From Rye, follow the Yellow Brick Road — otherwise known as I-287 West to the Sprain and up the Taconic — to Pleasantville, where you’ll find the closest thing to Emerald City in Westchester.
True, theaters everywhere will soon be teeming with “Wicked” fans when “Wicked: For Good” officially opens November 21. But the Jacob Burns Film Center is defying gravity and taking the celebration to new heights with a full slate of themed events, screenings, and community collaborations.
It all began with a special preview screening on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m., a day ahead of the national release. If you scored tickets, you were quite popular. If not, there will be plenty of screenings in the weeks ahead.
For those who wanted to catch up on last year’s “Wicked: Part One” — or simply can’t get enough of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo (and who can? ) — they had a full week, November 14–20, to relive the magic at the Burns before the sequel arrived.
“We really wanted to share that joy again,” said Chris Holliday, the Burns’ director of special programs and strategic partnerships. “Last year’s ‘Wicked’ was such a joyous experience for our audiences, and this new film is shaping up to be just as special.”
The fun extends beyond the theater doors with a “Wicked”-themed scavenger hunt, organized in partnership with the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce. Running Nov. 21 through 30, participants can pick up a flyer in the Jacob Burns lobby and explore a dozen local businesses for clues.
“It’s a really fun way to spend a couple of hours, get the whole family involved, and celebrate together,” Holliday said. There’s also an indoor version at the Mount Pleasant Library for those who prefer to stay warm.
The festivities continue with themed cocktails — Glinda’s Pink Potion (a twist on the classic French 75 with gin, rosé wine, and prickly pear syrup) and Elphaba’s Green Apple Potion (a tart mix of vodka, sour apple, and lemon), both finished with edible glitter — available at Take 3 Wine Bar & Café.
“Our team had a lot of fun coming up with those names,” Holliday laughed. For kids, the concession stand will offer pink and green sodas, served in reusable “Wicked”-themed cups (while supplies last).
Fans can also meet Glinda and Elphaba in person on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 1 to 2 p.m.
“Last year we saw kids and adults alike dressing up. Some groups even came for girls’ nights out. We encourage everyone to wear a touch of green,” Holliday said.
“Wicked: For Good” will include open-caption screenings on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, as well as a sensory-friendly screening on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m.
“It’s a more relaxed performance,” Holliday explained. “The lights are up a bit, the sound is quieter, and people can move around. It’s about making the experience as inclusive as possible.”
And while “Wicked” is the season’s marquee event, there’s much more movie magic ahead. The Burns will also open Brendan Fraser’s new film “Rental Family” on Nov. 21, and the film “Hamnet,” based on Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, on Nov. 26.
For details and tickets, visit burnsfilmcenter.org.
