks!

Photos may be reproduced on other sites providing a link-back is provided to the original Flickr location. I also request that a link is given to this site.

The above being said, I would like to say thank you to all those people who have commented on my photos from West End Live. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

West End Live 2011 Photographs

2011-06-19T18:22:00.000+02:00

My photos from West End Live (Saturday) are now online, as detailed below:

Betty Blue Eyes
Billy Elliot
Chicago
Flying Karamazov Brothers
Free Run
Ghost The Musical
Jersey Boys
Legally Blonde (featuring Lee Mead)
Lend Me A Tenor (featuring Cassidy Janson)
Love Never Dies
Mamma Mia!
Million Dollar Quartet
Rock of Ages (featuring Oliver Tompsett)
Thriller Live
We Will Rock You
Wicked

Pictured: Oliver Tompsett performing in Rock of Ages.

Rachel Tucker Performing at West End Live 2011

2011-06-18T23:10:00.004+02:00

Rachel performed Defying Gravity/The Wizard & I, as previously seen on "Dancing on Ice".

More photos from today can be seen here (many more to come, including Cassidy Janson, Lee Mead and Oliver Tompsett. Contrary to my post yesterday, Caissie Levy was not actually performing but you can read an interview with her here).

UK Happenings!

2011-06-17T16:36:00.005+02:00

This weekend sees West End Live taking place in Trafalgar Square. Wicked is due to perform at 11.35 on Saturday - maybe this year we'll get something other than "The Wizard & I"!

View the full line-up here. No doubt many former Wicked cast members will be spotted - Cassidy Janson is appearing in Lend Me a Tenor and Caissie Levy will be previewing Ghost: The Musical.

The UK cast will also be taking part in Magic Summer Live, at Hatfield House on July 17th. According to the latest Ozmopolitan, Rachel Tucker, Louise Dearman and Mark Evans will be in attendance.

Idina Menzel is peforming at the Royal Albert Hall on 6th October. Buy tickets here.

Finally, some casting news. Former Elphaba stand-by, Ashleigh Gray is appearing in Betwixt! from July 26th and Oliver Tompsett has joined the London cast of Rock of Ages. Lee Mead takes over from Alex Gaumond as Emmett in Legally Blonde on Monday. Tompsett and Mead are both due to perform at West End Live.

Dee Roscioli returns to Oz

2011-06-01T16:32:00.000+02:00

Dee Roscioli, who previously played Elphaba in the Chicago and Broadway productions joins the first National Tour on June 7th. Amanda Jane Cooper is currently playing Glinda on tour.

Source.

From Wicked Pro-Shots & Publicity Photos

Wicked Reading in Perth

2011-05-27T14:23:00.001+02:00

Maggie Kirkpatrick (Madame Morrible) and Zoe Jarrett (Ensemble/Elphaba Understudy) will be reading from Gregory Maguie's novel and The Grimmerie at the State Library of Western Australia, Perth on 30th June.

In addition, from June 7th until July 9th costumes from the show will be on display at Perth's Claremont Quarter.

Source: The Oztralian

Kristin Chenoweth performs "For Good" on the Oprah Winfrey Show

2011-05-25T13:24:00.000+02:00

Kristin appeared on the "Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular", which aired yesterday. You can watch her performance here.

Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images North America

Smash: Full length trailer

2011-05-18T20:07:00.002+02:00

Learn more at the official site.

Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards

2011-05-17T00:10:00.001+02:00

Wicked won Favorite Long-Running Show and Favorite Tour for the 2010-2011 season. View a complete list of winners here.

Staying on Broadway, the season finale of Glee will feature scenes filmed at the Gershwin Theatre. Read more here.

Official Ashleigh Gray YouTube Channel

2011-05-07T10:15:00.000+02:00

Former West End Elphaba stand-by Ashleigh Gray has launched an official YouTube Channel. At present this features highlights from her Easter concert on The Battersea Barge, which you can view below.

Broadway.com Audience Choice Award Nominations

2011-05-07T10:05:00.000+02:00

Nominations have been announced for the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards. Wicked is nominated in Favorite Long-Running Show and Favorite Tour. Voting is open until May 12th and winners will be announced on May 15th.

Congratulations to former Wicked cast members Norbert Leo Butz, Aaron Tveit (Catch Me If You Can) and Joel Grey (Anything Goes) on their nominations.

Cast your votes here.

Tom McGowan is Broadway's latest Wizard

2011-05-02T18:05:00.000+02:00

From Tuesday, 3rd May Tom McGowan assumes the role of the Wizard in the Broadway production.

Behind the Emerald Curtain: Scenic Edition, Oz Head

2011-04-27T19:38:00.000+02:00

WICKED Journey of the Wand Mash-Up

2011-04-25T15:58:00.002+02:00

The Journey of the Wand videos promised more surprises and today sees the launch of the Wicked Games, which will run until June. Entrants must be residents of the United States and District of Columbia and be aged 13 and over.

Wicked Easter Q&A!

2011-04-22T17:21:00.001+02:00

MAD Trust: West End Eurovision 2011

2011-04-10T11:31:00.000+02:00

Read more about MAD Trust and West End Eurovision here. Voting for the Best Video Ident closes on 21st April.

Journey of the Wand

2011-04-04T20:14:00.000+02:00

From the OfficialWicked YouTube channel:

Help send a very special wand to the Emerald City to kick off something GOOD that's happening in Oz. We can't do it without you!

Instructions:
1. Download this PDF to make your own Wicked Wand -- or use your own wand.
http://www.wickedthemusical.com/journeyofthewand.pdf

2. Create a short video of yourself passing your Wicked Wand from your right to your left. The wand should go from off screen on your right-hand side to off screen on your left-hand side, just like in the video above.

3. Your video should be short -- around 10 seconds -- but feel free to be creative. The possibilities are unlimited!

4. Upload your video on YouTube as a response to this video.

Don't have an account? Go here: http://www.youtube.com/create_account?next=%2F

Learn how to upload a response video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y373nX3toEA

5. The deadline for video submissions is April 18. After April 18, keep an eye out for the Journey of the Wand video featuring lots of our fans and cast members passing the wand. You could be in it! And there will be an exciting revelation at the end...so stay tuned.

Questions? Comments? Ask away in the comments below!

THANKS and GOOD LUCK!!

2011 Wicked Young Writers' Award/Gregory Maguire Signing

2011-04-01T20:09:00.000+02:00

Wicked London has announced the second year of the Wicked Young Writers' Award (ages 5 to 25 years). You can view a series of videos about last year's awards here and learn more about the competition here.

Wicked author Gregory Maguire will be at Waterstone's, Oxford Street Plaza on Sunday 10th April from 2-3pm to sign copies of his books. The website does not state whether books have to be purchased on the day. Click here for more information.

Pictured: Wicked Young Writers' Award Ceremony 2010 (Photo: Dan Wooller)

Richard H Blake joining Broadway Cast

2011-03-24T19:48:00.000+01:00

Richard H Blake assumes the role of Fiyero from 29th March, replacing Kyle Dean Massey. Blake previously played the role in the National Tour.

Source

"Bucks Free Press" Interview with Shona White

2011-03-13T08:59:00.000+01:00

The former Elphaba stand-by is currently starring in a touring production of "Chess: The Musical" and discusses her current role, together with her love for Wicked and her hopes for the future. Read the interview here.

Pictured: Adam Garcia & Shona White

Wicked London Media Night 2011

2011-03-04T20:26:00.002+01:00

Special Performance for The Actors Fund

2011-03-03T18:52:00.000+01:00

The Broadway company of Wicked presents a special performance at 8pm on April 3rd to benefit The Actors Fund.

Premium orchestra tickets will include a pre-performance Behind the Emerald Curtain with special guests.

For further information visit The Actors Fund website.

West End In Wales

2011-03-03T18:33:00.000+01:00

The West End's current Fiyero, Mark Evans, is the founder and director of "West End in Wales" which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. This year's course runs from Monday 8th August until Saturday 13th August and is open to those aged between 10 and 18 years.

Learn more about the course at the official website and in Mark's latest blog.

Emily Tierney in "The Wizard of Oz"

2011-03-03T10:47:00.000+01:00

"The Wizard of Oz" opened at the London Palladium this week. Former West End cast member Emily Tierney (Ensemble/Nessarose u/s) plays Glinda and can be glimpsed in the montage below.

Photo: Keith Pattison

"Our Wicked Romance" - A Jazz Cabaret (Part 2!)/Wicked WEBB

2011-03-03T10:12:00.002+01:00

The National Touring Company will perform on March 14th at The Mezz in Orlando. Click here for further information.

Meanwhile tonight the cast of Wicked and San Antonio AIDS Foundation present Wicked WEBB, a one night only cabaret. Click here for details.

Pictured: Mariand Torres

Behind the Emerald Curtain: Costume Edition, Beading

2011-02-24T16:33:00.001+01:00

BWW Interview with Ashleigh Gray

2011-02-21T11:04:00.000+01:00

Ashleigh Gray officially left the West End company of Wicked last year but made a return to the Apollo Victoria last week covering for sickness. She speaks to BroadwayWorld.com about her life as a stand by, Wicked's passionate fanbase and her upcoming projects. Read the interview here.

Wicked wins at 2011 What's On Stage Awards

2011-02-20T20:35:00.001+01:00

Legally Blonde was the big winner at tonight's What's On Stage Awards, scooping four awards including Best New Musical and Best Actress in a Musical for Sheridan Smith.

However Rachel Tucker (pictured below) won the Take One Media Best Takeover in a Role and Wicked took home the Equity Best West End Show.

Congratulations to all concerned. View a full list of nominees and winners here.

Wicked Stars in "The Songs of Bobby Cronin"

2011-02-20T18:08:00.002+01:00

Wicked cast members past and present are scheduled to appear in "The Songs of Bobby Cronin" at the New Players Theatre, London on 27th February. The line-up includes Mark Evans, Jye Frasca, Ashleigh Gray, Katie Rowley Jones and Liam Tamne.

Buy tickets here.

From What Is This Feeling

Kyle Dean Massey & Kendra Kassebaum performing in Footnotes Concert

2011-02-19T09:33:00.000+01:00

Taking place at Joe's Pub on March 6th, Missouri State University presents "Footnotes", a showcase of graduating students and alumni of the school's Musical Theatre Program.

Click here to buy tickets.

Wicked London Media Night 2011

2011-02-18T20:06:00.002+01:00

Last night saw the official welcome for Wicked London's latest cast members. Pictured below are Mark Evans (Fiyero), Zoe Rainey (Nessarose) and Ben Stott (Boq).

Source.

Kate Reinders in "Modern Family"

2011-02-17T21:52:00.001+01:00

The former Wicked star appeared in last night's episode "Princess Party". Viewers in the US can watch the episode here.

Photos: ABC

"My San Antonio" Interview with Anne Brummel

2011-02-17T09:23:00.002+01:00

Brummel, who is currently playing Elphaba in the Second National Tour, talks about her time in the show here.

In other tour news, Colin Hanlon has joined the First National Tour as Fiyero.

From Wicked Pro-Shots & Publicity Photos

Rachel Tucker Performing "Defying Gravity"

2011-02-14T09:48:00.000+01:00

As featured on last night's "Dancing on Ice".

Source

"Our Wicked Romance" - A Jazz Cabaret

2011-02-11T21:31:00.003+01:00

The National Touring Cast of Wicked will be appearing at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center on 14th February for an evening of "music, dance and comedy". Attendees will have the chance to bid on a variety of Wicked memorabilia, backstage opportunities and the chance to appear on stage.

Proceeds will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s mission-based programming.

Click here for more information.

Megan Hilty cast in NBC's "Smash"

2011-02-10T09:55:00.000+01:00

Megan Hilty has been cast in NBC's new musical pilot "Smash", which follows a group of characters staging a Broadway show about Marilyn Monroe. Steven Spielberg is an Executive Producer and Hairspray songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman will write original songs for the show. "Will & Grace" star Debra Messing has also been cast as the show's lyricist.

Source: BroadwayWorld.com and TV Line

Broadway.com Interview With Teal Wicks

2011-02-07T21:44:00.001+01:00

Teal Wicks, who previously played Elphaba in Los Angeles and San Francisco, joined the Broadway production on 1st February. She talks to Broadway.com talks about her career, fans and co-star Kyle Dean Massey. Read the interview here.

"You've been Disneyfied!"

2011-02-07T19:54:00.000+01:00

As you can see from the post date in the original blog, the following animation is a few months old and has been doing the rounds on Tumblr etc however I'll confess I was unaware of it until friend emailed me the link today.

To be clear, whilst the artist, Heidi Jo Gilbert, works for Disney this is something she's done for herself and is 100% unofficial!

Source.

Theatermania Interview With Kyle Dean Massey

2011-02-07T10:23:00.000+01:00

Kyle Dean Massey returned to the Broadway Company of Wicked at the end of last month. He talks to Theatermania about his return to the show here.

Wicked London 2011 Cast

2011-02-03T19:27:00.001+01:00

From next Monday, Mark Evans (Fiyero), Zoe Rainey (Nessa Rose) and Ben Stott (Boq) join the cast of Wicked (or rejoin, in Mark's case!). The latest Ozmopolitan has a sneak peek at the latest cast photos, which you can view here.

West End Live 2011

2011-01-24T17:47:00.000+01:00

West End Live 2011 will take place in Trafalgar Square on 18th and 19th June. The change of venue is necessary because of renovations taking place in Leicester Square but personally, I feel that the event was fast out-growing it's original location so it will be interesting to see how the change affects it.

New Pro Shot Gallery

2011-01-24T11:07:00.000+01:00

I'm finally sorting out a new gallery featuring the best of the Wicked Pro Shots/Publicity Photos, which you can preview below. Main photo credits are Joan Marcus (US), Tristram Kenton (London), Ralf Brinkhoff & Birgit Mogenburg (Stuttgart), Jeff Busby (Melbourne) and Takashi Uehara (Tokyo).

Wicked Miniseries in Development

2011-01-10T10:01:00.001+01:00

Salma Hayek and ABC are developing an eight part miniseries of Gregory Maguire's novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West". The script is being written by Erik Jendresen ("Band of Brothers").

Source.

Wicked breaks more records

2011-01-04T23:19:00.000+01:00

Wicked enjoyed a remarkable holiday period both sides of the Atlantic. The Broadway production grossed a record $2.2 million over eight shows. Meanwhile the London production grossed £1,002,885 over nine shows (week commencing 27th December), achieving the highest single-week gross in London theatre history.

Source 1

Source 2

Meanwhile, congratulations to former Wicked stars Norbert Leo Butz and Michele Federer on the birth of their daughter, Georgia Teresa, on 2nd January.

Rachel Tucker & Louise Dearman Performing for World Hunger Day

2010-12-20T20:35:00.000+01:00

Rachel and Louise will be appearing alongside Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole and Elaine Paige at the Apollo Victoria on 9th January 2011 in "Dionne Warwick & Friends", a concert to raise funds and awareness for The Hunger Project.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster or call 0844 847 2350.

Teal Wicks to play Elphaba on Broadway

2010-12-20T18:36:00.005+01:00

Teal Wicks, who previously played Elphaba in Los Angeles and San Francisco, will play the part on Broadway from February 1st. Kyle Dean Massey returns to the company to play Fiyero.

Source.

Pictured: Teal Wicks (Photo: Joan Marcus)

Wicked in "The Simpsons"

2010-12-13T15:18:00.001+01:00

Wicked made a brief cameo in the latest episode of "The Simpsons", "Donnie Fatso" when Moe and Homer wandered onto stage whilst looking for a private place to talk. Viewers in the US can watch the episode here.

Behind The Emerald Curtain: Scenic Edition

2010-12-08T17:55:00.000+01:00

Whatsonstage Awards

2010-12-03T17:37:00.000+01:00

The West End production of Wicked has received the following nominations:

The Take One Media Best Takeover in a Role
Lee Mead
Rachel Tucker

The Equity Best West End Show
Wicked

Former West End & Broadway Elphaba, Kerry Ellis, has also been nominated in the Best Takeover category for her role in Oliver!

Cast your votes here.

Wicked London Cast Change 2011

2010-12-01T20:00:00.000+01:00

Further to the news that Mark Evans will be rejoining the cast in February, it has now been announced that Zoe Rainey and Ben Stott will be playing Nessarose and Boq. Chloe Taylor will be Standby Glinda.

Pictured: Ben Stott performing at West End Live 2010

Wicked London News

2010-11-27T19:32:00.001+01:00

The London production has been voted Best Long-Running West End Show at the BWW: UK Awards, whilst former Glinda, Dianne Pilkington, picked up Best Leading Actress in a Play for her current role in The 39 Steps. View a complete list of winners here.

Meanwhile it has been announced that former cast member Mark Evans will assume the role of Fiyero from 7th February 2011.

2010 BroadwayWorld UK Awards

2010-11-18T20:25:00.001+01:00

Voting closes tomorrow in the 2010 BroadwayWorld Awards. Wicked's nominations include:

Best Long Running West End Show
Best Leading Actor in a Musical - Lee Mead
Best Leading Actress in a Musical - Rachel Tucker/Louise Dearman. Kerry Ellis is also nominated for her role in Oliver!

Cast your votes here.

Original Cast Recording of Wicked goes Double Platinum

2010-11-11T15:50:00.001+01:00

The Original Cast Recording of Wicked has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Composer Stephen Schwartz was presented with a plaque following the 10th November matinee at The Gershwin Theater - view the presentation at BroadwayWorld.com.

Pictured: Marc Platt (Producer), Mandy Gonzalez, Stephen Schwartz & Katie Rose Clarke

Wicked Day London Online Auction

2010-11-02T20:05:00.000+01:00

The London cast of Wicked have designed t-shirts to be auctioned for Magic 105.4's "Cash for Kids" charity. View and bid for the designs here.

As well as the t-shirts, there is jewellery customised by Rachel Tucker and a signed Elphaba suitcase, as used in the show.

Wicked Day 2010 - London (Part 2)

2010-11-01T15:10:00.001+01:00

The remainder of my photos from Wicked Day are now online here.

You can view a video of Rachel and Louise performing "For Good" here (video by linny90120).

Lee Mead

George Ure

Lee Mead & Louise Dearman

Jennifer Tierney

Wicked Day 2010 - London

2010-10-31T23:03:00.000+01:00

The fifth annual Wicked Day took place at St Pancras International Terminal, London today, starting with a performance of "For Good" by Rachel Tucker and Louise Dearman. More photos will follow tomorrow but you can view the first batch here.

Louise Dearman & Rachel Tucker

Lauren James-Ray

Cassandra Compton

Wicked: Celebrating Seven Years of Amazing Fans

2010-10-28T16:39:00.000+02:00

Wicked welcomed its 5 millionth audience member to its Broadway Production on 29th September 2010. As Wicked Day 2010 approaches, the Company has posted the following video as a thank you to the show's fans.

The inevitable question for Stephen Schwartz: Will Lea Michele star in the Wicked movie?

2010-10-16T21:41:00.001+02:00

Stephen Schwartz has spoken to Broadway.com about the proposed film adaptation of Wicked (which, he cautions, is still "a twinkle in our eye":

"Lea Michele is fantastic," Schwartz told Broadway.com, "and it'd be silly to say she wouldn't be under consideration [for the role of Elphaba]."

Schwartz also revealed to Broadway.com that the movie version may require audiences to put on 3D glasses to see the witches of Oz fly.

"It'll probably be in 3D because that's where all [movies] are going," Schwartz told us. "We're talking to a lot of potential directors, as a lot of people know, and I think we'll make a decision pretty soon." Among the considered directors is Glee creator Ryan Murphy, who already has experience adapting popular books for film with Running with Scissors and this year's Eat Pray Love. "We like Ryan and had a great meeting with him," Schwartz said of the director. "I've always been a big fan of his."

So if Murphy does turn out to be Wicked's cinematic wizard, it makes a lot of sense to cast his super-popular, Emmy-nominated Glee star Michele as the green girl. But don’t line up for popcorn yet. Schwartz explained that Wicked fans should be patient since the film is still in very early development. "It's a twinkle in our eye," he said.

Baz Luhrmann discusses Wicked - on stage and screen

2010-10-16T21:31:00.000+02:00

BroadwayWorld.com recently interviewed Baz Luhrmann and discussed, amongst other things, his involvement in the rumoured movie version of Wicked. Read the full interview here.

PC: I just talked to Kristin Chenoweth about Kanye West sampling one of her tracks from WICKED. What do you think of WICKED and the Oz mythology?

BL: Hey! I come from a place called Oz! Ha! (Faux Laugh.)

PC: (Laughs.)

BL: That's a little joke. (Pause.) Obviously, in my last film AUSTRALIA I used it thematically. When you grow up in Australia, Oz has different implications. Even as a child, I mean, they call Sydney the Emerald City.

PC: Of course.

BL: So, the idea, it‘s interesting you mention it... I love those Oz stories. I'm madly in love with them. I don't think I'm speaking out of school when I say that I have been approached many times to do, or to attempt, a sort of variant or some variations and films and things on THE WIZARD OF OZ. I haven't gone there - not because I don't think it can't be done, because I do. I think any classic work is there to be re-interpreted - the classic never changed. People get very frightened of that until someone makes it work.

PC: Exactly. And WICKED?

BL: Listen, what I think is wonderful, and the most wonderful achievement... to me, WICKED is just extraordinarily clever. Not just the celebration of WICKED - apart from all the obvious things. After all, it has got some of the absolute, show-stopping classics - and we know what they are!

PC: Indeed!

BL: By the way, just so you know, believe it or not I just saw the show for the first time a week ago.

PC: Really?

BL: Yeah!

PC: You've been linked to it for so long!

BL: Crazy as it is - because other people have talked about, "Are you going to do WICKED as a film?"

PC: That's what I was going to ask!

BL: (Laughs.) Yes, that is definitely a rumor. It's for no other reason besides I've been in the desert for four years!

PC: Making AUSTRALIA!

BL: That's an exaggeration, of course, but I really haven't been around.

PC: AUSTRALIA is the size and scope of two films!

BL: First, the thing I want to say about WICKED is that what is so clever about the show - and, isn't it great that a music piece can not only be great storytelling, a huge entertainment and clever as well - was that it toys so powerfully and so brilliantly with, A., and iconic show we all know and love and know, but, B., with a perspective.

PC: What a great way to look at it!

BL: Yeah, that's the whole point of it, that you can flip perspective. I think that is very, very healthy to the culture of the musical.

PC: Without a doubt.

BL: I think that's great. Of course, THE WIZARD OF OZ is kind of like a religious icon when it comes to the cathedral of the musical. It's something very, very precious. I think someone - the right person - should do it.

Wicked Cast Members: It Gets Better

2010-10-03T21:26:00.002+02:00

Cast members from the 2nd National Tour tell how they overcame prejudices during their teens to become the artists they are today.

View more videos at Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" Project.

Wicked Day 2010

2010-09-20T21:11:00.000+02:00

London's Wicked Day, which takes place on 31st October, has a change of venue this year. The event takes place between 12pm and 4pm at St Pancras International. Visit the official site for more details.

Below: Wicked Day 2009.

Maggie Kirkpatrick appearing at Memorabilia, The NEC Birmingham

2010-09-20T13:54:00.002+02:00

Australia's Madame Morrible, Maggie Kirkpatrick, has been announced for Memorabilia, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on 20th and 21st November 2010. More details here.

Wicked in Helsinki

2010-09-08T20:46:00.001+02:00

Wicked is now playing at the Helsinki City Theater in Finland. As you will see from the clips below, this version varies from the Broadway version, as will the forthcoming Danish production.

Wicked Costume Gallery

2010-09-08T20:11:00.000+02:00

Be sure to check out Wicked London's new Costume Gallery.

Photographs: Christopher Draghi

Behind the Emerald Curtain Video Series

2010-08-27T14:58:00.001+02:00

A new series of online videos going behind the scenes of Wicked has been launched. Watch the first episode, Costume Edition, below.

London Lifestyle Awards 2010

2010-08-25T14:44:00.001+02:00

Wicked has been nominated for Theatre Show of the Year in the London Lifestyle Awards 2010. Cast your vote here. The awards will be announced on October 7th.

In other news, members of the London cast take on cast members of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in a football match this Friday, with proceeds going towards Great Ormond Street Hospital. For more details, and to donate, click here.

Rachel Tucker & Louise Dearman Explore London

2010-08-23T20:20:00.000+02:00

WOS Radio: Interview with Kerry Ellis

2010-08-16T21:04:00.004+02:00

Kerry Ellis releases her debut album, Anthems, on 13th September and she'll be signing copies of the same at Dress Circle on Saturday, 18th September from 11.30am-12.30pm.

In an exclusive interview with WOS Radio, Kerry talks to Edward Seckerson about her career and forthcoming album. Click here to listen or download from iTunes.

Shoshana Bean Live in the West End

2010-08-10T20:17:00.003+02:00

Shoshana Bean is making her first appearance in London at The Ambassadors Theatre on Tuesday August 17th. She will perform two shows: at 8pm she will be joined by Oliver Tompsett and Daniel Boys and at 11pm by Dianne Pilkington, Gavin Creel and Michael Arden.

For more information click here.

Broadway in Bryant Park

2010-08-01T16:15:00.000+02:00

Katie Rose Clarke and Jennifer DiNoia performing at Broadway in Bryant Park on 29th July. View more photos at the source, BroadwayWorld.com and a video of the performances here.

Photos: Monica Simoes

Is a "Wicked" movie one step closer to reality?

2010-07-12T17:57:00.000+02:00

Deadline reports:

The smash hit stage musical Wicked is taking its first formative steps toward the movie screen. I'm told the musical's producer Marc Platt, book writer Winnie Holzman, and songwriter Stephen Schwartz have begun meeting with filmmakers. Insiders confirm that JJ Abrams, James Mangold, Ryan Murphy, and Rob Marshall are among the directors who've met or otherwise thrown their hat in the ring. More meetings will take place when the musical's authors come to town in the fall. The film will be made at Universal, which produced the stage musical with Platt.

After the billion dollar gross of Alice In Wonderland, studios are combing their fairy tale books for classics. It's crowded on the Oz front --Disney attached Sam Raimi to The Great and Powerful Oz, and Warner Bros has more than one film in development. But the $2 billion in global stage grosses for Wicked put it in league with Mamma Mia!, the long-running stage musical whose movie transfer grossed over $600 million worldwide for Universal.

Rachel Tucker to perform "Defying Gravity" at Pride London this Saturday

2010-06-29T18:15:00.000+02:00

Rachel Tucker will be peforming the world's first ever official public performance of Defying Gravity at Pride London, on the Main Stage in Trafalgar Square, this Saturday.

Source

More details on Pride London

West End Live 2010

2010-06-24T11:42:00.000+02:00

Links to Photo Galleries from Saturday.

Brazil Brazil
Dirty Dancing
Burn The Floor
Wicked
We Will Rock You
Billy Elliot
Love Never Dies
Chicago
Hair
Jersey Boys
Sweet Charity
Grease
Mamma Mia!
Sister Act
Thriller Live
Julie Atherton
Avenue Q
Into The Woods

You can watch a variety of videos from the event at Elizabeth Toni's YouTube Channel.

Rachel Tucker at West End Live

2010-06-19T23:07:00.002+02:00

Rachel gave a stunning version of "The Wizard & I" at West End Live today. View photos from her performance here.

General West End Live Gallery (photos still being uploaded!). Look out for a number of Wicked alumni - Cassidy Janson (Avenue Q), Alex Jessop (Mamma Mia), Joseph Connor (We Will Rock You) Harriet Thorpe (Mamma Mia) and Nicky Griffiths (Mamma Mia).

West End Live Schedule

2010-06-16T17:47:00.000+02:00

West End Live 2010 takes place in Leicester Square this weekend. Rachel Tucker will be appearing on behalf of Wicked - she is scheduled to perform at 11.35 on Saturday.

View the full line-up here.

Wicked London: Free Showcase Performance tomorrow

2010-06-15T22:44:00.001+02:00

The London cast of Wicked will be performing at Cardinal Place, Victoria at 12.30 tomorrow.

Source

Pictured: Rachel Tucker (Photo: Tristram Kenton)

Rue McClanahan Dies at 76

2010-06-03T17:36:00.000+02:00

The former Golden Girls star, who appeared in Wicked as Madam Morrible on Broadway, died this morning following a massive stroke. Condolences to her friends and family.

Source

Photo: Joan Marcus

2010 Broadway.com Audience Awards Winners Announced

2010-05-28T11:29:00.000+02:00

Wicked has scooped two awards at the Broadway.com Audience Awards, Favorite Long-Running Broadway Show and Favorite Replacement (Female) for Mandy Gonzalez. Former Wicked cast member Kyle Dean Massey won Favorite Replacement (Male) for his role in Next to Normal whilst Kristin Chenoweth won Favorite Leading Actress in a Broadway Musical and Favorite Diva Performance for Promises, Promises.

Pictured: Mandy Gonzalez (Photo: Joan Marcus)

London 2010 Media Night

2010-05-28T11:15:00.001+02:00

Photos from the 18th May show, which was held before an invited celebrity guest audience.

Pictured: Louise Dearman as Glinda, Rachel Tucker as Elphaba and Lee Mead as Fiyero (photos: Dan Wooller). View more photos here and watch highlights here.

Former Wicked stars in Hair.

2010-05-23T19:57:00.001+02:00

Former Wicked stars Caissie Levy and Kevin Kern are currently appearing in "Hair" at the Gielgud Theatre, London. I saw the show yesterday and would thoroughly recommend it. How many shows give the audience the opportunity to join the cast on stage?!

West End Live 2010

2010-05-13T15:51:00.001+02:00

West End Live 2010 takes place on 19th and 20th June in Leicester Square (11am-6pm and 12pm-6pm respectively). Wicked will once again be represented, alongside other West End shows including Legally Blonde, Jersey Boys, Oliver, Avenue Q, Sister Act and Hair.

Pictured below: Oliver Tompsett & Alexia Khadime performing "As Long As You're Mine" in 2008 and Alexia Khadime peforming "The Wizard & I" in 2009.

View more photos from West End Live 2008 and 2009.