WICKED: Oh, What A Celebration We'll Have Today

This month, the fan-favorite blockbuster musical, Wicked, will celebrate its 10^th anniversary. On October 30, it will become one of only 10 other Broadway productions to have reached this milestone. Here is a look at all the “Emerald City” celebrations coming up:

 First, a deluxe edition of the original Broadway Cast recording with all 19 original tracks, plus bonus tracks, and a new track called “Popular Song” by MIKA featuring Arianna Grande, will be released digitally October 29 and in stores November 19. The two-CD edition will feature new artwork created specifically for the show’s anniversary. It will include a booklet with updated content by composer Stephen Schwartz and Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. A vinyl, collector’s edition will be for sale online at www.wickedthemusical.com and at the Gershwin Theatre.

 If you will be in New York, you can find Wicked costumes, memorabilia, and merchandise on display from October 20 to November 1 at the NBC Experience Store in Rockefeller Plaza. At the JFK airport, the American Airlines terminal will be transformed into Oz from October 15 until November 30. The display, called the “World of Wicked,” will feature a replica of Glinda’s bubble and a special museum display called “Behind the Emerald Curtain.”

 The show’s home on Broadway, the Gershwin Theatre, is undergoing renovations for the 10^th anniversary performance, including changes to the front-of-house and restrooms, as well as the installation of new carpeting and new seats. Meanwhile, the artwork and website for Wicked are receiving makeovers, and a special “greenified” Playbill will be distributed at the show on the night of October 30.

 Don’t live in New York and feel like you’re missing out on all Wicked fun? Fans of the show on Facebook and Twitter followers can participate in online giveaways during “30 Days of Flight.” The prizes include special gifts, messages from cast members, and more. Every week, fans will have the opportunity to win two tickets to the 10th anniversary performance. You can like Wicked here and follow the show here.

Last but not least, celebrity and fashion manicurist Deborah Lippman has created a new trio of nail polishes in honor of the anniversary. You can pick up the shades called “Defying Gravity”, “Popular”, and “One Short Day” at Sephora stores or www.sephora.com for a limited time.  

 

Wicked is currently playing an open-ended run on Broadway in New York and operating two national tours, one of which will make a four-week, return stop at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in March to April 2014. Tickets go on sale in January.

For more on the anniversary celebrations and reunions check out these links:
WICKED 10th Anniversary Cruise Launches November 3 

Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth Smile Big For New WICKED Reunion Photo 

WICKED Chat: Kristin Chenoweth & Idina Menzel Talk Rumored Rivalry, Tonys, & More

BWW TV Exclusive: BACKSTAGE WITH RICHARD RIDGE - WICKED 10th Anniversary Special with Leading Ladies Lindsey Mendez & Alli Mauzey!

 

Brent Hyams Named Chief Operating Officer of TPAC and War Memorial Auditorium

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center announces the promotion of Brent Hyams to Chief Operating Officer.

A 10-year veteran of the performing arts center, Hyams oversees all operations in production, ticketing, patron services, marketing, and facility maintenance for the organization’s four performance venues, including Andrew Jackson Hall (capacity 2,472), James K. Polk Theater (capacity 1,075), Andrew Johnson Theater (capacity 264) and the historic War Memorial Auditorium (capacity 1,789), adjacent to the center.

Hyams, a native of Hopkinsville, KY, has served as the center’s executive vice president and general manager since 2009. Before joining TPAC as a marketing director in 2003, Hyams worked for the Ryman Auditorium, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, and Gaylord Entertainment in Nashville. He also has worked for agencies in Atlanta and New York. Hyams graduated from The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication in 1994 with a degree in advertising. He now serves on the Grady Society Board.

“Brent has brought to our organization an unrivaled dedication to detail and a passion for creating full, memorable experiences for all of our audience members,” said Kathleen O’Brien, TPAC president and chief executive officer. “We’re extremely fortunate to have his forward thinking and leadership talents, and I’m privileged to work alongside him as we enter the next fiscal year.”

Recently, Hyams has spearheaded plans to renovate and research the historic War Memorial Auditorium, which was dedicated in 1925 as a memorial to Tennesseans killed in World War I. The auditorium has a unique history as both a civic center and premier music venue for Nashville. It was not only where presidential candidates would speak but it was home to the Nashville Symphony for 55 years (1925-1980) and the fourth home of the Grand Ole Opry (1939-1943).

“TPAC has long managed the auditorium as a beautiful space for weddings, special events, and performances. My goal has been to dig deeper into the amazing history of the auditorium and help people rediscover it as a Tennessee treasure,” Hyams said. “We have collaborated with local and state archives to find old photos, remodel the dressing rooms, and upgrade the sound system to work better with the auditorium’s natural acoustics. It’s really been a labor of love for me, and I’m excited about continuing the tradition of bringing a wide variety of musical acts from all genres for Nashvillians to experience in this storied hall.”

Hyams is involved with the Nashville Downtown Partnership and the 5^th Avenue of the Arts. He also is a member of the International Association of Venue Managers. Hyams is married to Amy Lewis, with whom he has two sons, Lewis and Fentress.

Just Announced! 2013 - 2014 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway Season

Everyone is talking about Nashville. It City. Nowville. Music City. But, to us, it will always be MUSICAL CITY.

“Everywhere you look Nashville is turning heads and making headlines, and we’re proud of the role TPAC plays in our city’s thriving creative community by providing audiences with the best of Broadway’s cutting-edge storytelling, family-friendly entertainment, and pop culture-filled blockbusters,” TPAC President and CEO Kathleen O’Brien said. It’s a year of entertainment packed with new musicals, long-awaited returns, worldwide hits, and some of the most jaw-dropping artistry being presented on stage. We can’t wait to share it with you.”

Last night TPAC announced the 2013-2014 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway Season line up: Jersey Boys, We Will Rock You, Ghost, Sister Act, Million Dollar Quartet, and War Horse. Broadway Special Events include: Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, I Love Lucy Live on Stage and A Christmas Carol.

The event kicked off with special guest performers from The Million Dollar Quartet followed closely by a performance from Jersey Boys. TPAC also hosted another very special guest, Joey and his puppeteers, from War Horse. Please take a look at this special feature put together by the Tennessean yesterday!

Other headlines from the event:

TPAC announces 2013-14 season - The Tennessean

TPAC announces 2013-2014 season - Out & About

Jersey Boys, Wicked, War Horse and Sister Act On Tap for Nashville ... - Broadway World

http://artsnash.com/theater/war-horse-tpac/ - ArtsNash

http://www.lacampana.us/lac/2013/04/17/broadway-tpac-devela-sus-espectaculos-musicales-para-la-temporada-2013-2014/ - La Campana

We invite you all to join us this season and experience firsthand another thrilling season at your home for the performing arts. For more information on the HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series, visit us at www.tpac.org/broadway, where season tickets may be purchased, or call TPAC Subscriber Services at (615) 782-6560 or (800) 410-4216 if you live outside the Nashville area.

TPAC targets teen meth use via hip-hop, spoken word

Written by Jessica BlissThe Tennessean, Apr 2, 2013

The statistic is staggering. Tennessee is No. 1 in the nation for meth use.

Law enforcement is not the only group taking notice.

With a unique approach to awareness and prevention of drug use among young people, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center is putting a spotlight on meth and joining the movement against such abuse.

This month, TPAC Education presents “Cranked,” a 45-minute play that tells the story of a talented rap artist’s destructive addiction to meth and his struggle to rebuild his life. Blending spoken-word poetry and hip-hop, the production is timely considering the widespread use of meth and other drugs in Tennessee and is a relevant launching point for discussions with teens.

“Often, what we, as adults, consider compelling information is perceived as white noise by teens — it doesn’t get through,” said Roberta Ciuffo West, TPAC executive vice president for education and outreach. “But the arts often find a way to penetrate that without diluting the message.”

There will be a special after-school performance of “Cranked” at 4 p.m. on April 12 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Due to strong language, it is recommended only for a high school audience. The show will be followed by Southern Word’s 2013 Wild Card Semifinal Slam. This event will give local youth poets and spoken-word artists a chance to qualify for the Mid-South Grand Slam Finals and a national competition. Tickets are $8 and may be purchased at the door or by calling 615-687-4288.

In addition to the after-school performance open to the public, “Cranked” will be performed in matinees for student audiences through TPAC Education’s annual season for young people. Groups interested in attending a performance today through April 12 can contact Cassie LaFevor at 615-687-4288 or clafevor@tpac.org.  http://www.tpac.org/education/HOT/SeasonforYoungPeople/index.asp#Cranked

Reach Jessica Bliss at 615-259-8253 or jbliss@tennessean.com.

Tennessee advances legislation to protect live entertainment fans from scalpers

House and Senate committees today advanced legislation that would make Tennessee the first state to protect fans buying tickets for performances at its live entertainment venues from unscrupulous professional ticket scalpers.

The Fairness in Ticketing Act is designed to make sure that online ticket resale marketplaces work for fans – not for scalpers who deceive and take advantage of them.  It must be approved by other committees and both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly to become law.

“Tennessee is a leader in entertainment and surely we can be a leader in protecting fans,” Pete Fisher, general manager of the historic Grand Ole Opry, stated to the House Business and Utilities Committee.

The proposal would require professional ticket scalpers to register with the state, disclose to prospective buyers the ticket’s original face value and be transparent about whether they have the tickets in hand they propose to sell.  It would crack down on use of websites created by scalpers that masquerade as the official sales site and lure many fans into paying prices higher than face value. 

The proposal is supported by more than 80 Tennessee live entertainment venues, sports teams, entertainers, artist managers and tour promoters.

Supporters say basic, common-sense regulations are needed to fix a ticket resale market increasingly dominated by out-of-state scalpers who operate anonymously on the web to take advantage of fans.

“The problems caused by out-of-state professional ticket brokers are a big-time problem for the Opry and Ryman Auditorium,” Fisher stated in the House Business and Utilities Committee. “Without rules in place that require simple disclosures, buyers often end up with no tickets on the day of the show or seats in a completely different location. Tennesseans should know that if they buy a ticket with their hard-earned dollars, they should get to see the game or the concert that they bought that ticket for.”

Members of the Fairness in Ticketing Act include: NFL Tennessee Titans, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Country Music Association, NHL Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena, Orpheum Theater Memphis, FedExForum and NBA Memphis Grizzlies, the University of Tennessee (Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville and McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga), The Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, Knoxville’s Bijou and Tennessee theaters, Bristol Motor Speedway and Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City.   Artist members include Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, The Black Keys, Eric Church, Jason Aldean and Dierks Bentley.

contact Lauren Weathers, lauren@tseic.com, Tennessee Sports & Entertainment Industry Coalition