Witches Of Oz - Wicked The Musical

We Wanna See Your Art

Adam — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:52:48 +0000

Send in your fan art. We’re pulling stuff up from way back featuring masters like L.Whyte, MaeFae, and more. While we’re still working to organize the gallery into a little more of a navigable interface, please send in your art in the meantime.

Go Check It Out Now!

Don’t forget to email your creations to adam@witchesofoz.com to be posted on the Art Page!

17 Million Can’t be Wrong

Adam — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:50:41 +0000

According to a recent newsletter by Wicked London, over 17 million people across the world have seen Wicked since its Broadway debut in 2003. Does it count all of us who have seen it like 10 times? Who knows.

There’s no doubting the appeal of Wicked though, for anyone who loved the Oz universe and just weren’t prepared to let it go when the credits rolled in the film. Taking on the wonderful Land of Oz from a new angle and focusing on the characters that many were more curious about than the Tin Man, the Lion and the various main characters, it was bound to be a success. Little did anyone know how big a success it would be.

If you’ve not seen it yet, then what are you waiting for? Doesn’t matter if you have a fear of witches, prefer PartyPoker (fair enough, maybe the Wicked Witch demographic might get a kick out of http://www.partypoker.com/) or just aren’t into musicals, get down to the nearest showing and see it. It’s not like other shows, though like them it does have an interesting history.

The musical debuted on Broadway on October 30, 2003. It was produced by Universal Pictures and directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. Choosing from the 38 speaking characters in Wicked the novel, the authors of Wicked the musical show decided to focus their show on eight key characters plus a few others and the ensemble.

Former Wicked Cast Members in 9 to 5: The Musical Cast Recording

news — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:21:11 +0000

July 14th marked the general release of the 9 to 5: The Musical cast recording on iTunes, featuring former members of the Wicked cast, most notably Stephanie J. Block and Megan Hilty. Although they never performed together in Wicked, Block and Hilty portrayed Elphaba and Glinda respectively in multiple productions, including on Broadway and touring. In 9 to 5: The Musical, Block and Hilty command the roles of Judy Bernly and Doralee Rhodes as women dealing with gender inequality in the workplace of the early 1980s.

The cast recording also features former Wicked cast members Timothy George Anderson, Jennifer Balagna, Rachel Bress, Gaelen Gilliland, and Mark Myars. Dolly Parton wrote all the music for the album, which also includes the talents of Allison Janney, Marc Kudisch, Kathy Fitzgerald, and Andy Karl.

Track List for 9 to 5: The Musical Cast Recording
1. “Nine to Five” Allison Janney, Charlie Pollock, Megan Hilty, Stephanie J. Block, ensemble
2. “Around Here” Allison Janney and ensemble
3. “Here for You” Marc Kudisch
4. “I Just Might” Allison Janney, Megan Hilty, and Stephanie J. Block
5. “Backwoods Barbie” Megan Hilty and ensemble
6. “The Dance of Death” Marc Kudisch, Stephanie J. Block and ensemble
7. “Cowgirl’s Revenge” Marc Kudisch, Megan Hilty and ensemble
8. “Potion Notion” Marc Kudisch, Allison Janney and ensemble
9. “Joy to the Girls” Allison Janney, Marc Kudisch, Megan Hilty, Stephanie J. Block, and ensemble
10. “Heart to Hart” Kathy Fitzgerald and ensemble
11. “Shine Like the Sun” Allison Janney, Megan Hilty, Stephanie J. Block, and ensemble
12. “One of the Boys” Allison Janney and Men’s ensemble
13. “5 to 9” Kathy Fitzgerald
14. “Always a Woman” Marc Kudisch and Men’s ensemble
15. “Change It” Allison Janney, Megan Hilty, Stephanie J. Block, and ensemble
16. “Let Love Grow” Allison Janney and Andy Karl
17. “Get Out and Stay Out” Stephanie J. Block
18. “Nine to Five (Finale)” The Company

Dee Roscioli Takes Broadway Helm

news — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:38:46 +0000

Starting July 21st, there will be a new green witch gracing the Gershwin stage. Making her Broadway debut, Dee Roscioli will be recreating the role of Elphaba in Wicked. Roscioli, who closed out the Chicago production of the show in the same role in January of this year, was last spotted in the San Francisco company as the temporary standby for Elphaba. Nicole Parker will play her last performance at the Gershwin on Sunday, July 19th.

Dee Roscioli as Elphaba

She will be joining Alli Mauzey (Glinda), Tony winner Rondi Reed (Madame Morrible), P.J. Benjamin (The Wizard), Kevin Kern (Fiyero), Alex Brightman (Boq), Christy Candler (Nessarose) and Timothy Britten Parker (Dr. Dillamond).

Other Theatre credits include: Grizabella in the National Tour of Cats and NYSF workshops of Dangerous Beauty and Behind the Limelight.

Fletch Rides for a Cure

Adam — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:52:49 +0000

Victoria Matlock’s Husband Rides Across America for a Cause!

The Fletch Ride – Raising funds and awareness for AIDS.

Victoria Matlock’s husband, Stephen Fletcher (Fletch) is riding his bike across America to raise funds and awareness for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. (www.bcefa.com) Many of you know Victoria from The National Tour of Wicked where she played the role of Elphaba Thropp. Being a fan myself I feel that this is a great opportunity for all of us to give back to one of the fantastic performers from one of our favorite shows!

With our help, Fletch can continue to make this journey a successful and memorable one. There are many ways to be supportive. Just go to www.fletchride.com, check out the site, and click support to donate.

Fletch will be making his way through these cities: (More to come… If these aren’t in your area, be sure to keep checking back on http://fletchride.com/route.html to see an updated list of cities as he moves forward.)

Buffalo, NY
Erie, PA
Cleveland, OH
Monroeville, IN
Kalamazoo, MI
Manitowoc, WI
Conover, WI
Grand Rapids, MN

Minneapolis, MN
Fargo, ND
Wolf Point, MT
Cut Bank, MT
Glacier Nat’l Park, MT
Sand Point, ID
Okanogan, WA
Anacortes, WA

If you happen to live in, or nearby one of these cities and want to help Fletch out by means of shelter, proper nourishment, and more please do contact Fletch at fletchride@gmail.com. To make things easier on him please send an email with your name, inform him of where you are located, let him know that you want to help out, and tell him where you found out about his journey… (WitchesOfOz.com)

Shoshana Bean at the Ford

Adam — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:32:57 +0000

Chris Isaacson and Shane Scheel present the FIRST of Upright Cabaret’s “Wicked” Summer Nights at the FORD:

SHOSHANA SINGS STREISAND

A Happening at the Ford!
Musical Direction by Gerald Sternbach
Directed by Billy Porter

THE FIRST OF THREE EXTRAORDINARY EVENINGS UNDER THE STARS AT THE FORD AMPHITHEATRE!!!

LOS ANGELES – Upright Cabaret (www.uprightcabaret.com), L.A.’s premier theatrical showcase featuring an eclectic mix of artists from stage, screen and recording, presents the first of three amazing evenings under the stars at the Ford Amphitheatre as they present the spectacular Shoshana Bean in SHOSHANA SINGS STREISAND, with musical direction by Gerald Sternbach, directed by Upright Cabaret Artistic Director Billy Porter and performing ONE NIGHT ONLY, Thursday, June 11 at 8:30pm at the Ford, 2580 Caheunga Blvd. East in Hollywood.

Witness the evolution of a diva in this two part theatrical concert, as former Wicked star Shoshana Bean begins the night singing the hits of Barbra Streisand in Shoshana Sings Streisand,” ending with “My Name is Shoshana,” featuring songs from Bean’s debut album, “Superhero.” Bean also appeared in the original Broadway cast of Hairspray and the acclaimed 2001 Off-Broadway revival of Godspell. With Music Direction by Legendary Los Angeles Music Director Gerald Sternbach and Matt Cusson. Shoshana Bean: A Happening at the Ford is co-sponsored by Christopher Street West and has been selected as official “Pride Night Out” kick-off event for Los Angeles Pride 2009.

ABOUT SHOSHANA

SHOSHANA BEAN grew up in Portland, Oregon. She attended the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, graduated with a BFA in Musical Theater and wasted no time in heading to New York City. There she was cast in the Off-Broadway revival of GODSPELL and with the release of the cast album, which included her rousing rendition of “Bless the Lord,” she had earned herself a spot on the musical theater map. Immediately following GODSPELL, she became increasingly interested in and involved with the pop music scene. Her first high-profile gig was singing back-up for a huge lineup of stars including the Jackson’s 30th anniversary concert celebration at Madison Square Garden. Inspired by the experience, she began focusing on writing, recording and performing her original music around NYC. Shoshana made her Broadway debut in the critically acclaimed, Tony Award-winning original cast of HAIRSPRAY. Following her two year run in HAIRSPRAY, Shoshana began a five-month stint as standby for Tony Award winner Idina Menzel in the hit Broadway musical WICKED. In January of 2005, Shoshana took over the role of Elphaba until January of 2006. Her most memorable moment to date was honoring legend Aretha Franklin at the “Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.” Shoshana sang Franklin’s classic “Ain’t No Way” alongside Brian McKnight for the nationally broadcast show.

ABOUT UPRIGHT CABARET

Upright Cabaret (www.uprightcabaret.com) is redefining the cabaret milieu for a new generation of audiences. Founded by producers Chris Isaacson and Shane Scheel in 2005, Upright seeks to celebrate old style cabaret while simultaneously turning it on its ear, bringing young Broadway and young Hollywood together in a live setting. Upright performers run the gamut from Tony-nominated divas to up-and-coming recording artists to film and TV stars. Indeed, Upright’s talent roster reads like a “who’s who” of the entertainment industry, including current American Idol finalist Adam Lambert, film actress Katy Mixon (Four Christmases, HBO’s East Bound and Down), Neil Patrick Harris (CBS’s How I Met Your Mother & ABC’s Doogie Howser, M.D.) and Hunter Parrish (Showtime’s Weeds). Upright’s roster also includes Michael Urie (ABC’s Ugly Betty), Vicki Lewis (NBC’s NewsRadio), Busy Phillips (NBC’s Freaks & Geeks, ER), and cast members from over 75 Broadway productions, including Wicked, Rent, Jersey Boys and Spamalot, to name a few!

Upright Cabaret, born and bred in West Hollywood, and has been taking Southern California by storm, with shows in Palm Springs, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Avalon and recently on the East Coast at Joe’s Pub in New York City. Upright will soon be taking its act on the road outside of the Golden state, with a planned concert tour slated for Spring, 2009. For more information, please visit www.uprightcabaret.com and www.myspace.com/uprightcabaret or www.youtube.com/uprightcabaret.

ABOUT THE SCHEDULE AND PRICING

What: SHOSHANA BEAN: Shoshana Sings Streisand – A Happening at the Ford!

Where: John Anson Ford Theatres

2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East

Hollywood, CA 90068

When: Thursday, June 11 at 8:30pm

How: Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.fordtheatres.com or www.uprightcabaret.com/events or by calling (323) 461-3673.

Tickets: Early buyer incentive: purchase by June 4 and tickets range from $35 to $75 ($75 includes VIP with Artist Meet-and-Greet)

General Ticket Prices (after June 4) range from $40 – $80

For press photos, interview or inquiries, please contact David Elzer/DEMAND PR at (818) 508-1754 or at ElzerD@aol.com.

Philos Spotlight

Adam — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:46:47 +0000

Ok, you’ve heard them, you may even have downloaded their hit song Defying Gravity. But who is Philos, and why do you care about them? WoO takes a close look at this band out of Nashville.

Philos: a Greek term referring to a friend with an emphasis on deep rooted ties and obligations.
Ultimately, the definition of Philos is brotherhood. Philos is a group of guys, a band of brothers, that through good and bad times continue to be there for each other. And, they have one common interest: All of them love to play music. And, they’re pretty freaking good at it too. In today’s popular culture, overwhelmed with celebrity scandals and obnoxious tabloids, it’s really awesome to know that these musicians are genuine, truthful, down-to-earth friends that you’d find at the local grocery store who strive to create extraordinary music.

Whether they’re playing music or playing some intense games of Halo, the bond between these musicians is what makes Philos electric and contagious. Their personalities along with their collaborative music is exactly what people want to hear and witness over and over again; and, it’s what people on the outside want to be a part of. Using universal truths and positive significance, reinforced by epic melodies, Philos develops music with total sincerity. Their hooks are addictive, but their thoughtful lyrics demand and deserve multiple listens. Their lyrical songwriting causes one’s mind to reflect and transport thoughts to significant moments of the past, present, and future of life. Even as live performers, their music takes you back to childhood basement jam sessions, but better, more vibrant, professional, and comforting.

In Philos’s mind, connectivity is at the heart of everything they do, not marketing and not opportunity. They exist here and now, because they’re connected to each other, to their music, to their audience. They represent love, harmony, and acceptance. The band performs to promote empowerment and unity, sharing amongst each other. Consider what they do as an intimate relationsip with a band that enjoys the ability to do what they do best: To move people. Philos thrives on the fact that people know what they’re thinking, what they’re songs represent, and they want you to feel along with them. If country music is about the story and pop music is about the feeling, Philos is a rock fusion that combines them together. They exist to give audience members a reason to believe a band is completely passionate and devoted to the message of “We’re all in this together.”

Why Defying Gravity?

Defying Gravity is a song that represents those essential moments of pure clarity. The song defines that time where everything makes sense; where the fabric of life opens up and you can see all the way through it to the end result. It’s the moment where a person conquers all that lies between them and their dreams, unseen or unknown, whatever hardships life throws at them, they will ultimately persevere. They will defy all the things that try to stop them from moving forward; they will defy gravity.

This generation has been labeled a lot of things: “Generation Y,” “The Slacker Generation”. This generation has been misunderstood. Defying Gravity is a call to our generation. It is a song that has hit the heart of what Philos has always been trying to say: “You will not bring us down.” Although, this will be the first generation since the Great Depression that will earn less money than their parents, Philos knows, that given a long enough timeline, there’s a currency that is more valuable than dollar signs. Tenacity, passion, and hope can overcome a multitude of hardships. It’s not just about a feeling too, but about motivation and a call to action to make a difference and to find any possible way to defy all that’s against you.

Music is about lifestyle choices, but it goes beyond what band t-shirt you have on or what’s in your CD library. Sure, we all have “guilty pleasures.” We all have “our jams sessions,” but the music you keep coming back to is the music that helps you see life; peer into what life is really all about. Society has always needed art to help it look at itself. Philos hopes to make art rock as hard as it possibly can: Familiar, but altogether different. They’re not spending their time making sure you know how hot they are in hopes of inspiring jealousy and trends to simply buy their record. They’re Philos: The guys that listen when you speak, crack jokes when you least expect them, and want you to be as much a part of their music as they are.

Visit the Forums

Adam — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:37:42 +0000

Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them! Yes, the forums are the same old boring ones from before. But go visit them!