While sitting at a stoplight on Los Feliz Boulevard, I heard through my window a woman singing the signature song "Defying Gravity" from the Broadway hit-musical WICKED. With Mariah Carey-inspired hand gestures, she sang at the top of her lungs with so much passion she might as well have been onstage starring in the show herself. I looked back making eye contact with her. She stopped with a cowering look of sheer and utter embarrassment. I reassured her by yelling over my right shoulder, “Its okay!  I’m a fan too!” She responded with a dorky smile and the thumbs up and then drove off on her merry little wicked way. Fortunately no one has ever caught me in the same act.  Well not yet anyway.

If you’re just as big of a fan of WICKED, dust off your pointy black hats and break out your green face paint because soon you’ll have a unique opportunity to take your fanaticism to a new level. Starting June 26^th fans of the Broadway musical will get to immerse themselves in the behind-the-scenes tour “Behind the Emerald Curtain”.

Originally conceived by Sean McCourt, “Behind the Emerald Curtain” will offer the general public an exclusive look at the Los Angeles production of WICKED currently playing at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. 

This 90-minute experience delves into all aspects of the show from production to costume design.  Some of the highlights include a museum featuring props from the show, production photos of the various casts around the world, and the set design by Tony award-winner Eugene Lee. Fans will also get to see film footage featuring the making of the musical as well as elaborately detailed costumes by Tony award-winning designer Susan Hilferty.

Probably one of the most exciting things about “Behind the Emerald Curtain” is that the current cast members act as hosts for the tour. Fans will be treated to interaction with them through a Q and A session, offering personal stories and further insight to the show.

For those unfamiliar with WICKED, it is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire which itself is something of a “behind-the-scenes look” at L. Frank Baum’s “Wizard of Oz”. The musical captures the same themes and sensibilities of the novel by revealing the “real” story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good Witch. The story shows that that the two actually share a deep-rooted friendship, thus adding a new dimension and twist to the story of Oz. 

Even if you are not too familiar with either the show or the novel “Behind the Emerald Curtain” is a unique experience that can be enjoyed by any theatergoer. Whether you are diehard fan or one of the uninitiated you should definitely check out this one-of-a-kind experience since it is a rarity within the Los Angeles theater scene.

So grab your broomsticks and head on down to the Pantages Theater. Just watch out for those pesky flying monkeys and little girls wielding buckets of water.

“Behind the Emerald Curtain” begins on June 26^th on Tuesdays 5pm. Tickets are $25 (and does not include admission to WICKED). Tickets on sale at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 213-365-3500 or 714-740-7878, in person at the Pantages Theatre Box Office, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Groups of fifteen (15) or more can call 866-755-3075 or online at www.nedgroups.com.