Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
'Wicked' fans can join the musical’s cast members at park cleanups this summer
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jun 15, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jun 15, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Fans of the Broadway musical "Wicked" can volunteer alongside some of the show’s cast at park cleanup events in New York City this summer.
The program – which will take place at select parks during June, July and August – is part of the musical’s celebration of its 20th anniversary on stage.
“To be able to do this volunteerism in our beautiful green spaces with those that are performing on stages – now they’re coming and performing on the stage of life, where people are able to see you,” Mayor Eric Adams said at a press conference in Times Square on Thursday.
"Wicked" opened on Broadway on Oct. 30, 2003 at the Gershwin Theater, and has played 7,557 performances as of June 11, according to the Internet Broadway Database. During its run, the Broadway blockbuster – which briefly shut down during the Covid-19 pandemic – garnered numerous awards, including a Tony for Idina Menzel’s portrayal of Elphaba in 2004.
“Please, come out and volunteer in your park,” said Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Because, as we know, there’s no place like home.”
The cleanups will take place in Manhattan's Riverside Park on June 22; Queens' Flushing Meadows Corona Park on July 9; and the Bronx’s Van Cortlandt Park on Aug. 11. The program is in collaboration with NYC Parks and We ❤️ NYC. Would-be volunteers will have until the day before each cleanup to register online.
During the press conference, "Wicked" cast member Emily Rogers – the current understudy for Elphaba – performed a rendition of “The Wizard and I.”
“We can’t wait to see how you all get involved in helping to clean up our parks this summer,” Rogers said.
Tagged
parks
broadway
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens
Officers responding to a call at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 173rd Street around 1 a.m. found 29-year-old Sulimon Ferrier, who had multiple stab wounds to his chest, police said.
By
Ben Feuerherd
Published Oct 3, 2026 at 4:38 p.m. ET
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
News
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
By
Catalina Gonella
US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ
By
Willow Higgins
A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season
By
Rosemary Misdary
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .