Digital journalist and podcast host John Gonzalez goes behind the scenes of "Wicked," the award-winning musical presented by Broadway Grand Rapids May 15-June 2, 2024 at DeVos Performance Hall.

In this "By All Means" podcast, John talks to those who help build the massive stage at each tour stop. A 70-plus crew use 13 semi trucks to move from city to city. John also uncovers the name(s) of the Dragon that sits at the top of the stage.

John interviews Company Manger Steve Quinn, who also shares his story about falling in love with theater as a young child. And John talks to Stage Production Manager Evan Ensign, who gives more detail about how the show is put together with all the flying witches and monkeys in the show.

We also hear from Meghan Distel of Broadway Grand Rapids, who said some tickets are still available, but nearly sold out. Some 55,000 people will see the show during the course of the run. Special rush tickets are available for students and educators before each performance. 

For more details on all the shows, go to https://broadwaygrandrapids.com/Wicked-2.

See our Video of these interviews on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gBfE1UL-qmg?si=qx1ZAbaEXPIktaPm

As for the show, "Wicked" looks at what happened in the Land of Oz long before Dorothy arrived. It's the story of another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships...until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”

Learn more about the tour at https://wickedthemusical.com/.