'Wicked' is less problematic, as long as the actress who plays Elphaba's sister, Nessarose, doesn't strain her neck in the opening number. 'Les Mis' is easier to pack, but remain substantial the first time it came to the Fisher, Lichtenstein says, 'we had to knock out the loading door to get the barricades in.' The Nederlander organization had to permanently add some to the Opera House to support things like the dragon in 'Wicked' and the chandelier in 'Phantom of the Opera.' The monkeys fly there because 'Wicked' needs a stage 35 1/ 2 feet deep, and the more commonly used Fisher is only 32 feet, 9 inches.Īlso a consideration: 'hanging points,' theatrical shorthand for steel tresses and other structural outcroppings. Speak now or hold your peace until early 2018, when the show comes back, once again to the Opera House. And I know I wouldn't be where I am without my education at Michigan.'įarrell says everyone can relate to 'Wicked.Ticketmaster's number is (800) 982-2787. The professors really prepared me for my career on stage. Harris added, ' The Theater Program at the U-of-M is the best. And she plans to visit with her old professors and speak to students at the University of Michigan. Harris adds that she is looking forward to coming back to Ann Arbor and going back to her favorite restaurants on State Street. It's funny and it's moving and you'll laugh and cry, and you'll love it. It's a very cool story about friendship, sacrifice and life lessons. It focuses on the two witches encounters before the 'Wizard Of Oz.' The two actually went to school together and had a relationship. Another ensemble member, Ryan Patrick Farrell grew up in Macomb County.įor those who haven't seen the show, Harris tells WWJ, 'Wicked is basically the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. University of Michigan Theatre Grad Laurel Harris is in the ensemble and is the understudy for two key roles: Nessa Rose and Elphaba, the green witch.

The show has a local connection, with two cast members having roots in Michigan. The blockbuster Broadway Musical 'Wicked' is back on stage at the Detroit Opera House, running Wednesday through December 31st. DETROIT (WWJ) - Something 'Wicked' is returning to Detroit.

Detroit opera house wicked