The Cast of “Wicked” Presents “Witches’ Night Off”

This Monday the cast of Wicked takes us out of the land of Oz, and brings us to the Hard Rock Cafe for their cabaret benefit, “Witches’ Night Off.” We chatted with Lauren Haughton, a swing, understudy, and most importantly one of the coordinators for the event about what we can expect on Monday.

What’s the elevator pitch for “Witches’ Night Off?”

“Witches Night Off” is a charity event benefitting Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS, Rainbow Alley, Project Angle Heart, and Doctors Without Borders.
The concert will feature Wicked cast members performing with a live band to all genres of music: Jazz, pop, rock, musical theatre, and even some original pieces. There will also be auction items up for grabs including: a “Greenifying”, which is a chance to see Elphaba transform into green makeup in her private dressing room, and a “Walk-On Role” which will be an opportunity for someone to be in Wicked. The cast is volunteering their time and all proceeds go to the charities mentioned.
What motivates you to keep doing this event?

First and foremost hearing stories of individuals we have helped who are suffering from HIV and AIDS through BCEFA is always motivation to continue producing these events. Also knowing that on this particular benefit we will be helping with all the devastation in Nepal through “Doctors Without Borders”. We see the horrible pictures online, in the paper, and on the news so knowing we can contribute a small part with the gifts we were given is the least we can do. Also it’s fun!
Of the list of charities is there one that is closest to you?

Wicked has worked closest with BCEFA over the years so we have the most history with them. What’s so incredible about them is the fact that they are the umbrella for so many AIDS charities across the USA. They also help the Actors Fund and the Phyllis Newman Woman’s Heath Initiative which helps woman suffering from breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer.

Monday night may be your night off, but for the 9-5ers out there why should they come out and support the show?

It’s going to be a fun and high energy evening. There is comedy, a live band, and people belting their faces off! The fact that we are at the Hard Rock Cafe will allow the audiences to eat and drink while enjoying the show. Also it’s only 2 hours so you should still be able to get to bed at a reasonable hour.
What sets “Witches’ Night Off” from other cabaret benefits?

I would say the diversity of talent. Wicked attracts such a wide variety of people with such eclectic gifts. Our Madame Morrible, Kristine Zbornik is a cabaret artist so she will be gracing us with a set of her standards. We have some dancers who have surprise piece that is not going to disappoint. And don’t forget that classic Broadway belting only Elphaba’s can deliver. Our Elphaba understudy, Kennedy Caughell will not disappoint with her rendition of the classic “Proud Mary”.
Is the show planned out, or does it change every time you do it?

“Witches Night Off” changes every time we do it due to the change in venue, cast, etc. sometimes a we perform in proscenium theaters and sometimes we perform in bars. Therefore sometimes we dance and sing, sometimes we focus more on instruments and vocals. This past fall we did a joint benefit with The Book of Mormon which was a rare and special event. If you come this Monday in Denver the show will never be replicated again in the future.
Why do you think the cast is so motivated to do this cabaret benefit?

Everyone in our show is motivated because I think we all know how lucky we are to be a part of Wicked and therefore why not use our gifts to give back?
Three words to describe what people can expect on Monday night?

Fun, joy, and laughs!