I had the possibility to preview the expertise (sans Cynthia, sadly), and as a Wicked fan myself, I couldn’t assist however geek out at this significantly well-crafted slice of Oz. As I, and the remainder of the world, wait eagerly for Wicked: For Good, it felt additional thrilling to prance round this glorious recreation and picture how Elphaba spent her time in between the 2 films.
The retreat is positioned in Thousand Oaks, California, simply previous the celebrity-filled areas of Calabasas and Hidden Hills. Tucked away on an acres-large farm, Elphaba’s retreat is a bit tough to seek out (as we think about it might have been in Oz)—so watch out for getting misplaced on Google Maps—however when you’re contained in the farm gates, the journey’s remaining 10-minute drive up an all-terrain path appears as if it have been pulled proper out of your Wicked imaginations. When you lastly arrive, a small stack of yellow bricks marks the doorway, an unmistakable nod to the franchise’s most well-known street.
Follow the trail to an enormous nest-like construction—the guts of Elphaba’s Retreat. Inside, it feels as if Elphaba has simply stepped out for a second: her black pointy hat (an precise prop from the film) hangs by the entryway, an FBI-style corkboard with pamphlets and newspapers is slung chaotically on the wall, and her signature glasses relaxation casually on the desk. Turn left and also you’ll discover the true Grimmerie used within the film, which friends are invited to choose up and flip round themselves. And just some steps away, her precise broomstick is hung up on show, surrounded by mystical dried flowers.
Continue ahead and also you’ll discover a canopy-style mattress, constructed from twisted tree branches that feels straight out of a storybook. From right here and the central “living room” space, there’s an unlimited lookout level that enables friends to pause and sink even deeper into the expertise, surrounded by glorious views. You may simply spend hours right here wandering, touching, and taking in each little element, however the true magic unfolds throughout the two interactive experiences that Cynthia will share with friends.
The first: tea time across the campfire with Michael Graney, co-founder of LA-based firm Teawaves, the place friends can decide a tea mix “foraged from the forest” that pairs with encouragements they (and their favourite Wicked character) want—energy, braveness, romance, friendship, or wanderlust. Afterwards, you’ll be immersed in a brush weaving workshop with LA-based D’Ara Nazaryan of Aris Floral, the place friends can be invited to seize particular person baskets and “forage” for dried flowers from round Elphaba’s lair. D’Ara will assist you weave the florals into your brooms with two assistants.