The 2nd National Touring Company of Wicked to Host a Cabaret Performance 'WICKED Rocks'

Proceeds to benefit AIDS organizations

IRVINE, Calif., March 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Monday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m., the 2nd National Touring Company of WICKED will host WICKED Rocks, an evening of cabaret performances.  Held at Segerstrom Center for the Arts' Founders Hall, the event will feature company cast members.   The net proceeds of the event will benefit AIDS SERVICES FOUNDATION ORANGE COUNTY (ASF) and BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS (BC/EFA).

Admission to WICKED Rocks is by donation, and tickets are available online at ocasf.org or by phone at 949-809-8766.  Admission for the event is $65, $55 and $45.  Wine, provided by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, soft drinks and hors d'oeuvres are included in the admission price.  While all are welcome the evening is intended for mature audiences, and parental discretion is advised.

Produced by company members, the evening is an opportunity for the performers to step out of their roles in the musical through different styles of music and dance. The concert will feature a variety of principal and ensemble cast members.  In addition, there will be a silent auction of items including Wicked memorabilia.  A live auction will give winning bidders several opportunities to join the company backstage at Segerstrom Hall, including a chance to bid on a walk-on role in Wicked.  The musical will be playing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts March 8 through April 3.  Tickets to performances of Wicked are available at www.scfta.org.  

The Segerstrom Center is located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.  The closest parking structure for visitors to the Segerstrom Center and Founders Hall is the Center Tower Parking Structure located at the corner of Sunflower Avenue and Avenue of the Arts.  Current rates are $10 per car, cash only.

WICKED Rocks is part of an ongoing series of performances by the touring company throughout the country to support charitable causes which advance Wicked's theme of acceptance and illuminate the musical's message that people should not be judged on first impressions.  The company believes that in these divisive times we must come together to support those in need throughout the country and around the world.  Raising $251,332 in 2010, more than any other Broadway or National Tour in the country, the Munchkinland Company of Wicked was the overall winner for the Easter Bonnet collection that year.  In its mere 2 years on the road, this company has raised over $800,000 in donations to BC/EFA.

AIDS Services Foundation Orange County (ASF) helps more than 1,800 men, women, children, and families in Orange County living with HIV disease. Services include food, transportation, housing, emergency financial assistance, kids and family programs, mental health counseling, support groups, HIV education and prevention services and testing.  ASF hopes for the day when we will never have to open our doors again. Until then, we work hard to ensure everyone living with HIV and AIDS in Orange County has access to life enhancing care and to prevent its spread. www.ocasf.org

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fund raising and grant making organization.  BC/EFA is the on-going, committed response from the American theater community to an urgent worldwide health crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of this community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $150 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV, and other serious illnesses.  www.broadwaycares.org

SOURCE AIDS Services Foundation Orange County