Wicked Premieres at PAC April 18

A musical about what happened before Dorothy crashed her house in Oz, Wicked opens April 18 for a two-week run at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center.

One of the most successful Broadway musicals of all time, the show has taken its sweet time before finally landing that broom in the Lowcountry.

"The premiere engagement of Wicked is one of the most anticipated shows in the Performing Arts Center's history," said PAC General Manager Dave Holscher. "It's been one of the most requested shows from our Best of Broadway season ticket holders, and we are excited to have it finally come to North Charleston."

The show's 16 performances is unprecedented for the Best of Broadway series — a testament to Wicked's appeal. 

"We're thrilled to have the biggest show in Broadway history coming to the North Charleston Performing Arts Center," said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey.

In his 1995 best seller, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Gregorie Maguire created a new tale in the Oz mythos: the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and her close friendship with the Good Witch of the North, Glinda. The story was brought to the stage in 2003 by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman.

Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com/wicked, charge by phone 800-745-3000, at the North Charleston Coliseum Advance Ticket Office or Ticketmaster outlets (including select Publix stores).  Group discounts are available at 843-529-5007.

A day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of orchestra seats will be held two hours and 30 minutes before each performance. Those present at the PAC will be able to put their name in a lottery drum for a limited number of orchestra seats at $25 each, cash only.