'Wicked' headed over rainbow

The Chicago company of "Wicked" -- a production that defied expectations to become the top-grossing and longest-running musical in Chicago history -- concludes its run at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre Jan. 25, 2009.

When it does, it will have played 1,500 performances to more than 3 million people and will have grossed more than $200 million in ticket sales.

"Chicago is renowned as a world-class city for theater," said producer David Stone in a prepared statement. "We've been honored to be part of the city's vibrant and growing Downtown Theatre District."

Fans won't have to wait long for another Broadway spectacle to take the musical's place. "Mary Poppins," with Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee reprising the roles of Mary and Bert they originated on Broadway, begins its North American tour at Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre in March. With no closing date announced, an extended run is likely.