Broadway backstage: A peek behind the curtain of ‘Wicked’ the musical at Wharton
"Wicked" is a wildly popular musical that's been seen by millions, but what goes on backstage is still a mystery to most.
Steve Quinn, the touring show's company manager, gave a handful of area influencers, media and others a glimpse behind the scenes of "Wicked" before Thursday’s matinee at the Wharton Center in East Lansing.
Thirteen trucks transport everything needed for the $13 million show from city to city. It takes 30 hours to unload and set up everything backstage for the production, Quinn said.
Two rows of closets, stretching the length of the stage, house the show’s $2 million worth of costumes. Before every show, stitcher and dresser Cathy McKenzie of Lansing checks over the wardrobe pieces to make sure buttons are attached and nothing needs attention.
Crew members bustle back and forth across the stage checking lights, sound and positioning a bed used in the production in its place.
Once the house doors open, the crowd begins to fill the seats. A half hour until showtime, cast member member Nicky Venditti is alone behind a backdrop warming up for his performance.
A few dozen feet away, Olivia Valli, who plays the lead character Elphaba, touches up her green witch makeup in her dressing room.
It's a spectacle to see from the audience. The logistics behind the scenes also are a work of art.
The show at Wharton runs through May 28.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: 'Wicked' backstage tour at Wharton Center gives sneak peek
