'Wicked: A New Musical' Returns To Baltimore's Hippodrome Theatre
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—It's one of the most popular shows on Broadway. "Wicked" is returning to Baltimore.
Mike Schuh was there as the trucks rolled up to the loading dock at the Hippodrome.
Week after week, theater goers have made this the most popular show on Broadway.
The Hippodrome will swallow 13 semis full of magic, turning Eutaw Street into Broadway.
The set "is obviously built for the house. You're going to see little nooks and crannies, but basically the set is identical," said Matt Biltgen, head carpenter.
It's been four years since the last time the Hippodrome played host. More than just eye candy, there are messages about friendship, bullying and racism.
"It's a huge spectacle with lots of lights and music and it's pretty and fun, so you see a really great product with great messages," said Erica Norgaard, company manager.
From the rigging to the backdrops to testing the lights, the race is on to make everything ready by curtain on Wednesday.
"The show itself is basically the same as Broadway and all the other ones you've seen. The same people built it," Biltgen said.
It takes 90 local union stage hands to screw it all together. More than 6 million people have seen this show. For the next five weeks, up to 80,000 more will get the chance to do so in Baltimore.
"But our talent is Broadway caliber talent," Norgaard said. "Our people come from Broadway. They go to Broadway when they leave us. It's all great company, and it's in your backyard. You can see it with your neighbors, your friends."
Tickets start at $37.50. For this run, the producers offer a lottery. On the day of the show, go to the box office two and a half hours before curtain. Some people will get orchestra seats for just $25.
