It’s been a long time since Mark Jacoby has seen Atlanta.
A Tennessee native whose family moved frequently during his childhood, Jacoby settled in Atlanta for some of his young adult years. He graduated as an English major from Georgia State University and snagged his actor’s equity card from a Theater of the Stars-produced tour of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
It was the start of what would escalate into a sparkling theatrical career, highlighted by a two-year run in the early ‘90s as The Phantom in the Broadway production of “Phantom of the Opera” and a Tony nomination in 1994 for his portrayal of Gaylord Ravenal in a revival of “Show Boat.”
On Sept. 14, Jacoby and the rest of the 37-member cast of the musical phenomenon known as “Wicked” will pull into the Fox Theatre for a four-week stay -- about three times longer than the average Broadway production at the venue. The show's arrival will also mark Jacoby’s first Atlanta stage appearance since a 1988 production of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.”
“It’s almost going to be like coming to a new city. I probably won’t even recognize the place,” he said last week from Hartford, Conn., where “Wicked” was in the middle of a nearly three week run.
The adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” last packed the Fox for a month-long run in 2008 and tours nearly 20 cities per year. Its supremacy on Broadway also remains steadfast – for the week ending Sept. 4, the show that turns eight next month played to 94.5 percent capacity crowds and grossed $1.6 million, according to The Broadway League.
The appeal of “Wicked” – which unravels the story of how the "The Wizard of Oz's" Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) became evil and Glinda (initially Galinda) was anointed the Good Witch of the North – likely has something to do with its theme of alienation, which Jacoby thinks is especially relatable among young women.
“It has a built-in target audience. Adolescent and young females are particularly drawn to this show, so we have a core fan base that keeps it going. It’s a story about them,” Jacoby said. “But couple that with the slightly paranormal aspect of it. In that way, I’ll compare it to ‘Phantom’ – there’s something about the otherworldliness of the show. Not so much that it’s sci-fi, but it has suggestions of fantasy and non-realness that intrigues people.”
Jacoby, 64, admits that he’s one of the more unusual choices to play The Wizard – a role he’s committed to until at least January – for physical and vocal reasons.
As a singer trained to endure an entire show of full-throated belting – such as in “Phantom” – Jacoby has found “humanizing” his vocal delivery as The Wizard a challenge. But still, he’s just as content to shine in a smaller role and be free of the pressures of carrying a show.
He also thinks his “ordinary guy” composition is a bit of a switch from the stereotypical wizards, who tended to be either portly or, like Joel Grey, who originated the role on Broadway, small in stature.
But he’s enjoyed playing the hapless ruler of Oz, a fellow who isn’t so much a bad guy as one who got swept away by his own power.
“The next thing he knew, he got caught up in a momentum that he couldn’t stand. He is culpable, but through weakness and passivity, not through pro-activity,” Jacoby said. “I don’t think he is bad to the core, but he has been complicit.”
In addition to his wizardly duties, Jacoby plans to participate in the Sept. 26 benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, “Our Wicked, Wicked Ways” at 14th Street Playhouse in Atlanta.
The cabaret show features the cast of the production singing Broadway songs (though don’t expect any “Wicked” tunes) and sometimes presenting monologues or vignettes.
Though he’s also been tapped to sing the national anthem at the Atlanta Braves game that same evening, Jacoby hopes to make it to the performance – which the troop presents throughout the year.
It will be his first visit to Turner Field.
If you go
“Wicked”
Wednesday through Oct. 9 (except Sept. 19, 26 and Oct. 3). Times vary. $36-$133. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. A day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of orchestra seats will be held two-and-a-half hours prior to showtime at the Fox box office. Tickets are $25. The lottery is available only in-person at the box office. Limit two tickets per person.
Also, the cast will host the cabaret performance “Our Wicked, Wicked Ways” to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26. $35 (general admission) and $75 (VIP). Recommended for 18 and older. 14th Street Playhouse, 173 14th St., Atlanta. Tickets available at www.thebestarts.com/wickedbenefit/ and at the door.
