Victoria looks to public

The Victoria Theatre Association knows how to grab the public's attention.
As many folks already know, the recent kickoff for"Wicked! tickets turned out to be a terrific springboard for "the" show set to open a three-week run at the Schuster Center on Wednesday, Feb. 17. The ticket office was slated to open at 8 a.m. for theatergoers to get prime tickets for "Wicked!". By 7:30 a.m., more than 85 people were in line to purchase tickets. By 9 a.m. the line encompassed more than 220 people.
More than 75 percent of tickets have been sold, leaving a few hundred tickets for each night of the show still remaining. But act quickly if your want to see this marvelous musical. The 2003 Broadway smash is everything you have heard and then some. The touring shows have received raves from the critics. That's why the VTA expects a virtual sellout of the Dayton show by Christmas.
In other news. youngsters can win a walk-on role in "Annie," the touring show slated Nov. 28-29 at the Schuster Center. It involves a coloring contest for girls ages 7-14. The deadline for all entries is Sunday, Nov. 15, at 5 p.m. The walk-on winner will be drawn at random on Nov. 16.
To enter, download the "Annie" coloring sheet at: http://victoriatheatre.com/annie-coloring-contest and send the drawing to Diane Schoeffer-Warren, PR Manager, Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton 45402.
Also, a "Sandy" the dog look-a-like contest will be held at The Green on Nov. 20, at 5 p.m. Meet at the breezeway between Birch Alley and Chestnut Street, near the parking garage.
In other Victoria news, the VTA is holding live auditions on Tuesday, Nov. 17, for singing roles in the VTA production of "Broadway Holiday, slated Dec. 8-20 at the Victoria Theatre. It's a chance for aspiring singers to perform on stage with the professionals. Those who audition should be an accompanist or pianist: a CD player and piano will be available.
For more information, call 228-7591, ext. 3078.