Broadway in Hawaii: 'Wicked' Preview Event at the Blaisdell

Today officially launched group ticket sales for the Hawaii premiere of the hit musical 'Wicked'. A not so exclusive event of several hundred people at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu offered guests a chance to partake in a party atmosphere filled with lots of food and generous amounts of alcohol in a display accented by 'Wicked' and Emerald Oz accents. There was even a huge gleaming bowl of green-colored gelatin among the spread of food.

But the real event was the preview which featured 'Wicked' producer David Stone, Michael Braxton of MagicSpace Entertainment (presenter for the Honolulu show dates) and Honolulu City and County Mayor Peter Carlisle. A taped presentation featured the show's composer Stephen Schwartz. Another video presentation of highlights of the production was enthusiastically received by the audience which was topped by a live performance from two actresses playing the roles of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch) and Glinda (the Good Witch) in the National Tour singing two songs from the show.

Cocktail tables decked out in a 'Wicked' theme at the exhibition hall at
the Blaisdell Center.

The actual presentation took place in the Pikake Room with live and
filmed presentations.

By my observations many who attended were expecting to be treated to more than just a couple of numbers from the musical. Though many left immediately after the presentation, a long line of people remained to submit their orders forms and snag priority seats to the Honolulu performance dates of 'Wicked'. The final tally on my order form was 30 tickets for family and friends. We were told that orders placed today would be fulfilled first before the official group sales begins next week.

The last time I saw 'Wicked' was four years ago in London and before that in 2004 in New York City. The event did its job on me as I actually now can't wait to see the show again in Honolulu almost a year from now. I have to admit the excitement began two weeks ago when I got the invitation to this preview event. Of course part of the joy is seeing the show and sharing the experience among a local crowd without the cost of airfare and hotel.

Signs at the event announcing the arrival of
'Wicked' to the islands.

It's been a while since the announcement of a Broadway musical playing Honolulu was launched with such fanfare. 'Mamma Mia' underwhelmed when it played the Blaisdell Concert Hall in 2009. It's likely 'Wicked' will be met by the same enthusiasm that greeted 'The Lion King' when it played Honolulu in 2007 and broke the local box-office record for a musical that held steady since 1993 by 'The Phantom of the Opera'.

It appears that 'Wicked' is also charging the most for premium price seating at $150. 'The Lion King' did offer premium seats at a similar price but it was part of a package that included a show souvenir merchandise so in the way if one were to proportion the cost of each item, the premium seats at 'Lion' were less expensive. Also unlike 'Wicked' a whole patch of prime orchestra seats was not devoted to premium ticket sales. Premium seats for 'Wicked' only includes the reserved prime seating. It should be noted that group ticket sales are 10% off full-ticket prices and service fees are less substantial than the charges of Ticketmaster.com.

Group ticket sales opens to the general public on December 19th by calling (808) 593-2468. Visit the Broadway In Hawaii website for order forms and more information. Single ticket sales date to be announced (anticipated for late spring).

The DETAILS
Official Show Website: wickedthemusical.com
Where: Blaisdell Concert Hall
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
When: Tue-Thu 7:30pm; Fri 8pm; Sat 2 & 8pm; Sun 1pm & 6:30pm (additional dates available)
Running Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including one intermission)
Ticket Prices: $40-$150
Opening: November 24, 2012
Closing: January 16, 2013
Book Online: ticketmaster.com
Book by Phone: 1-800-745-3000
Cast Recording: Original Broadway Cast Recording

The line finally opens for advance group ticket orders.

This reception area (above and below) of the Blaisdell Exhibition area
would be packed once the 'Wicked' preview event was about to begin
in the adjoining auditorium. 

Gift bags were offered only those holding official invitations to the
event. Other guests left empty handed. See my next post on the
'Wicked' swag contained in each bag.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)