Explore WICKED with Community Engagement Activities

If you have the songs from WICKED playing in your mind days after you saw the show or you just want to learn more about one of Broadway’s biggest hits, join the Fox Cities P.A.C. and members of the cast for two very special Appleton Papers Inc. Community Engagement Activities.

Harmony Cafe Conversation Café
February 3, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a WICKED Conversation Café at Appleton's Harmony Café on Thursday, February 3 at 4:00 p.m. Contribute to a question and answer session with WICKED cast and be a part of round table discussions about topics from the Broadway blockbuster including bullying, judging on first appearances and acceptance of people’s differences. This event is FREE and open to the public with community support from Appleton Papers Inc. 

Appleton Public LibraryFebruary 9, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.
Join us at the Appleton Public Library for a WICKED discussion with cast from the show on Wednesday, February 9 at 4:00 p.m. in the lower level meeting room. Why do you think Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West? Explore a character study of Elphaba and share your thoughts on all your favorite WICKEDcharacters. This event is FREE and open to the public with community support from Appleton Papers Inc.

Behind-The-Scenes with WICKED

The Fox Cities P.A.C. is buzzing this week as the Broadway blockbuster WICKED returns January 26 – February 20. With 16 semis of set pieces, costumes and props to unload and time ticking down to opening night, we had the rare chance to step into the theater and catch a few minutes with WICKED's company manager, Steve Quinn, and production stage manager, Peter Van Dyke. Take a look at theWICKED load-in!

Win Big with the WICKED Lottery

If you’re a fan of WICKED and you just happen to have the afternoon free, stop by the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center January 26 - February 20 for a chance to win big with theWICKED Lottery. Starting 2½ hours prior to the curtain, people who present themselves at the Center’s Ticket Office will have their names placed in a lottery drum. Thirty minutes later, names will be drawn for the chance to purchase a limited number of seats at $25. Entrants must be present to win, and if selected, they can purchase up to two tickets (cash only) with a valid photo i.d. 

Feeling lucky? Visit foxicitiespac.com for show dates, times and complete details on how you can win with theWICKED Lottery.

Spend Valentine's Day with the Cast and Crew of WICKED

This week green and gold are the primary colors, but let’s add a splash of pink and red in time for Valentine’s Day. On Monday, February 14, the National Touring Company of WICKED will host Our WICKED Romance – A Jazz Cabaret in the Center’s intimate Kimberly-Clark Theater. It’s a rare chance for the cast and crew to step out of their WICKED roles and raise some money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the mission-based programs at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. 

Plus, you can take home a piece of WICKED with both live and silent auctions of WICKED memories and memorabilia from flying monkey masks to a Glindified prize package, backstage access and even the chance to perform in the cast of WICKED in a Fox Cities walk-on role! Bidding starts when the doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for Our WICKED Romance went on sale at 10:00 a.m. today only through the Fox Cities P.A.C. Ticket Office, in-person or by phone at (920) 730-3760. Tickets start at $45.00. Space is limited – so call today to make your Valentine’s reservations! 

Broadway Buzz: Actors Behind the Voices of WICKED

As a WICKED lover, I have the voices from the original cast soundtrack memorized. Along with many WICKED fans, I know which character is singing and when. Do you know who the actor is behind that voice? Let me introduce you to the stars behind the Broadway original cast of WICKED and take a look at what they are working on now.

Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel, Broadway’s original Elphaba, is no stranger to being in the spotlight. The actress was an original Broadway cast member of Rent, has a solo album “I Stand,” and has recently guest starred on “Glee.” After finishing her solo tour this spring, Idina will be preparing for her own hour-long musical series for ABC next fall.

Kristin Chenoweth

Kristin Chenoweth just finished her run in the Broadway production Promises, Promises. You might recognizeWICKED’s original Glinda from her role on the television series “Pushing Daisies,” the film “You Again,” or her comedic song “Taylor, the Latte Boy.” Also a “Glee” guest star, Kristin will be returning to the show this spring and will also begin work on a new TV series pilot written for her by “Glee’s” director Ryan Murphy.


Norbert Leo Butz

Norbert Leo Butz is currently preparing for the official Broadway opening of Catch Me If You Canthis April. WICKED’s original Fiyero is a true Broadway leading man, in both musicals and plays like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Enron, Is He Dead? and Rent. Don’t worry TV fans, if you want to catch him in your living room in reruns of “The Deep End,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”




Carole Shelley

Madame Morrible, headmistress of WICKED’s Shiz University, was originated by Carole Shelley. Carole is currently starring as Grandma in Broadway’s Billy Elliot. Like her other WICKED co-stars, Carole spent time on both stage and screen. You might recognize her from the 2005 film “Bewitched” as Aunt Clara or television’s “The Odd Couple” as Gwendolyn Pigeon. Carole also starred in the Broadway production of The Odd Couple in 1965 as the same character.

Five Days In and Looking for a New Resolution

It’s just five days into a new year, and let’s be honest. A lot of us are struggling to keep up on those pesky resolutions. Whether you have a new gym membership, are trying to avoid the snack machine, or trying to get organized, resolutions are a challenge by nature. But if you’re looking to 2011 as the year you’re going have more fun, spend time with your friends and family or give back to your community, the Fox Cities P.A.C. has a few ideas to help you get started.

Go to a show!
It may seem like a bit of shameless self-promotion (okay it is), but seeing a live performance is a great way to have a fun night with friends. Whether it’s a blockbuster like WICKED or Jersey Boys, a night of amazing music like Acoustic Africa or even a ventriloquist show like Jay Johnson: The Two and Only, there’s a lot of art to experience, enjoy and share with 2,000 of your closest friends and neighbors.

Share the Arts with a Child!
Looking for a way to connect with the kids in your life? Introduce them to the arts with a show you’ll both enjoy.Disney’s Beauty & The Beast will be here March 29 through April 3!

Volunteer!
As a nonprofit organization, the Fox Cities P.A.C. is always looking for volunteers to help create a world-class theater experience. Make some new friends and be a part of the excitement with a gift of your time. Give a little or give a lot. Either way, you’ll be giving back!