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'Wicked' Lottery = Wicked Awesome
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In just a few months (Jan. 11), the long-running Los Angeles production of Wicked at the Pantages Theatre will pack up to make room for The Phantom of the Opera.
Although Wicked tickets are available through Ticketmaster, most people don't realize there's a way to get some of the best spots in the house for less than the price of the nosebleed seats. Before each performance, 26 front row seats are made available through the "Wicked lottery," which takes place next to the Pantages ticket booth. So with a little luck, some persistence and $25 cash, you could find yourself front and center for one of the final performances.
Get all the information you need after the jump…
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There are a few rules for the lottery, so here’s all you need to know, as taken from the Broadway LA website:
A day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of $25 front orchestra seats is held daily. Each day, 2½ hours prior to show time, people who present themselves at the Pantages box office have their names placed in a lottery drum and then 30 minutes later, names are drawn for a limited number of front orchestra seats at $25 each, cash only. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of two tickets per person. ID is required to purchase the tickets.
Last week, LAist tried the lottery (and won!) and also learned the following tidbits:
-Each person is allowed to enter for up to two seats. If your group ends up winning more seats than you need, then you can just tell the lottery person to draw someone else’s name.
-Children are allowed to enter for tickets as long as they can fill out the lottery form themselves.
-There is no charge to enter the lottery, but you must have $25 in cash and your ID (unless you're a child) to claim the tickets.
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According to various theater workers LAist spoke with, the general consensus seemed to be that matinees are a better time to try for tickets (last Sunday's matinee probably had three times as many people as tickets) and that Friday and Saturday evenings draw the biggest lottery crowds.
For those wanting even more Wicked, be sure to check out the "Behind the Emerald Curtain" tour before the musical leaves town. This 60-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the Wicked production takes place almost every Friday at 6 p.m. Young kids especially seem to get a big kick out of seeing the costumes, wigs and props up close, as well as getting a chance to ask questions of some supporting cast members. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for $25 each. Following are a few photos from the tour:
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Flying monkey mask
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A miniature illustration of how they create Elphaba's massive shadow
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Glinda's gown
Photos by Michele Reverte for LAist
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