Trip to “Wicked” show takes students to the land of Oz

Last week, students travelled to attend the classic Broadway musical “Wicked” at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. Tickets were available to students on two separate dates: Wednesday Jan 31 and Friday Feb. 3. The $35 cost also included a meal at Olive Garden.

The musical tells a side story to the film “The Wizard of Oz.” The untold story of the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good Witch was performed in front of at least 80 students and faculty.  Assistant Director of Student Services Ryan Smith was one of the trip leaders for the event on Friday.

“It is an easy way for students to get out,” said Smith. “See the city and see a great musical.”

The Student Activities Board (SAB) has had similar trips in the past cancelled due to lack of ticket sales. However, Pat Bristor, Associate Dean of Students, was satisfied with the turnout.

“It is a very popular show and it showed,” said Bristor.  “We sold out both nights rather quickly.”

The first day available for students and faculty to attend the show was Wednesday Jan. 31. SAB sold all 40 available tickets for the Wednesday showing. Tickets were for sale among Waynesburg University faculty and students as well as non-student guests.

Students gathered on a bus for the second trip to the Benedum Center. They made the same trip as Wednesday, to the Olive Garden in Greentree and then to the Benedum Center to watch Wicked.

The choice made by Bristor to go to Olive Garden was mainly due to its proximity to the Benedum Center.

“We have always had a good time working with them. They get us in and out quickly,” said Bristor. “It is also close to Pittsburgh, so if we are running late it is not a problem.”

SAB offered tickets at a reduced price for students.

“It helps bring the arts to Waynesburg, because a lot of people who wouldn’t normally go out to a show like that came out,” said Claire Wherthey a freshman criminal justice major.

SAB tries to attend one event like this per semester, according to Smith. Last semester, they attended the Nutcracker said Smith and they will try to attend The Lion King during the fall of 2018.