Wicked Returns to Miami

After breaking box office records and selling out in record time in 2010, "Wicked," Broadway's biggest blockbuster, will return to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County's Ziff Ballet Opera House from March 11 - 29, 2015.

"Wicked" is part of the 2014-2015 Broadway in Miami subscription season presented by Bank of America. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz ("Pippin," "Godspell," Academy Award-winner for "Pocahontas" and "The Prince of Egypt") and book by Winnie Holzman ("My So Called Life," "Onceand Again" and "thirtysomething"), Wicked is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello ("Take Me Out," "Love! Valour! Compassion!," "The Vagina Monologues") and features musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento ("Aida," "The Who's Tommy," "How To Succeed...").

Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, "Wicked," winner of over 100 international awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz. It is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

"We're excited to welcome 'Wicked' - a new classic - back to the Arsht Center," said John Richard, President and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. "In 2010, Broadway's biggest blockbuster broke our box office records with a complete sold-out engagement. It's a thrill to once again be able to offer Miami theatergoers the opportunity to experience this magnificent musical - be it for the very first time or 10th time!"

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One - born with emerald-green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. "Wicked" tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Speaking of Glinda the Good, it was a pleasure to interview Carrie St. Louis, who plays Glinda, just a couple of weeks before the cast comes back to Miami:

Are you excited to be playing "Glinda The Good Witch" in Broadway Across America's "Wicked?"

Oh my goodness, a thousand times yes. It's been a dream role for me. I saw the show when I was 13 and I remember saying, "I want to do that." I really am kind of playing myself. It's been a lot of fun.

I have to ask: How amazing it is to fly in the bubble?

It's so much fun and what a great way to make an entrance. It sits 32 feet in the air so it's a little nerve-racking, but its pretty divalicious!

What's your favorite song/part of "Wicked?"

I feel like it changes daily. Of course I love "Popular," as its so much fun and so much a part of me. I love doing it every night. Also "For Good," as it's so beautiful. "For Good" is so nice to sing at the end of the show, it's very powerful!

Other than Wicked, what has been your favorite role/performance?

The other big role that I have played consistently was Sherrie in "Rock of Ages." Sherrie became a part of me. It was my first show out of college. It taught me how to play the same role continually and how to keep it fresh.

How has it been working with the actresses who play Elphaba?

It's a very odd dynamic, as most shows have a leading male and female playing against each other. In "Wicked" you have two females as the leads. You have to cultivate the relationship on and off the stage. In my three and a half months with the show I have played opposite four Elphabas. I started with Laurel Harris who was at the end of her run (she was in the show three and a half years) and she taught me a lot. I will forever be grateful to Laurel. As of three weeks ago Alyssa Fox took over the role full-time. She was Laurel's stand-in. I have also played opposite Maddie Trumbull when Alyssa (who was then the stand-in) was on vacation and Emily Kirk, who is the current stand-in, when Alyssa had gotten sick for a week. I was/am lucky enough to connect with all of them.

What would be your ultimate role to play?

In many years from now I would want to play Momma Rose in "Gypsy." I feel that role is the culmination of a career in this business.

What makes this touring version special or different from other productions of "Wicked?"

We have a relatively new and young cast. Everyone is invested in the story. Having a different theater every few weeks keeps it fresh. Also, we are all traveling together so we become close and that translates on stage. In addition, we just added some new flying and new choreography.

Tickets start at $49 per person and can be purchased by visiting arshtcenter.org or calling the Box Office at (305) 949-6722. Groups of 15 or more should call (786) 468-2326.

For more information about Wicked, log on to WickedTheMusical.com