From Deseret News archives:
Utah Fans brave the 'Wicked' cold weather
Temperatures dipped to 27 degrees, but that didn't deter the more than 1,000 rabid fans of the Tony Award-winning musical, most of whom have the musical memorized.
The "Wicked" phenomenon has captured the world, breaking records in every city the tour visits. But Salt Lake City is still a cut above. Salt Lake is, roughly, a No. 35 market, meaning, about the 35th biggest city — somewhere below Portland but above Las Vegas. But when it comes to purchasing the "Wicked" soundtrack, we're No. 7, putting us above Atlanta, Boston and other big cities.
Those first in line to buy tickets for the show, which will run at the Capitol Theatre from April 8 to May 3, arrived at 10 p.m. Thursday. The line began at Capitol Theatre and wrapped its way almost completely around the block. Person after person were in hoodies, sleeping bags and fleece; many had a support network of friends who delivered hot chocolate.
At 7 a.m., the doors opened, and Dave Chamberlain was the first to purchase tickets, which cost $55-$150. After enduring hours of a Utah winter's night, Chamberlain thought it was worth it. "Entertainment is fun," he said. "Good entertainment is better and great entertainment is outstanding — and this is great entertainment."
Chamberlain walked out with his tickets in hand, and a Broadway Across America representative — with a security guard — walked to the back of the line to tell those folks they'd be better off heading home for the online sales, which began at 10 a.m.
"I don't know, I guess we were too lazy," said Stephanie Dumott and her friend who were walking back to their cars, "They told us to go home and try online."
But for those at the front of the line, the mood was high. "We got here at midnight and we were surprised there were already so many people here," said Kim Lance and Cheree Stout. "We're stressed out." The two women, who flipped over the music, planned on buying the full eight tickets allowed.
Many in line wouldn't reveal who their eight tickets are for.
One man, going by the code name "Nateo," (a name given to him by the new friends he met in line, numbers 35 and 37) was waiting to get tickets to surprise his girlfriend for Christmas and win "bonus points, for sure," he said.
Still, others had different plans for their eight tickets. "We're buying eight, for the family, then the classifieds," Todd Wikstrom said.
And he's not alone. When asked, many in line commented that they were going to buy the full amount allowed and then "we'll see who wants to pay the most."
Elisabeth Nebeker with Broadway Across America says that tickets sold out about 1 p.m. Friday.
E-mail: ehansen@desnews.com
