NYC public school students see special show at Broadway’s ‘Wicked’

NEW YORK (PIX11) — The audience usually goes wild at “Wicked.”

Students packed the house for a special show with cast and crew of the hit Broadway musical.

Inside Broadway has hosted more than 100,000 students during the past 41 seasons.

Zeba, a student from Queens, said she will have good things to tell her family.

“I saw behind the scenes and it was really fun,” Zeba said.

The non-profit theater company for youth also brings arts and theater into schools.

“I actually recorded them screaming. They were so excited. It reminded me of when I was a kid and we saw the magic happen on stage,” said actor Lissa deGuzman.

Twice a year, students from New York City Public Schools see selections from a show and hear from some cast and crew members.

“So cool. The lights are cool and the instruments, those were my favorite parts,” said Jadey from Jackson Heights, Queens.

The technicians pulled back the curtain and revealed some of the skill and magic.

“The next writer, director or designer of the next ‘Wicked’ could be here. I hope it gave the kids a spark of inspiration. That’s what it gave us,” said actor Jennafer Newberry.

Michael Presser, the founder and president of Inside Broadway, stressed the importance of Broadway to the regional economy.

“We want the kids to learn there are many jobs in the theater. Broadway is a homegrown industry. We make it here and send it out to the country and around the world,” Presser said.

“Wicked” is celebrating its 20th year on Broadway. This is the third time the program has visited the show.

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